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What's Our Rep Been Up To?
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| A big thank you to the Town of Groton, Town of Groton Human Services, and our community partners for participating in our Human Services Expo at Thrive 55+ a few days ago.
The expo focused on eviction/housing issues and services that are available to help those in need. Officials from local and state agencies provided an overview of services offered and answered questions at their tables.
It is abundantly clear that we are in the midst of a housing crisis in Groton relating to the lack of supply and affordability. I will continue to advocate for policies at the state level addressing this issue and provide resources to residents facing unjust evictions. |
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| I was honored to attend this ceremony honoring workers of Southeastern CT. |
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| I was honored to have thrown the first pitch at the Groton CT Little League Opening Day on Sunday! It was fantastic to witness the enthusiasm of so many young players in our community gearing up for baseball season!
It was especially meaningful for me as an alum of the program, having spent many years behind the backstop at Sanford Field playing for Groton City Police and some amazing All-Star teams alongside some incredible athletes and coaches! Little League taught me invaluable life lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, and commitment—all of which continue to guide me in my role as a state Representative today!
This year, I was able to secure $15,000 in our state budget to support the league for this season. Together with the efforts of the board and coaches, who raised over $80,000 for the league, the community was also proud to celebrate the completion of a new tee ball field and 50-70 fields.
Wishing our youth athletes nothing but the best this season. I hope you make meaningful friendships, learn new skills, and hit a few home runs!
Great day for baseball! Let’s go, Groton! Stay tuned for live footage of the first pitch in next week's newsletter. |
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| I had a wonderful visit at Always Home a few days ago! Thanks to Tricia for the productive meeting — I look forward to continue working with you and supporting this incredible cause! |
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| House Passes Comprehensive Climate Bill |
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| Connecticut is committed to mitigating the climate crisis. The first step is acknowledging there is a crisis. Since late last year, I have been working closely with our Environment Committee Vice Chair, Representative Christine Palm, advocates, constituents, and a few other legislators on a comprehensive climate solutions bill. Early this year, our speaker, Matt Ritter, shared that he was making this omnibus bill one of his priorities this session.
This week, I joined my Democratic colleagues and voted to pass one of our top legislative priorities this session, HB 5004, also referred to as the 2024 Connecticut Climate Protection Act. Protecting the environment and working to combat the effects of climate change should be a shared priority because the act of doing nothing is far-reaching and touches every aspect of life on Earth. |
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This bill:
- Updates the state's Global Warming Solutions Act to make our greenhouse gas emissions targets more in line with other states in the region;
- Creates incentives for businesses and municipalities that engage in clean economy sectors or engage in environmentally sustainable projects;
- Plans for transition to a clean economy, workforce training and long-term policy implementation; and
- Supports and expands nature-based solutions, such as preserving marshlands and forests
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| We can make a difference in the quality of life for future generations of Connecticut residents. The time to start making necessary changes is now.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. |
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| HB5432 Sails Through In The House |
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Snoflo
I'm proud to have co-sponsored HB 5222, An Act Establishing a No-Wake Zone on the Pawcatuck River with my fellow Stonington State Rep. Greg Howard. H.B. 5222 creates a no-wake zone on a portion of the Pawcatuck River, requiring boaters to operate at reduced speeds.
I was especially pleased that both the amendment adding riparian buffers language and the underlying bill passed unanimously, with a vote of 148-0. The amendment allows the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to use available stormwater infrastructure funds to acquire conservation easements along the state's streams and rivers and requires property owners to maintain native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous cover in place of lawn, golf courses, and athletics fields along the waterway.
With successful passage in the House, the bill now heads to the Senate, where we remain optimistic about its passage.
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| Early Childhood Care And Education |
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| High-quality and affordable early childhood care and education contribute to a robust economy and help ensure the success of families and future generations.
Connecticut has one of the highest costs of childcare in the country. It's why we crafted and passed a bill in the House to make childcare and early childhood education more affordable and accessible. |
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This House Priority Bill:
- Creates the “Early Childhood Care and Education Fund,” to be used for childcare and early childhood education programs
- Establishes the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund Advisory Commission that will report on the health of the Fund and annually update recommendations on how to best use its resources
- Invests in teachers and assistant teachers in state-funded school readiness programs and state-funded childcare programs
- Requires a study on the availability of space in state-owned properties that may be used for early childhood care and education programs
- Directs Office of Early Childcare to establish the Tri-Share Child Care Matching Program as a pilot initiative in New London County with childcare expenses for participants split evenly between employee, employer, and the state.
