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Dear Neighbor,
This week's newsletter is filled with a wide variety of information that I think you will appreciate and enjoy reading, including my thoughts on PURA's rejection of Eversource's plan to sell Aquarion Water, strengthening rail service in Southeastern CT, and more.
I am just amazed at the number of scams that are out there. I have included a couple to watch out for these days. This week's newsletter topics include:
- Thank You, Danielle!
- Riverfront Children's Center Awarded Grant
- PURA's Rejection of Aquarion-RWA-Sale Thoughts
- RIDOT Listening Session on December 10th
- Access Health CT Update
- Winter Heating Program
- CT Bead Program Extending Internet Access
- Upgraded: Phone System @ DSS
- Scams...and More Scams
- CT Department of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- 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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Danielle Chesebrough’s last day in office as Stonington’s First Selectman was Tuesday.
I want to take a moment to speak from the heart.
Serving alongside Danielle has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time as State Representative. I’ve grown a lot in this role over these last few years — as a legislator, as a collaborator, and as a person — and Danielle has been a big part of that growth. She has been a steady partner, an honest sounding board, and someone who consistently brings out the best in the people around her, myself included.
What many people don’t see is the sacrifice leadership requires, especially for a young person stepping into public life during complicated, unpredictable years. And for a young mother leading Southeastern Connecticut’s corner through major challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, those sacrifices were even greater.
I’ve watched Danielle juggle late-night meetings, emergency decisions, budget work, capital planning, and community events — all while raising her family with love and grace. Those sacrifices are real, they’re rarely acknowledged, and they deserve to be honored.
I’m really going to miss serving with a fellow millennial — someone who understands the world we’re inheriting, the pressures our generation feels, and the vision we share for building stronger, more resilient communities. Danielle brought a fresh energy and a collaborative spirit that made Stonington a better place.
To Danielle: thank you. Thank you for the partnership, the honesty, the teamwork, and the countless moments of support. Thank you for showing what principled, compassionate leadership looks like in local government. And thank you for every sacrifice you made for this community — many of them quiet, and many of them unseen.
Stonington enters a new chapter, and I look forward to working with Bill Middleton as he steps into the First Selectman’s Office.
Here’s to honoring Danielle’s legacy by continuing the work she began. |
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| The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DoAg) today announced an $837,900 investment through the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant program, which will support 21 innovative projects across the state, including the Riverfront Children's Center in Groton. |
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| The Center will receive $12,323 for its commitment to fostering multi-generational, community-based food literacy and agricultural awareness through thoughtfully designed, age-appropriate kitchen, garden, and livestock activities that will engage and delight both children and adults. |
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| Image credit News 12 |
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STATE REPRESENTATIVE AUNDRE BUMGARDNER STATEMENT ON PURA’s REJECTION OF AQUARION–RWA SALE
State Representative Aundré Bumgardner (D–Groton, Mystic, Stonington) issued the following statement today after the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) unanimously rejected the proposed sale of Eversource-owned Aquarion Water Company to a newly created quasi-public entity aligned with the South Central Regional Water Authority (RWA):
“Today’s 4–0 decision is a major victory for Groton, Mystic, and Stonington’s ratepayers. PURA made clear that accountability, transparency, and proven management must remain at the center of how we govern essential water systems,” Rep. Bumgardner said. “This proposal would have weakened public oversight and opened the door to dramatic rate increases for hundreds of families in my district.”
Attorney General William Tong estimated that the rejected deal could have doubled household water bills over the next decade. PURA’s ruling reaffirms that Connecticut cannot afford governance experiments that diminish oversight or distance decision-making from the communities served.
Aquarion’s Mystic system — acquired in 2002 before Aquarion itself was purchased by Eversource — serves nearly 11,000 customers in Groton, Mystic, and Stonington. For more than two decades, residents have relied on a geographically isolated system supported by existing interconnections with Groton Utilities, which bolster both reliability and emergency water capacity.
“After PURA’s rejection of the Aquarion–RWA deal, Connecticut is entering a new phase where local control and demonstrated accountability matter more than ever,” Rep. Bumgardner said. “For communities like Groton, Mystic, and Stonington, two options should now be on the table: (1) allowing Groton Utilities — a long-established municipal utility with a strong record of responsible stewardship and existing interconnections to Aquarion — to consider acquisition of Aquarion’s Mystic system as Eversource moves toward divestment; or (2) establishing a statutory first right of refusal so municipalities or political subdivisions, including fire districts, can acquire local water assets before they are transferred to any outside entity.”
