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Dear Neighbor,
Time is running out on the legislative session. With just 4 days left, we still need to pass a budget and get other top priorities over the finish line. As I turn my attention to those issues, I want to highlight some of the progress my colleagues and I made this week.
The House Democratic Caucus led the passage of housing legislation that will expand access to homes and support the unhoused, approved a bill supporting victims of sexual abuse, and voted in favor of a policy that will significantly improve our state's special education infrastructure. These are meaningful pieces of legislation that will have a positive impact on all of our lives. I'm proud to be part of a group of lawmakers making real, positive change in Connecticut.
I also want to thank all those who served and take a moment to acknowledge the members of our military we have lost. This week, I participated in the Mystic Memorial Day Parade. It's an annual reminder that we only get to enjoy safety and democracy in our communities because of the sacrifices of so many before us. It was wonderful seeing so many of you come out and gather in remembrance.
In this week's update I'll share some pictures from that parade and go into detail on the following:
- Chamber Foundation Scholarship Deadline is Sunday
- Coffee Hour @ The Ditty Bag on Saturday, June 7th
- ICYMI: Mystic Aquarium, Electric Boat Join Forces
- Reforming Special Education in CT
- Taking Action on Autism, IDD Support Services
- Opening Doors to Housing
- Pride Day @ The Capitol is Wednesday
- The Place to Be: Summer in CT
- CT Department Of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- SBA Lending Expo Comes To Southeastern CT on Tuesday
- Community Events And Notices
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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The House just passed SB 9 — a Governor’s bill, senate priority, and Environment Committee focus — by a strong bipartisan vote of 115 to 33. I proudly support SB 9 because climate resilience isn’t optional—it’s urgent.
CIRCA, based at UConn Avery Point in my district, projects up to 20 inches of sea level rise by 2050 along our coastline. This bill gives towns like Groton, Mystic, and Stonington the power to prepare—before disaster strikes.
SB 9 gives us the tools to respond, empowering municipalities to create Resilience Improvement Districts, invest in green infrastructure, and protect our coastlines, homes, and future. This is proactive climate governance grounded in science—and it’s exactly what our state needs.
Proud to support smart, climate action for Connecticut’s future. To the Governor’s desk! |
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We passed HB 5002, The House Democrats’ comprehensive housing reform bill—tackling affordability, tenant protections, homelessness support, and empowering local solutions.
Proud to vote yes and stand with colleagues, advocates, and neighbors fighting for housing justice. |
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| Proud to continue the Memorial Day parade tradition in Mystic: a place where history, community, and visitors from near and far come together to pay tribute. It’s a gorgeous day across the 41st District, and I’m grateful to stand alongside neighbors in remembrance and reflection. |
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Honored to kick off Memorial Day with the first parade of the day in beautiful Noank. Today, we remember and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Their legacy lives on in our commitment to justice, freedom, and a stronger future for all. |
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Do you know a deserving high school student who is looking to pursue higher education? The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Foundation is seeking applicants for its 2025 scholarship program but the deadline is Sunday, June 1!
Please click on the image below for more details, including eligibility and the application.
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| With the 2025 legislative session ending June 4, I’ll be sharing what we accomplished at the Capitol! Please join me at the Ditty Bag in Mystic on Saturday, June 7th, from 10 a.m. to noon. |
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This is wonderful news! Please click on the image below:
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For too long, Connecticut's special education model has faced fundamental flaws that prevented all students from receiving the proper education they deserve. With our recent passage of HB 5001: An Act Concerning the Quality and Delivery of Special Education Services in Connecticut, we are taking important steps to reform this system.
This bill, which passed 148-0 in the House on a bipartisan basis, makes historic investments in students with special education needs, delivers improved access to services, and provides cost controls and greater transparency. |
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Key provisions of the bill include:
- Historic investment in our students, including $30 million for the Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program, which will help build capacity to serve students closer to home.
- Prioritizing better access to services through enhanced development screenings, behavioral assessment and intervention plans, access to remedial classes in higher education, and involvement of parents and local school districts before a student is moved from their school.
- Reining in costs by regulating third-party rate processes and developing new billing and licensing standards.
- Increasing oversight through on-site compliance visits and detailed system-wide reporting to reduce unpredictability and improve accountability.
Children are our future, and it is our responsibility to provide them with a proper education. In a state with one of the best K-12 public school systems in the country, HB 5001 ensures that our special education program maintains the same level of quality.
The bill must now pass the Senate and be signed into law by the governor.
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We passed legislation that will foster a more inclusive and responsive system that better meets the needs of individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.
- Tracks delays & gaps in critical services
- Requires public reporting on abuse & neglect cases
- Review DDS investigation policies every 5 years
- Launches statewide autism needs assessment
- Studies the future of Southbury Training School
Proposes urgent help for complex autism cases
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Amid one of the most constrained housing markets in the nation, families across our communities are finding it harder than ever to secure homes.
Rents are rising, available housing is scarce, and outdated policies are standing in the way of new construction.
This housing crisis impacts every facet of life-limiting economic opportunity, straining our education and healthcare systems, and affecting public safety. |
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House Democrats led the passage of legislation that aims to tackle these challenges head-on by increasing housing supply, streamlining regulations, protecting vulnerable residents, and empowering local communities with the tools they need to create lasting solutions.
