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Dear Neighbor,
The Stonington Town Dock is in line for some much-needed funding to complete repair work and is poised to receive some. A request for that funding is on the State Bond Commission agenda. A meeting is scheduled for next Thursday. More details below.
I've included the Office of Policy and Management's Fiscal Accountability Report as a follow-up to last week's Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) FAR. Check it out below.
There are a lot of holiday-centric events in our area coming up. I've included some below. I hope you get a chance to get out and enjoy.
This week's newsletter topics include:
- $70M to Protect Health Care Subsidies
- $500K on Agenda for Stonington Town Dock
- OPM Fiscal Accountability Report
- Paying Down Penson Debt
- Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program
- Skill Up Manufacturing
- Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program
- CT Dept. of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- Remembering Sandy Hook
- 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,
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
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The deadline to sign up for Access Health CT coverage beginning January 1, 2026, is fast approaching.
If you or someone you know needs health insurance for the upcoming year, now is the time to review your options and complete the enrollment process. Making sure you’re covered is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and financial well-being in the year ahead. To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.
If residents enroll in a plan on or before December 15, their coverage will begin January 1, 2026.
If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will begin February 1, 2026. |
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This week, the U.S. Senate failed to extend federal Affordable Care Act subsidies. As a result, Governor Lamont announced that the state expects to spend roughly $70 million next year to make up for the loss. These funds will come from a $500 million contingency reserve we created during last month’s special session to address potential federal cuts to safety-net programs.
For individuals earning up to $56,000 a year, health care costs will remain unchanged. Likewise, a family of four with an annual income of up to approximately $128,000 will see little to no change in their costs. Partial subsidies are being considered for those with slightly higher incomes, up to $75,000 for single individuals and $160,000 or more for a family of four who would pay slightly more than they do now.
When Washington walks away, Connecticut Democrats step up to protect health care costs for thousands of residents. |
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The request for $500,000 in state bonding to support the North Pier at the Stonington Town Dock for the commercial fishing fleet is on the State Bond Commission agenda for December 18th.
This funding would build on the $900,000 federal grant secured by Congressman Joe Courtney and $400,000 in contingency funding earmarked by the Stonington Board of Finance, helping advance critical repairs to one of Connecticut’s most important working waterfronts.
Over the past year, I’ve worked with the Governor’s Office to advance this project, made it a priority with my caucus leadership, and coordinated closely with Senator Somers and local stakeholders — including former First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough, the Harbor Management Commission, Joe Gilbert of Empire Fisheries, and SNEFLA.
During that time, we’ve also hosted state agency partners, as well as Rep. Napoli, the House Bonding Subcommittee Chair, on-site at the docks so they could see conditions firsthand and understand the urgency of reinvesting in this working waterfront.
I’m grateful to Governor Ned Lamont for advancing this request, with support from legislative leadership, and I look forward to the Commission’s action next Friday.
More to follow next week.
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| Last week, I provided the Office of Fiscal Analysis Accountability Report. This week, please click on the image below for a closer look at the Office of Policy and Management's FAR. |
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The recent announcement on the state's payments into retired teachers' and state workers' pension funds isn't likely to get your heart pumping, but the news that the state is making continued progress toward meeting its long-term obligations is important to every Connecticut resident.
First, the numbers: the retired state workers' fund increased by more than $2.3 billion in 2025 due to strong investment performance and additional contributions. The unfunded liability decreased from $19.2 billion to $17.6 billion. The funded ratio increased from 55.2% to 59.6%.
Meanwhile, the retired teachers' fund grew by more than $1.6 billion, with its funded ratio increasing to 63.7%. |
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In a vacuum, the ratios may seem low, but consider that in 2018, the ratios were 37% for state retirees and 52% for teachers.
That's because, for decades, the state failed to make the full required annual contributions to its pension funds, leading to a huge, compounding debt. Since 2011, however, responsible budgets adopted by the state legislature have fully funded these contributions annually and implemented collaborative reforms with labor and management.
What this means is that Connecticut is continuing to keep its financial house in order. One huge knock-on effect in a healthier pension landscape is that Connecticut's credit ratings have improved (to Aa2, AA-, AA, and AA+ by the various agencies), making it less expensive to borrow money due to lower interest rates.
Exciting? Maybe not. But definitely great news for each of us. |
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| The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), is designed to support diverse students who graduate from public high schools in priority school districts and enroll in teacher preparation programs. |
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| The program offers up to $10,000 annually for tuition, with the application deadline set for February 6, 2026. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to diversify the educator workforce and address the teacher shortage. The most current list of Alliance School Districts (2025-26) is HERE. Apply HERE. |
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If you are looking for a career in manufacturing, apply now for Skill Up for Manufacturing 2026.
Learn fundamentals in as little as five weeks, connect with employers, and start earning competitive wages. The class offers free training, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized credentials. |
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Upcoming Sessions:
January 20 – March 13, 2026 | Middlesex/Vinal Technical H.S., Middletown
February 23 – March 27, 2026 | Gateway CC, New Haven
Click here for more information and to apply now. Take the first step toward a rewarding career in manufacturing! |
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| Are you behind on your mortgage payments? Are you looking to increase your earning potential? The Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program may be a great fit for you! Apply HERE or call 1-866-683-1682. |
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Geotechnical Subsurface Investigations on I-95 Northbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge in New London
The CTDOT has announced Geotechnical Subsurface Investigations will be performed on the west approach on I-95 Northbound Gold Star Bridge in New London, starting on Monday and will be completed on Friday.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be various lane closures on I-95 northbound from Exit 83 to 85 beginning on Monday, December 15, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that are scheduled to be completed on Friday, December 19. Traffic control signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
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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.
Upcoming Events for Veterans
Wreaths Across America
Every year, we strive to place a wreath on all requested graves at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery and Col. Gates Cemetery.
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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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