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| Dear Neighbor,
Session is up and running with public hearings, committee debate over bills, and more. I am thoroughly enjoying my time serving as vice chair of the Environment Committee and will soon be sharing some of the meaningful work we're doing this session. I'm sure the residents of the 41st will appreciate that. In the meantime, this week's newsletter is jam-packed with news, information, and updates I think you will appreciate. Topics include:
- Around the Capitol
- Severe Cold Weather Protocol Ends Saturday
- Special Education Funding
- Students Can Apply to Join CT Board of Ed
- CTDOT Urges Motorists to Stay in Their Vehicles in Highway Emergencies
- Curbing Washington Chaos
- Get Involved: Upcoming Public Hearings
- Black and Puerto Rican Caucus to Host Public Hearing March 3rd
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Baker Cove Watershed Committee's 4th Annual Rain Barrel Sale Is On Now
- CIRCA Resilient Mystic Workshop Kicks Off Sunday
- Free Resources to File Your Taxes
- Reminder: DEEP Funding Opportunities
- Reminder: Apply Now For Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants
- March 6th: The Friendship Scholl's Museum Exhibition Night
- Community Events and Notices
Have a great weekend,
Aundré |
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| While temperatures during the day have been bearable this week, that's hardly been the case at night. Please stay warm and be safe during the severe weather protocol, which was activated last Sunday and ends on Saturday. |
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| House and Senate leadership announced that both chambers will vote next week on an immediate $40 million injection of state funding to cities and towns to support Special Education needs for the current fiscal year. This funding will be allocated through the Excess Cost Grant program and distributed through a tiered reimbursement structure that prioritizes funding for the neediest cities and towns.
The House convenes on Monday, February 24 and the Senate on Tuesday, February 25. |
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| Special Education is a 2025 legislative priority for House Democrats. We have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that Special Education costs are squeezing local budgets. This investment will help school districts now though we recognize the challenges municipal governments face going forward, which is why we are working to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support. |
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| Do you know of a public school student who wants to participate in statewide education policy? If so, please encourage them to apply now to potentially serve on the Connecticut State Board of Education! The selected students, who will soon enter their senior year, will serve a one-year term, beginning July 1, 2025. Take a look at the graphic below for application requirements |
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The governor will appoint two public school students who will lend an important perspective to deliberations on the State Board of Education. The selected students will not have voting privileges.
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| Participants must complete their application, and it must be received by mail or email by Monday, March 17. |
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| The CTDOT has issued a safety reminder for all motorists that if you experience a breakdown or emergency on a highway, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle. Please click on the image below to read more. |
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| Chaotic policy swings and misses by Republicans in Washington could severely impact Connecticut. I am working during the 2025 legislative session to ensure that havoc in Washington does not turn into mayhem in our great state. |
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| A (brief) look at Connecticut's complex history with slavery and the state's path toward freedom. While slavery was legal in the state until 1848, many enslaved Black people fought for their freedom, and Connecticut became a hub for abolitionists.
The legacy of Black resistance, culture, and the contributions of individuals in the fight for equality continue to influence Connecticut today. Their stories of perseverance and strength are integral to understanding the state's broader history. |
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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 project team for the CT Institute for Resiliency and Climate (CIRCA) Resilient Downtown Mystic project is planning a multi-day workshop in Mystic on February 24th- 26th. |
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Several public meetings are planned:
- Sunday February 23rd at 3 pm, Project overview, virtual
- Monday February 24th from 10 am- 12 pm, “walkshop” and workshop at the Williams-Mystic Carlton Classroom (at the building at the back of the South Lot)
- Monday February 24th from 6-8 pm, Project Visioning Workshop, St. Patrick’s Catholic Center
- Tuesday February 25th from 4-6 pm, Project open house, Williams-Mystic Carlton Classroom (at the building at the back of the South Lot)
- Wednesday February 26th from 5:30-7, Final Workshop presentation, BF Hoxie Fire Station
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(photo credit: IRS)
There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes. You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.
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The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here are some of the eligibility requirements for VITA:
- Household income less than $68,000
- If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
- No income from a rental property
You can find your nearest location by clicking on the image below. |
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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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