Provisions in this measure provide funding to regional bodies to support towns in proactively planning for affordable housing. This is coupled with a robust $50 million annual grant program to assist public housing authorities in directly increasing the housing supply for our lowest-income residents.
Finally, for those who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of homelessness, this bill offers meaningful support by funding mobile shower and laundry services—meeting urgent hygiene needs while promoting public health and restoring a sense of dignity.
Additionally, we affirm the humanity and vulnerability of unhoused individuals by banning hostile architecture designed to exclude or punish them.
Addressing the issue of housing is a complex challenge with no simple solutions, but this bill represents a meaningful step forward in supporting those in need. |
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The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO) invites you to attend PRIDE Day at the Capitol next Wednesday, June 4, 2025. It will include a day of reflection, resilience, and recognition dedicated to advancing equity, uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, and promoting mental wellness.
“Beyond Celebration: Centering Equity, Wellness & Voice,” will take place at the Legislative Office Building and in the north lobby of the Capitol. |
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Here's a look at the agenda:
Panel Discussion: Mental Health & Healing
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room 1B
Moderated by Melvette Hill, Executive Director of CWCSEO, this engaging discussion will explore the growing mental health challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, including the impacts of stigma, isolation, and limited access to affirming care. Featuring the voices of youth, young adults, and advocates, the panel will highlight the urgent need for inclusive support and community-driven healing.
Panelists Include:
- Taylor Tucker, Health Equity Solutions
- Juan Fonseca, LGBTQ+ Advocate
- Brett Bordonaro, LGBTQ+ Advocate
- Genesis Jones, Student & LGBTQ+ Advocate
Spoken Word Performances: Be moved by the powerful voices of Larry Roeming and Aalexÿz Jiménez, who will share original pieces centered on identity, empowerment, and healing through community.
Resource Fair:
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
North Lobby, State Capitol
Meet with local and statewide organizations offering essential resources, support services, and advocacy tools for Connecticut’s LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Join us in fostering equity, honoring pride, and amplifying voices.
Register by scanning the QR Code on the attached flyer. For additional information, please contact Denise Drummond at denise.drummond@cga.ct.gov.
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Hot days, cool drinks, baseball, and barbecues are popular staples during the summer but Connecticut, from one end of the state to the other, offers so much more.
Connecticut is home to 110 state parks, 32 state forests, 29 state campgrounds, 117 state boat launches, and 4 coastal state beaches that provide any number of recreational opportunities, along with many other attractions and nationally ranked restaurants.
Two new trails guide visitors on some of the more unique experiences the state has to offer, including the Connecticut Oyster Trail, and the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail. Later this year the state will officially launch the Connecticut Pizza Trail to celebrate its designation as the Pizza Capital of the United States.
The best way to explore tourism destinations and find activities to do in the state is by visiting the official Connecticut Tourism website HERE. |
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There's more.
Litchfield County was ranked as one of the best places to go in 2025 and Mystic Seaport Museum was the “#2 Best Open-Air Museum” for the second consecutive year.
Hungry?
Several CT chefs and restaurants have gained national recognition, including chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic capturing the world-renowned James Beard Award for best chef in the northeast, and several others named semifinalists, including Renee Touponce of Oyster Club and The Port of Call in Mystic who was nominated in the outstanding chef category, and Coracora in West Hartford nominated for outstanding restaurant.
Seasons change quickly. With all that it has to offer, summertime in Connecticut is one you don't want to miss. |
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Culvert Replacement on Route 215 in Groton
A culvert replacement at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove will be performed on Route 215 in Groton. Minor construction and utility work have already commenced.
This project is scheduled to typically occur on Mondays through Fridays with anticipated completion on November 22, 2025.
The project will address the deterioration of the existing headwalls and the separation of the culvert sections spanning Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove on Route 215 in Groton, Connecticut. The project is scheduled to be completed on November 22, 2025.
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| This project is to be completed on Friday, August 22, 2026. At applicable locations, pedestrian control features, such as countdown pedestrian indications, accessible pushbuttons, and sidewalk ramps, will be upgraded to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety. |
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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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Upcoming Events for VeteransWreaths Across America – Start Sponsoring Now!Every year, we strive to place a wreath on all requested graves at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery and Col. Gates Cemetery. You can sponsor early to help us reach our goal. Sponsor Here2025 Municipal Veteran Representative Training – June 13, 2025A vital event for all Municipal VetReps who assist Veterans in accessing services.
Legislative & Policy Updates
2025 Connecticut General Assembly Session Opened January 8Veterans can track bills related to military benefits, tax relief, and more using the General Assembly’s Bill Tracking Tool: Track Bills HereHow 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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- Groton – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Groton Public Library – 52 Newtown Road
- Mystic – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Mystic Congregational Church – 43 East Main Street
- Pawcatuck – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street
For more locations and information, contact:
Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services
gking@tvcca.org | 860-425-6617
If you have any issues, concerns, or ideas related to Veteran services, military families, or legislative priorities, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your service and sacrifices deserve to be honored with the best support possible.
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| The SBA Lending Expo is coming to eastern Connecticut on Tuesday, June 3rd in Norwich! Please see the flyer below for more details on this worthwhile event. |
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