|
|
|
|
| Dear Neighbor,
Our monthly coffee hour is set and ready to go! I'll be at The Ditty Bag in Mystic on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. There has been an uptick in attendance at our meetings over the past couple of months, and it's been great. I enjoy hearing your thoughts and ideas and hope it continues tomorrow. Bring a friend! I look forward to seeing you. This newsletter is pretty full with a good mix of news, alerts, and updates. Topics include:
- This Week Around The Capitol
- Join Me for Coffee on Saturday @ The Ditty Bag
- Knowing Your Rights
- Increasing Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
- In Support of Medicaid Coverage for Diapers
- Enhancing Survivor Benefits
- Apply Now For Women-Owned Child Care Business Grants
- 2025 LEARN Student Support Services disABILITY Summit
- Celebrate: February is Black History Month
- Happy Groundhog Day
- Community Events and Notices
Have a great weekend,
Aundré
|
|
| Last week, I participated in Governor Ned Lamont's press conference announcing his legislative proposal on extreme weather. UConn CIRCA based at UConn Avery Point right here in our district, has reported that our coastline is projected to experience a 20-inch sea level rise by 2050. We must take proactive measures to prevent both financial and physical damage to our communities.
Federal coordination is essential and should remain a nonpartisan priority as we work to build resilience and save lives. I appreciate Governor Lamont’s leadership on this critical issue and look forward to collaborating with the executive branch, my constituents, and my colleagues as vice chair of the Environment Committee to advance meaningful climate solutions.
Today, the Environment Committee held a public hearing on several bills, including proposals I have introduced or co-sponsored. These include a ban on the sale and cultivation of invasive plants such as Japanese barberry and burning bush, the creation of an offshore wind mitigation fund to protect marine ecosystems and fisheries, and several other key measures. |
|
| Access to diapers is a fundamental need for families across Connecticut and directly affects their financial stability. I’m proud to support Human Services chair State Representative Jillian Gilchrest as well as Diaper Bank of Connecticut's efforts to expand Medicaid coverage for diapers, easing the financial burden on low-income families and ensuring healthier outcomes for our most vulnerable youngsters.
When a child experiences health issues like rashes or UTIs, parents may have to miss work to care for them—hurting the family’s economic well-being. Expanding Medicaid to cover diapers is a pro-family, pro-economy solution that just makes sense. |
|
| We've had great turnouts lately! |
|
| Some communities are understandably on edge with reports of immigration enforcement that have surfaced around Connecticut. Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution.
The ACLU of Connecticut has prepared a comprehensive Immigrants' Rights & Resources Guide below. Learn more about your rights as an immigrant if ICE Agents approach you. |
|
| The Connecticut State Department of Education also released Guidance for K-12 Public Schools "Pertaining To Immigration Activities." Please see below. |
|
| We understand what's going on nationally, but we can't stop doing our jobs for the people of Connecticut and that starts with putting forward good public policy. This week, House and Senate Democrats announced a legislative proposal to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers, which is long overdue.
A recent state Medicaid Rate Study found that Connecticut lags well behind peer states when paying providers under Connecticut’s Medicaid program. Many areas of care are currently reimbursed at the same levels they were in 2007. Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates is a worthy investment, and that’s the type of good work we’re going to keep doing here. |
|
| I joined fellow legislators, including Jillian Gilchrest, House Chair of the Human Services Committee, at a press conference this week to advocate in support of legislation that seeks to provide Medicaid coverage for diapers to help struggling families obtain necessities to care for babies and young children.
The Human Services Committee seeks to draft legislation to provide Medicaid coverage, to the extent permissible under federal law, for diapers. It should be noted that nearly one in two families struggle to afford diapers, which cost about 22% more than they did in 2018, to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy. When a family lacks access to diapers it impacts their health and well-being as well as their parent’s mental health. Please click on the video below to hear my comments. |
|
This legislation was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change ratified by the legislature today means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their eligibility circumstances.
This change will also apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty. |
|
| Women-owned and child care 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. |
|
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! |
|
| Here's your invitation to the 2025 LEARN Student Support Services disABILITY Summit, a unique event designed to empower parents, caregivers, students, and the broader community. The summit is a gathering dedicated to initiating meaningful dialogue, sharing insights, and cultivating a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals with a range of unique capabilities. |
|
|
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussions, hear from experts, and connect with others who are passionate about creating more equitable systems of education and accessibility for all. Whether you are looking to learn, share your experiences, or engage in thoughtful conversations, this event is designed to be a space where caring, knowledge, and action intersect. Advanced registration is not required.
|
|
This month we recognize the many achievements and contributions of Black people while also recognizing their role in American history.
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