The latter option has a proven track record of success in the 41st House District, where a functioning example of this governance model already exists. “The Noank Water Company operates as part of the Noank Fire District, where elected district officers govern the system, set rates, approve budgets, and oversee operations,” Rep. Bumgardner said. “The district purchases potable water wholesale from Groton Utilities and distributes it locally as a nonprofit public utility fully accountable to its taxpayers and ratepayers.”
Groton Utilities is not regulated by PURA, but it has decades of demonstrated accountability, transparent governance, direct ratepayer responsiveness, and operational reliability — precisely the qualities PURA underscored in its ruling today.
“This is not a statement of Groton Utilities’ position — just a clear read of the policy landscape after today’s ruling. As Eversource moves toward divesting itself of Aquarion, our region cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while others determine the future of our water system,” said Rep. Bumgardner. “I’ve shared my perspective with Groton City Mayor Jill Rusk, as the municipal owner of Groton Utilities, to ensure our community leadership has early visibility into the implications of PURA’s decision.”
Rep. Bumgardner emphasized that any path forward must prioritize ratepayer protection, environmental stewardship, and long-term water security for Groton, Mystic, and Stonington.
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Rep. Aundré Bumgardner is currently serving his third term representing Southeastern Connecticut’s corner — the 41st District, including Groton, Mystic, and Stonington. He serves as Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, and sits on the Energy & Technology; Finance, Revenue & Bonding; and Transportation Committees. He serves as Assistant Majority Leader and Secretary of the Black & Puerto Rican Caucus.
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Strengthening rail service in Southeastern Connecticut has been a long-standing priority of mine.
As far back as my first term, more than 10 years ago, I introduced a 2015 bill directing the Connecticut Department of Transportation to formally study extending Shore Line East from New London to Westerly, with stops in Groton and Mystic. That study was later passed by the legislature, signed into law, and funded — laying the groundwork for the bi-state momentum we’re seeing today. |
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Why This Meeting Matters for Southeastern Connecticut
Westerly is the closest rail station for thousands of Connecticut residents in Pawcatuck and North Stonington — and it is central to any future effort to extend Shore Line East to Mystic. That’s why this listening session is especially important for our region.
RIDOT has made it clear:
• When they apply for federal grants to upgrade the Westerly Station platforms, they want to demonstrate strong support from Connecticut stakeholders.
• These upgrades are a required first step toward expanding commuter rail options and evaluating a pilot extension of Shore Line East.
RIDOT also emphasized that the feedback they receive at this meeting will help determine how they prioritize new rail projects. Even a brief appearance sends a strong signal of broad, bi-state support.
Regional Leadership and Local Advocacy
We are fortunate to have committed community partners working to keep residents informed and engaged. I want to extend a sincere thank-you to:
• Stephen Bessette, who has long organized and mobilized the Mystic and Stonington community on Shore Line East expansion, and
• Alex Berardo, Vice Chair of the RI Association of Railroad Passengers, who has been instrumental in connecting Connecticut to RIDOT’s feedback process.
Their advocacy is helping ensure Southeastern Connecticut has a strong voice in regional transportation planning.
What’s at Stake
Advancing the Westerly platform upgrades unlocks major benefits for our region, including:
• Potential commuter rail access and connections from Westerly to Providence, T.F. Green Airport, URI, Quonset Point, and ultimately Boston via MBTA rail
• Improved regional mobility to and from New London, with connections to New Haven, Stamford, and ultimately New York City
• The possibility of additional Amtrak stops at Westerly Station
• Stronger transportation options for workers, seniors, students, and families
• A critical pathway to the first-ever Shore Line East extension to Mystic
Westerly’s position as the closest on-corridor station for eastern Connecticut makes its modernization foundational to any future expansion.
Join Us — Your Voice Matters
Even a few minutes of participation helps reinforce that Southeastern Connecticut is united behind rail expansion and improved cross-border transit. The sooner RIDOT advances the Westerly upgrades, the sooner we can move toward a pilot Shore Line East extension — something I’ve championed since my first term.
I hope to see many of you there as we continue moving this vision forward. |
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While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are still up in the air (and if Congress does vote on an extension, the vote wouldn't happen until mid-December), Access Health CT is available to answer any questions you may have as you shop for health and dental plans.
