|
|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol went into effect for the first time this year, on Thursday, and will continue through Tuesday, December 9, at noon.
Temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times. Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
Click HERE to learn more.
A lot of folks use electric portable space heaters around this time. I've included some safety tips about them in this newsletter.
We held our annual Fiscal Accountability Meeting. That's a big one because we're eyeing Connecticut's long-term fiscal outlook, including projected surpluses and more. I go more into detail about a concern I have. Details are below.
This week's newsletter topics include:
- Around the 41st District
- Space Heater Tips
- Annual Fiscal Accountability Meeting
- Early Childhood Public Hearing
- CTECS Accepting Applications
- Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
- A Day of Remembrance
- 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
|
|
I was honored to attend the 2025 Swearing-In Ceremony for the Groton Town Council. Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz administered the oath of office, and Governor Ned Lamont joined us to witness the ceremony — a meaningful show of support for our community. It’s always special when our state’s top leaders come to Groton.
I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Juliette Parker, who was sworn in as Mayor of the Town of Groton. Juliette and I served together for the entirety of my tenure on the Town Council, and I’m proud to call her both a colleague and a friend.
Juliette’s election is also historic: she is the first African American woman to be elected Mayor in Groton’s history. This is a milestone worth celebrating and a reminder of the progress we continue to make as a community. Firsts matter — they open doors, inspire young people, and strengthen our collective story.
Congratulations as well to all newly sworn-in councilors. I look forward to continuing our work together to move Groton forward.
Photo credits: Mark Russell |
|
Small businesses are the cornerstone of our local economy and a huge part of what makes Eastern Connecticut towns great places to live.
Earlier this week, I joined the U.S. Small Business Administration along with Sen. Blumenthal, Rep. Courtney, and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz as well as the Eastern CT and Greater Mystic Chambers of Commerce at Olde Mistick Village to highlight the importance of supporting our local shops and restaurants.
Shop local. Often. Eat local. Often. Support local. Often.
Photo credits: The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce @thejeanmichael. |
|
|
Please note the additional fire safety measures below, including:
- Smoke Alarms: Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Required in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level.
|
|
| On Thursday, as a member of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee, I joined my colleagues on Appropriations for our annual Fiscal Accountability Meeting with the Office of Policy & Management and the Office of Fiscal Analysis. |
|
This joint hearing is one of the most important moments of the year as we examine the state’s long-term fiscal outlook — from projected surpluses and structural pressures to the health of our Budget Reserve Fund.
I raised concerns about the significant unknowns tied to the federal HR1 law, including potential Medicaid work requirements and new SNAP cost-sharing obligations that could impact Connecticut as early as 2027. Until the federal government issues detailed guidance, states cannot fully quantify these costs — a point I stressed during the discussion.
One of the most urgent issues we examined was the looming structural deficit in the Special Transportation Fund, which is projected to enter significant shortfalls beginning in FY28 and could reach insolvency by FY30 without legislative action.
The STF is the backbone of our state’s transportation system, funding our highways, bridges, and public transit, and its long-term stability is essential for economic growth, safety, and mobility.
Thank you to OFA Director Neil Ayers and OPM Secretary Jeff Beckham for their detailed presentations and continued partnership. Please click on the image below for the latest OFA Fiscal Accountability Report. |
|
| Here's a great opportunity to provide input regarding the future of early childhood education in the state and share your thoughts with the Early Childhood Education Endowment Advisory Board. You can make your voice heard either in public or via Zoom on Wednesday, December 10th. Please see the flyer below for more details. |
|
The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is accepting applications for students entering grades 9 and 10 in the 2026-2027 school year.
CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting, NEASC-accredited technical high schools serving approximately 11,500 high school students.
Students in grades 9-12 attend a full-day program that combines academics with an advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum.
Students are served by schools located in Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, Danielson, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Windham. |
|
|
Students can choose from 31 programs of study in areas such as these career clusters:
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Architecture and Construction
- Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communication
- Health Science
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
- Manufacturing
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
|
|
Graduates are prepared for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or further education at two- or four-year colleges.
There are also opportunities to earn college credit while in high school through College Career Pathways (CCP) partnerships with community colleges and Dual Enrollment Programs with universities. In addition to academics and technical training, schools offer athletics and a variety of extracurricular activities.
The CTECS application closes on January 25, 2026. Applications submitted by this deadline will be included in the lottery for on-time placements. Applications submitted after January 25 will be added to the waitlist in the order determined by the lottery. No new applications for incoming grade 9 students will be accepted after March 1, 2026.
NOTE: This application process does not apply to Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) schools: Cheney Tech (Manchester), Goodwin Tech (New Britain), or Prince Tech (Hartford) current grade 8 students. The on-time RSCO application for Cheney Tech, Goodwin Tech, and Prince Tech for the 2026-2027 school year will open on December 3 and close on February 6, 2026.
Visit ChooseYourSchool.org to apply to these three specific schools. |
|
Getting older does not automatically mean it is time to stop driving, but it does require regular evaluation of driving abilities.
During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 1–5, 2025, Connecticut is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to encourage families and caregivers to begin open, proactive conversations about safe driving as loved ones age. |
|
|
Nationally, the population of residents 65 and older has risen significantly, and in 2023, drivers in this age group were involved in nearly one-fifth of all fatal crashes. In Connecticut, 51 older adults were involved in fatal crashes that same year, representing 17% of statewide roadway fatalities.
State law allows drivers 60 and older to take an approved crash-prevention course and receive an insurance discount, providing an important opportunity to refresh skills and stay safe on the road. For more information and a list of providers, click HERE.
Families are encouraged to work with older adults to develop a transportation plan, which may include the following:
- keeping up with vision and hearing checkups,
- reviewing medications for side effects that may affect driving,
- choosing daytime or less complex routes, considering adaptive vehicle equipment,
- and identifying alternative transportation options if driving becomes difficult.
Free resources are available through NHTSA to help older adults stay safe and to assist families and caregivers in supporting safe mobility for everyone.
|
|
| We acknowledge Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day each year as it pays tribute to the many American servicemen and women who lost their lives or were injured during the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II, on December 7, 1941. |
|
|
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 – 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 Here
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:
|
|
- 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
