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| Dear Neighbor,
This week in Hartford my colleagues and I were busy passing bills regarding immediate special education funding, how ICE is allowed to interact with schools, NIL payment guidelines for college athletes, and tax breaks for veterans. It's been exciting to address such a wide variety of issues facing our communities, and things are not slowing down next week.
On Monday, I will be participating in a public hearing on House Bill 5004. The bill is designed to help preserve our environment while also expanding clean energy production in Connecticut. As Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, I am proud to be supporting a bill that will establish more aggressive emission reduction goals, incentivize business to use clean energy, train workers for clean energy jobs, and help protect marshlands and forests in our state.
This week's newsletter topics include:
- Out N' About in the 41st District, Around the Capitol
- Join Me for Coffee @ The Ditty Bag Saturday
- HB5004 Public Hearing on Monday
- Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Public Hearing on Monday
- Children's Committee Public Hearing on Tuesday
- Upcoming Public Hearings
- House Democrats Pass Veterans' Property Tax
- Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
- Beware: More Scams
- Got a Real ID?
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Reminder: Baker Cove Watershed Committee's 4th Annual Rain Barrel Sale is on Now
- Reminder: DEEP Funding Opportunities
- Reminder: Apply Now For Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants
- March 6th: The Friendship School's Museum Exhibition Night
- Community Events and Notices
Have a great weekend,
Aundré
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| This week, I had the privilege of joining the 2nd annual Youth Climate Summit at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, where over 250 students gathered to explore sustainability and climate action in their communities.
For the last two fiscal years, I’ve secured $7,500 annually in the state budget through the Judicial Branch’s youth violence prevention program line item for Project LEARN to help fund this summit. |
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| Huge thanks to the Marine Science Magnet High School faculty and administration, Town of Groton resilience staff Megan Granato and Alexis Torres, and Groton City economic development specialist Cierra Patrick for their coordination in making this event a success!
This year, I was honored to speak to these young leaders about the power of civic engagement in shaping environmental policy and how their voices can drive meaningful change. Their energy, curiosity, and determination reaffirmed that the future of climate action is in strong hands!
A special shoutout to the students at Marine Science Magnet High School for launching this movement and continuing their advocacy through the school’s environmental club—their leadership is truly inspiring!
Through expert and indigenous-led discussions, students explored sustainable solutions in consumer habits, energy, transportation, and agriculture, learning how they can take action to build a more resilient future.
It was also a pleasure to connect with incredible organizations leading the way in sustainability, including:
- Meechooôk Farm
- Save the Sound
- Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
- The Ditty Bag Market and Cafe
- Subject To Climate
- Sustainable CT
- Seacoast Mushrooms
- Fiddleheads Food Co-op
- Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve
The conversations, ideas, and passion I witnessed at this summit give me immense hope for the future. Our young people are ready to lead, and I’m proud to stand with them in the fight for a better planet! |
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| Tuesday was a busy day at the Capitol! We held public hearings in the Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee and the Transportation Committee on a range of important bills—including establishing a fully refundable child tax credit and restoring funding to Shore Line East.
It was also great to welcome Mystic Aquarium, where they highlighted the importance of their animal rescue program and the need to fund their critical operations.
Rep. Anthony Nolan and I were also thrilled to welcome Dan Gaiewski, who won his special election and will be joining us in the legislative delegation representing Groton and New London! |
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| After its long service life, General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Graving Dock 3 pontoon left Electric Boat on February 20 and traveled up the Thames River to its new home at Mohawk Northeast, Inc. in Groton. Since its certification, the pontoon launched 18 Ohio, three Seawolf and 14 Virginia-class submarines.
One Los Angeles-class boat, Jacksonville (SSN 699), was launched using the pontoon as a test prior to the launch of SSBN/GN 726, Ohio. After SSN 799 Idaho left the Graving Dock in December 2024, the pontoon was de-certified and preparations began to ready its removal. A new pontoon is being constructed at Bollinger Shipyard in Louisiana and will be installed in Graving Dock 3 this summer. |
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| I will be part of a Monday's public hearing on House Bill 5004. Environmental protection and concerns over Connecticut's energy sources are two of the House Democratic Caucus' top priorities this session. This bill will help address both of those issues by doing the following: |
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| For more information on the bill and on how to make your voice heard, click the button below. |
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The Black and Puerto Rican Caucus will be hosting a public hearing on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom and at the Legislative Office Building Room 1E to allow constituents an opportunity to discuss and offer ways in which policy can enhance their communities.
The BPRC recently unveiled six legislative pillars that will shape our advocacy this session:
- Education
- Career advancement
- Justice
- Housing
- Health and human services
- Economic empowerment and stability
Please see the flyer below for details. |
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| The Children's Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday regarding a priority bill, HB 5003, "AN ACT CONCERNING THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION FUND." |
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The purpose is to make use of the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund to fund early care and education programs and initiatives in the state.
- To register to speak (registration closes at 3 p.m. on Monday), click here
- To submit written testimony, click here
- To watch live on YouTube, click here.
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| We took action on tax relief for 100% permanently, and totally disabled Veterans.... |
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| Scammers don't seem to sleep, which means we must be ever more vigilant. Two scams are making the rounds recently, both involving cell phones.
The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers.
The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast. |
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The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers. The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.
DSS said those are not department numbers. Furthermore, DSS said it will never ask for your PIN, and it will only text from the benefits center number or 60302.