Access Health CT call centers are open to help residents understand their options. If customers enroll on or before December 15, their coverage will commence on January 1, 2026. If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will start February 1, 2026.
- AHCT offers free expert help online, in-person, and over the phone to help customers with the process of enrolling.
- Customers can visit accesshealthct.com and click the GET HELP button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them — including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site, or attending an enrollment fair.
- There is also a list of Certified Brokers available, and it is free to work with a broker. They are trained to help customers find a plan.
Customers can also contact the AHCT call center at 1-855-805-4325 with questions. Help is available in over 100 languages. For more information on Access Health CT plans and more, please click HERE.
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While the $500 million emergency fund plans to cover the lack of funding for the national Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), there are other state resources available now.
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program and Eversource offer resources for those in need to help cover the cost of their home energy bills this winter. Visit HERE or the Eversource website HERE for more information.
Click on the image below for information about payment plans and assistance for Groton Utilities customers. |
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The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved Connecticut’s proposal for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, awarding $144 million to the state that will be used to expand high-speed internet access statewide.
Connecticut is one of 18 states and territories that received approval for its BEAD proposal.
Expanding residents’ access to fast, affordable, and reliable high-speed internet will ease essential daily activities, including obtaining medical care, managing bills, seeking employment, and accessing educational opportunities.
Click here to read more on Connecticut’s final proposal for the BEAD program.
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| The Department of Social Services (DSS) has successfully launched a new streamlined and user-friendly experience for callers with an upgraded phone system. The Benefits Center phone number has not changed. Customers still contact DSS at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632). |
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The new system includes:
- A simplified phone menu designed to help customers reach the right service
- A self-service experience for checking case status and benefit information
Customers who enter their Client ID when calling will benefit from a customized service and be routed to the correct call queue. Additionally, for those who prefer to self-serve, the system now allows them to:
- Check if DSS has received their documents and when they were reviewed.
- View their case status and, if active, access benefit details.
Customers now have access to call-back options, allowing them to:
- Save their place in line, or
- Schedule a call at a time that works best.
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The Connecticut Intelligence Center, a law enforcement partnership within the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, is warning about a dramatic increase in financial scams targeting the elderly in Connecticut and the nation.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 859,532 complaints in 2024, with losses reported at $16.6 billion, a 388% increase from 2023. In 2024, “false pretense” scams cost an estimated $31.9 million to Connecticut victims, most of whom were 65 or older, according to the 2024 Crime in Connecticut Report. |
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What to Watch Out For
- High pressure, urgent timeline (“you must send money now”).
- Request to pay with gift cards, wire transfer, prepaid cards, personal checks, or cryptocurrency.
- Caller says you must not contact family or police.
- Caller ID spoofing (it may show a local number or government agency, but is fake).
- Unwilling to meet in person or hesitant to identify themselves with official credentials.
What to Do if You Believe You Are a Victim
- Contact the local police to report the incident.
- Do not transfer money and do not give any payment information.
- Do not give any personal information or confirm/repeat social security numbers, birthdates, bank information or account numbers.
- Verify by calling the family member with a known number, not one provided by the caller.
- If you have already made a payment, contact your bank or the payment service immediately
Where to Go for Help
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Common Scams
Shut-off Scare: Scammers will impersonate an Eversource employee and call without prior notification, demanding immediate payment to avoid shut-off. Customers scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment will always receive written notice via the U.S. mail first, which includes actions to maintain service. Be wary any time someone tries to convince you that you must act immediately to avoid service shut-off. We will also never ask for payment via gift card, pre-paid debit card or Bitcoin.
Overpayment Scam: Scammers call claiming that you overpaid your utility bill and request your personal bank account or credit card information to give you a refund.
Phishing Scam: Scammers pretending to be from Eversource will send an email or text message requesting personal or financial information.
If something seems suspicious, contact us immediately and report the incident to your local law enforcement. This Utility Scam Awareness Month, help us share this important information to protect your friends and neighbors. Click HERE for information on how to avoid these scams. |
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Temporary Signalization on Route 215 in Groton
A temporary signal was implemented on Route 215 in Groton on Monday, June 9th. It will be de-energized in November 2025. Project No. 0058-0338 consists of replacing the culvert headwalls and relining the existing culvert pipe under Route 215 at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be continuous single-lane closure on Route 215 from June 9 to November 2025. Traffic control signing, temporary pavement markings, and the temporary signal will guide motorists through the work zone in an alternating one-way manner.
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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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 HereLegislative & 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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