Aundré Bumgardner

Dear Neighbor,

First, I wanted to let you know that Electric Boat is hosting a big interview and hiring event at Crystal Mall in Waterford tomorrow. You'll find more information below. I hope many of you can take advantage of a great opportunity.

Moving on to community events, the CGA Kickball Classic is on Monday! Democrats and Republicans will come together for fun and a good cause for the fifth consecutive year at Dunkin' Park in Hartford. Keep scrolling for more details.

The tax deadline (April 15th) is looming. If you need tax assistance, I've included resources below that may be of help.

Lastly, an upcoming event in Hartford near the end of the month should be on your radar. You’ll see it below. And there's even more in this week's newsletter: Topics include:
 

• Electric Boat Interview, Hiring Event
• Kickin' it at Dunkin' Park on Monday
• Free Tax Help Available
• Upcoming: Southeastern CT Day
• Upcoming: Homeowner Readiness Fair
• Spring Events You Won't Want to Miss
• Addressing Affordability
• Renters' Rebate Program
• CT Department of Transportation News
• Vets Resources & Updates
• This Week in Connecticut History
• 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



 

Enter the mall via the Buffalo Wild Wings entrance. Plenty of parking will be available.

Of note, per Electric Boat:

Job offers are contingent on:

• Passing a drug screening and physical exam
• Securing a secret security clearance
• (For entry-level trades) Completing pre-employment training (https://www.ewib.org/)

Electric Boat Benefits & Perks:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Prescription coverage
• 401K plan 
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Shift Differential for 2nd and 3rd shift (7%)
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Commuter/Van Services
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Safety Boot Reimbursement Program
• Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Relocation Assistance provided to qualified candidates.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be 18 years of age or older (may be a 2026 graduating high school senior)

In addition to proposals that would increase ECS funding and help reduce local property tax pressure, we're working on several other bills that aim to address the broader affordability challenges families are feeling every day, including:

• Senate Bill 1 includes several proposals aimed at lowering everyday costs, including eliminating the sales tax on clothing and shoes under $100, school supplies such as backpacks, and certain grab-and-go grocery items like sandwiches and coffee purchased from supermarkets. It also creates a caregiver tax credit for eligible expenses incurred while caring for a homebound family member. And for many seniors, the full exemption of Social Security benefits from state tax is one of the most significant proposals this session.
• Senate Bill 513 would allow employees to elect to have the employer pay their payroll taxes, helping to reduce employees’ federal taxable income, while employees receive a refundable credit on their state taxes. The goal is to lower overall tax liability for working residents.
• House Bill 5114 would provide renters with a property tax credit of up to $2,500 per year, recognizing that renters also feel the strain of Connecticut’s high cost of living and deserve meaningful relief.
• House Bill 5538 is part of a broader effort to make Connecticut more competitive with neighboring states and create an environment where businesses can grow and succeed here. I have been spending time looking into the field of economic competitiveness, and I will share more as this bill and others move closer to debate on the House floor.

Together, these proposals reflect a focused effort to ease the financial pressures facing Connecticut families, from lowering everyday costs and providing tax relief to supporting seniors, caregivers, renters, and working residents.

A wrong-way driver preventative maintenance and recertification will be performed on I-395 in Plainfield, Griswold, and Waterford; Route 2 in Norwich, and I-95 in Groton, Stonington, and North Stonington.
 
The locations and dates of work included are:
 
Monday, April 13, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.

• I-395 Northbound and Southbound at Exit 24 in Griswold
• I-395 Northbound and Southbound at Exit 28 in Plainfield
• i-395 Northbound at Exit 29 in Plainfield

 
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.

• I-395 Southbound at Exit 2 in Waterford
• I-95 Northbound at Exit 85 in Groton
• I-95 Northbound at Exit 88 in Groton

 
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.

• Route 2 Eastbound at Exit 35 in Norwich
• Route 2 Eastbound at Washington St. in Norwich
• Route 2 Westbound at Exit 38 in Norwich
• Route 2 Westbound at Exit 35A in Norwich

 
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.

• I-95 Northbound and Southbound at Exit 90 in Stonington
• I-95 Northbound at Exit 92 in Stonington
• I-95 Southbound at Exit 92 in North Stonington

Traffic will follow posted detours and be advised to seek alternate routes during the ramp closures listed above.
 
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.

• 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.