IRS STIMULUS SCAM
The second scam sends a fake text from what looks like the IRS, saying you're due a $1,400 stimulus payment, directing you to click on a link and provide some information.
DO NOT CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS. It's a phishing scam.
First, the IRS doesn't send out text messages like that. The scam has an air of truth, however, as there was an announcement a couple of months ago that some people would be receiving $1,400 stimulus checks. The people getting those checks, however, received a letter from the IRS.
Here are some Tips from the Better Business Bureau:
- Verify communications: Real IRS notices are sent through postal mail, not texts or emails.
- Avoid clicking links: Never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, go to IRS.gov.
- Be cautious of urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly. Take time to confirm claims independently.
Report the scam. Forward suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker. |
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| The Transportation Security Administration recently issued an important message that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.
Beginning on May 7, anyone who wishes to travel on a domestic commercial flight must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of documentation.
What is a REAL ID? |
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| A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.
When will I need a REAL ID?
- Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).
How do I get a REAL ID?
- You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.
- In Connecticut, you'll need:
- a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate;
- a Social Security card; and
- two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut.
- For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.
How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
- Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the accompanying graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.
What other forms of ID are acceptable?
- A U.S. passport.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them.
For more information, visit the following:
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Did you know that Connecticut played a key role in the Underground Railroad?
The “Underground Railroad” section of the Connecticut Freedom Trail highlights the network of safe houses, abolitionist homes, and key locations where individuals and communities worked to secure liberty for the enslaved. This includes gathering places for Colored Conventions, where African American leaders strategized and organized efforts to combat slavery and advocate for civil rights.
Step into history and honor the fight for freedom by exploring the Connecticut Freedom Trail here. |
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| The Baker Cove Watershed Committee (Bacwac) has announced that its fourth annual RAIN BARREL SALE is ON now. Please note: You don’t need to be a Groton resident to take advantage, but Public Works encourages locals to embrace it! |
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| The CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) is providing updates on funding and other opportunities, since they may be of interest to municipalities. |
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Funding Opportunities for Municipalities
- Environmental Justice for New England: Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program Request for Proposals: This groundbreaking initiative will distribute $48 million in grant funding to advance environmental justice across six New England States as well as the federally and state recognized Tribal Nations of EPA Region 1. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with quarterly reviews until all funding is awarded. All grants will be fully expended by Spring 2027.
LEARN MORE
- EPA UPLIFT Climate and Environmental Community Action Grant: The UPLIFT Grant will support the development of a community of practice that will bring together institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, government entities, and other minority-serving institutions to learn from one another about the climate and environmental justice challenges that disadvantaged communities face, identify solutions, develop partnerships, and engage with government through a variety of public processes to ensure that their vital voices are a part of and help to inform decisions that impact disadvantaged communities. Applications are due 2/25/25.
LEARN MORE
- USDA Forest Service 2025 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program: The USDA Forest Service is seeking proposals to identify or develop successful sustainable green workforce development programs for urban and community forestry/green infrastructure for disadvantaged communities. This year's Notice of Funding Opportunity will be addressing Goals 3 & 5 in the National Ten Year Urban and Community Forestry Action Plan (2016-2026):
- Goal 3: Cultivate Diversity, Equity, and Leadership Within the Urban Forestry Community.
- Goal 5: Improve Urban and Community Forest Management, Maintenance, and Stewardship.
Local governments may apply if their proposed messaging includes other local governments/eligible entities around the country that can implement their process and demonstrate national application within the grant period. Applications are due 2/27/25.
LEARN MORE
- USDA Community Wildfire Defense Grant FY25 for Tribes: The purpose of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant is to assist at-risk local communities and Indian Tribes with planning and mitigating the risk created by wildfire. There are two primary project types for which the grant provides funding: The development and revising of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and the implementation of projects described in a CWPP that is less than ten years old. Applications are due 2/28/25.
LEARN MORE
- US DOT Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program: Funding is available for planning and design phase activities for developing transportation projects in rural or tribal communities. Grants will support hiring staff or expert firms to provide technical, legal, or financial assistance to advance transportation projects that would be reasonably expected to be eligible for select DOT discretionary grants or credit programs. There is no local match required to participate in this program. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants with an eligible project who meet the merit criteria, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. The application portal will close on 4/3/25; however, award funding may be committed before this date.
LEARN MORE
- US DOE 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize: The DOE’s Renew America’s Schools program provides investments to transform decaying public school infrastructure into healthier, more energy-efficient learning environments. The program supports the implementation of infrastructure improvements in schools, with a focus on local educational agencies (LEAs) that qualify as rural and/or high poverty. Through Renew America’s Schools, DOE will help create healthier learning environments, lower utility costs, and redirect funds to support students and teachers. The application submission deadline is 4/3/25.
LEARN MORE |
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| Women-owned and childcare businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies. The Women’s Business Development Council is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development. |
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The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.
Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today! |
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| LEARN and The Friendship School are proud partners offering a magnet preschool experience to students in Southeastern Connecticut. |
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| You are invited to The Friendship School's Museum Exhibition Night on Thursday, March 6th, showcasing the amazing learning accomplished by our youngest students. This work is funded in partnership through the US Department of Education Magnet Schools Assistance Program. Please reach out to our Magnet Theme Coach, Diane Felty, to RSVP or get further information at dfelty@learn.k12.ct.us. |
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| Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative |
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