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Dear Neighbor,
Tomorrow is the first Saturday of the month, and you know what that means: "Coffee With Aundre" at the Ditty Bag in Mystic kicks off at noon.
We're into the 2026 legislative session pretty well now with committee meetings, public hearings, and session days around the corner. That gives us plenty to talk about on Saturday, including a bill I'll be bringing out this week. I have details about it below. I hope to see you tomorrow.
This week's newsletter is packed with a lot of information, including some highlights from the omnibus bill we passed in the House and Senate last week.
This week's newsletter topics include:
- Around the 41st District
- Join me for Coffee Tomorrow!
- Food Waste & Plastics Reduction Bill, Public Hearing
- Omnibus Bill Highlights
- A Close Look: Gold Star Bridge Rehab Project
- CT Dept. of Transportation News
- Vets 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. Remember, Daylight Saving Time begins. Don't forget to set your clock ahead one hour on Sunday, beginning at 2 a.m.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
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I was honored to join the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Mystic & Noank Library, and Booker Empowerment, LLC for the 5th Annual Black History Month Celebration in Downtown Mystic, culminating at Union Baptist Church.
It was a deeply moving afternoon — from walking together through downtown to hearing powerful performances from students and artists inside the church about Black history. Events like this matter. |
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I’m pleased to share that a new bill I have been working on to modernize Connecticut’s materials management system has now been formally released by the Legislative Commissioners’ Office and filed in the Environment Committee.
The proposal focuses on practical steps to improve how we reduce waste, recover food, and support the infrastructure needed for recycling and organics diversion across our state. It builds on stakeholder feedback and aims to strengthen implementation of existing laws while making it easier for municipalities, schools, and businesses to participate in waste-reduction efforts.
The bill also includes targeted plastics provisions, including a “Skip the Stuff” standard so single-use utensils and accessories are only provided upon request, a prohibition on polystyrene (Styrofoam) food service ware with practical exemptions and a delayed implementation timeline, and a ban on intentionally added PFAS in single-use drinking straws.
The bill is expected to be raised by the Environment Committee and will go to a public hearing next Friday, March 13, at 11:00 AM.
Public input is an important part of the legislative process. I will be sending an additional email next week with more details about the hearing and how residents, organizations, and stakeholders can participate or submit testimony.
Please stay tuned for more information.
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You're probably aware that we passed an omnibus bill, Senate Bill 298, in the House and Senate last week, comprised of legislation introduced last year. If not, well, we passed an omnibus bill in the House and Senate last week.
Here's a small recap.
Part of that bill includes a number of education provisions that passed by a wide margin in the House last year, and unfortunately was not voted on in the Senate.
One part of it improves the state’s practice of crisis response drills to improve students’ physical safety and properly balance their psychological well-being.
While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly. |
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Another section creates a state seal of civics education and engagement to be earned on high school diplomas for students who demonstrate civics mastery in the classroom and community engagement.
At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.
This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community.
Other key aspects of this bill include:
- Addressing antisemitism in schools
- Adding additional public reporting on student outcomes for our multi-lingual learners
- Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
- Phases out the waiver for children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early.
- Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
- Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.
The legislation we passed is an important bill that encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health
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Strengthening and Modernizing Our Elections
We advanced legislation to strengthen and modernize Connecticut’s election laws. These reforms take important steps to protect the integrity, security, and transparency of our democratic process by:
- Safeguarding private voter data
- Requiring that ballots cast during early voting be securely stored in a voting tabulator
- Preventing individuals convicted of election-related crimes from serving as election moderators
These updates reflect a balanced approach: expanding access to the ballot while maintaining strong safeguards to protect public trust.
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Addressing Antisemitism in Our Schools
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We also passed education reform legislation responding to rising antisemitism in schools.
The bill establishes a working group that will equip educators with tools and guidance to combat anti-Jewish hate and foster inclusive, respectful learning environments for all students. |
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Bridge Joint repairs Over Mystic River on I-95 in Mystic
Bridge joint repairs over the Mystic River on I-95 in Mystic, with single lane closures, are scheduled through Thursday, March 20, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that bridge joint repairs will be performed over the Mystic River on Interstate 95 in Mystic. The bridges are located between Exits 89 and 90.
The work is scheduled through Thursday, March 20, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. This project is being performed to maintain the structural integrity of the bridges and ensure the continued safety of the traveling public.
The repairs will be performed by Hammonasset Construction.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be a single lane closure on I-95 northbound and southbound, between Exits 89 and 90, during the scheduled work hours. Traffic control signing patterns and crash units will guide motorists safely through the work zone.
CTDOT urges motorists to maintain a safe speed, follow posted signage, and be alert to construction personnel and equipment when traveling through the 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. |
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How 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 a.m. – 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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