These are sound investments in our state’s future and will go a long way toward helping parents earn a living and provide for their children’s care and education.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. |
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| Bills Passed In The House So Far |
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| We passed several bills this week, including:
HB 5200 - Improves access to healthcare for disabled people
HB 5436 - Makes it easier to become a teacher in Connecticut
SB 395- Prohibits Connecticut healthcare entities from reporting medical debt to credit agencies
HB 5182 - Makes technical revisions to the education and early childhood statutes.
HB 5199 - Establishes a task force to study the shortage of athletic trainers in the state.
HB 5227 - To require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to release liens within a certain period when such lien has been satisfied.
HB 5283 - To classify parole officers as peace officers.
HB 5330 - Implements the recommendations of the Department of Transportation concerning certain environmental hearings, the Office of the State Traffic Administration, bicycle traffic, traffic authorities, variable speed limits, public transportation, motorcycle helmets, and reckless driving.
HB 5437 - Creates the Educator Professional Development Mandate Review Advisory Council, which will advise on the costs and effects of mandates related to educator professional development and in-service training.
SB 222 - Expands Paid Family Medical Leave to include employees who work at businesses that operate on federally recognized tribal land.
For the complete list of bills passed in the House so far, please click HERE. |
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| Autism: Raising Awareness At The Capitol |
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| On Monday, the CT Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity's "Autism: Raising Awareness at the Capitol" event was great
My mom, Liz Bumgardner, participated in this event, from an educator and parent advocate perspective, and members of my family came along, too. |
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| Groton Utilities is pleased to announce an overall electric rate decrease that will go into effect as of May 1st. The average customer’s monthly utility bill will decrease by approximately 9.5% due in part to a decrease in wholesale energy prices. At Groton Utilities we always strive to have the lowest rates possible while keeping an eye on the future of the utility. Read the full announcement HERE. |
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| Also, Groton Utilities will begin its water main flushing and testing program on Monday, May 6th. The program is scheduled to be completed on July 5th, weather permitting. Updates will be posted on the Water Department page of the Groton Utilities website as well as on GU social media as needed. Read the full schedule HERE. |
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Guiderail Installation on I-95 North and Southbound in Groton and East Lyme
CTDOT is announcing that a guide rail installation will be performed on I-95 north and southbound in Groton and East Lyme starting May 6, 2024.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a guide rail installation will be performed on I-95 north and southbound in Groton and East Lyme. This project is scheduled to begin on Monday evening, May 6, through Friday morning, August 30, 2024. Work will end at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, due to the Memorial Day holiday and from 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, due to the Independence Day holiday. |
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I-95 Northbound Lane Shifts Between Exits 91 and 93 in Stonington
CTDOT is announcing that lane shifts along I-95 northbound between Exits 91 and 93 in Stonington will be in effect starting the week of May 6, 2024.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that lane shifts along I-95 northbound between Exits 91 and 93 in Stonington will be in effect starting the week of May 6, 2024.
CTDOT Project No. 0058-0340 was awarded to American Industries for $38,250,000.00 on January 21, 2023, and is scheduled to be completed in May of 2026. This project is administered by the Bureau of Engineering and Construction, Office of Construction, District 2 in Norwich.
LANE SHIFT INFO
The I-95 northbound lane shift beginning before Exit 91 and extending for approximately 2,200 feet will guide traffic to the left side while construction work is being performed along the right side of the Bridge over Taugwonk Road.
I-95 northbound lane shift beginning before Exit 93 and extending for approximately 1,600 feet will guide traffic to the left side while construction work is being performed along the right side of the Bridge over Route 216.
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| Eastern Point Beach Season Passes Information |
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| Online sales began on Wednesday. In-person sales begin on Saturday, from 9 am - 2 pm. Please click on the image below for more details. |
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| The force is strong in the 41st! |
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| Happy Cinco de Mayo! May this day serve as a reminder of the importance of unity, diversity, and celebration of different cultures. |
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| Holocaust Remembrance Day |
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| Throughout these days of remembrance, we mourn the six million Jews who were murdered during the horror of the Holocaust — as well as the millions of Roma and Sinti, Slavs, disabled persons, LGBTQI+ individuals, and political dissidents who were murdered at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators. |
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| Community Events And Notices |
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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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