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Dear Neighbor,
It's that time once again - Coffee Hour at the Ditty Bag. We kick things off tomorrow at 10 a.m.
With session days coming up next week, we should have a few things to talk about. I hope to see you there. Now, on to this week's newsletter.
Topics include:
- Join me for Coffee @ The Ditty Bag
- Bridge Rehabilitation Details
- Bills on School Meals for All
- Groton Park Litter Cleanup Friday
- Update Income for Access Health CT
- Great Options for a Staycation in CT
- Vets Resources & Updates
- Reminder: Sign up for Safe Boating Classes
- Community Events
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.
Have a great weekend. Remember, Daylight Saving Time begins. Don't forget to set your clock ahead one hour on Sunday, beginning at 2 a.m.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
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I hope to see you at our monthly gathering. Same time, same great place!
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (CTDOT) Office of Engineering is
developing plans for the rehabilitation of Bridge Nos. 01777 and 01778, which carry Interstate 95 Northbound and Southbound over the Groton Reservoir, in the town of Groton (Town). |
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The purpose of this project is to address deficiencies associated with existing Bridge Nos. 01777 and 01778.
The project is needed to address the structural deficiencies and prevent further deterioration, ensure safety, and maintain serviceability. The design is expected to be completed in June 2029. The project is anticipated to start in the Spring of 2030.
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House Bill 5144 includes a measure that takes a meaningful step toward ensuring that no child goes hungry in the classroom. The proposal would provide free breakfast to all students in public schools and free lunch to students who qualify for reduced- price meals.
As a sixth-grader, Alexandria explained during a press conference, no student should have to focus on an empty stomach while trying to learn. When children are well-nourished, they are better able to concentrate, participate, and succeed academically.
By expanding access to school meals, we are not only supporting students’ physical health but also strengthening their educational outcomes and overall well-being. |
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| Investing in universal school meals is an investment in our children, our schools, and our future. Let’s ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive without the burden of hunger holding them back. |
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I am extremely impressed with Alexandria's confidence and poised demeanor. Though still in her formative years, her early dedication to advocacy and strong, empathetic nature will surely take her far.
Her speech inspired me and everyone in the room to continue advocating for school meals for all children.
Keep up the good work, Alexandria!
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Join CTNERR as we partner with the Baker Cove Watershed Committee (BaCWaC), Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD), Mystic Aquarium, Town of Groton, and City of Groton to clean up various sites in Groton, CT. Neon vests, gloves, pickers, and bags will be provided.
All you need to do is sign up and show up! Questions or need accommodations? Email Larissa at Larissa.Graham@uconn.edu
To register, fill out the Google form HERE.
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Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, is reminding customers who receive help paying for their health insurance premiums to report any changes in household income to AHCT when they happen. This can help prevent unexpected costs at tax time.
Federal financial help available through AHCT can significantly lower monthly insurance premiums. The amount of help customers receive is based on household size and estimated annual income. If that income changes, it must be reported to AHCT. If changes are not reported when they occur, individuals may receive more assistance than they qualify for and may have to repay the difference to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Eligible customers can choose to receive their financial help in two ways:
- A one-time tax credit when filing their federal income tax return for the year.
Monthly payments are sent directly from the federal government to its insurance company to lower premium costs throughout the year. Individuals who choose this option must reconcile the amount they received when filing their tax return for that year.
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Before 2026, there were limits on how much certain customers had to pay back if their income increased during the year. Recent federal legislation removed the repayment caps on how much customers have to repay when income increases above the estimated amount used to determine financial help. Therefore, customers must update their accounts if there is an income change.
“Keeping your information up to date with Access Health CT is the best way to make sure you’re receiving the right amount of financial help and avoid unwanted surprises when you file your taxes,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “If you have questions about your insurance or changes in your household income, we encourage you to contact us. We are here to help Connecticut residents understand their options and get the assistance they need.”
Free help is available online, in person and over the phone.
Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button for a full list of resources. Customers can chat live with an Enrollment Specialist by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website.
A list of Certified Brokers is also available. These brokers can help customers understand their options and answer any questions. Working with a broker is free.
To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
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For the upcoming school break, and for parents considering a staycation within Connecticut, I’d like to recommend two destinations that offer engaging and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Dinosaur State Park provides a unique blend of adventure and education, inviting guests to explore one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Visitors can learn about prehistoric life while enjoying interactive exhibits and scenic outdoor trails.
Meanwhile, Yale Peabody Museum offers free admission and an enriching journey through natural history. The museum features world-renowned dinosaur fossils, extensive collections, and hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity. Guests can also take part in public programs, educational workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and special events such as “Jurassic Sparks,” all with a strong emphasis on accessibility and community engagement.
Both destinations provide excellent opportunities to combine learning and fun, making them ideal choices for a family-friendly staycation this school break.
Dinosaur State Park
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A 200-million-year-old fossil trackway, nature trails, arboretum, and interactive exhibits bring the Mesozoic era to life.
- Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, Connecticut is home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur tracks in the United States.
- The tracks, discovered in 1966 by a construction worker, include thousands of well-preserved, three-toed footprints.
- About 500 tracks are displayed under a geodesic dome museum, while many others remain buried for preservation.
The park also features an arboretum with plant life similar to that of the Mesozoic era.
400 West Street
Rocky Hill, Connecticut, 06067
United States
Telephone Number: (860) 529-8423
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The Peabody Museum has been part of Yale and New Haven for more than 150 years. In the 19th century it was the science startup of its day. The museum is a home for cutting-edge research, extraordinary education, and breathtaking exhibitions.
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As the State Representative for Groton, Mystic, and Stonington, home to a strong military community and the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, I am committed to ensuring veterans, active-duty service members, and military families have access to the latest updates, resources, and opportunities.
Below are important events, legislative updates, and benefit programs that may be of interest to our district’s veterans. |
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How to Get a Copy of Your DD 214
- Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
- Check with your Town Clerk – Many veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
- Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
- Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
- If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.
Applying for a Discharge UpgradeVeterans with less-than-honorable discharges due to PTSD, TBI, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), or sexual orientation (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) may be eligible for an upgrade. Learn more and apply online: Discharge Upgrade InstructionsMunicipal Veterans Representative ProgramEach town must appoint a Veterans Representative to help veterans access services. Find your local VetRep here: Locate Your Rep2025 Veterans Benefits Guide Available for DownloadThe latest edition of the VA’s "Veterans Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers" is now available: Download Here
Stay Connected & Get Involved
I encourage all veterans, military families, and community members to stay informed and engaged. You can sign up for the Connecticut DVA Newsletter to receive future updates: Subscribe Here.For those looking to connect with fellow veterans, share stories, and access important resources, consider attending a veterans' Coffeehouse near you. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for veterans to socialize and receive information about benefits and services.
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