Congrats UConn Women, Parade Sunday; $500K Headed to Mystic, Stonington

April 11, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

The UCONN Huskies have done it again! Congrats to the women's basketball team for taking home the 2025 NCAA Tournament Championship. This weekend, you can be part of the celebration in downtown Hartford, honoring the team for securing the school's 12th national title.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to see and interact with many of you at public events around Groton and Stonington. From our April coffee hour to meeting students at the Mystic Aquarium, it's always so rewarding to interact with the community and develop a better understanding of the most important issues facing our community.

I'm excited to tell you more about some of those events, highlight my recent legislative work, and more. Here is a rundown of what I'll cover in this week's update:

Out 'N About in the 41st District
Congrats UConn Women on Natty No.12, Parade Sunday
$500K State Investment in Mystic for Library Park Enhancements, Waterfront Access
Tax Deadline Approaching
Black Maternal Health Week Begins
From the Equity & Environment Justice Newsletter
CT Department of Transportation News
Baker Cove Watershed Committee's 4th Annual Rain Barrel Sale is on Now
Veterans Resources and Updates
Happy Passover
Raising Autism Awareness Event @ Capitol on April 28th
Senior Day @ The Capitol May 8th
Community Events and Notices

In service,

Aundré

Out 'N About in the 41st District

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Ocean Community YMCA’s 2025 Annual Support Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast at the beautiful Ocean House just over the border in Watch Hill. It was wonderful to join Mystic YMCA staff, friends, volunteers, and community members—each committed to uplifting our neighbors.

I’m proud to share that the Mystic YMCA Naik Family Branch is already more than 80% of the way toward its $215,000 goal for the YCares Financial Assistance Program. These funds are essential to ensuring that local families—regardless of income—can access child care, swim lessons, youth programs, and wellness support.
My wife, Kayla, serves on the board and is helping lead the final stretch of this important campaign. If you’re able to contribute, every donation brings us one step closer to ensuring all families in our community can access the resources they need.

When donating, please select “Kayla Reasco” from the “Campaigner” drop-down so your gift counts toward her campaign team (it’s a friendly competition among board members!).

Thank you to the Ocean House for hosting and to everyone who continues to support this important effort. Let’s keep the momentum going and reach that finish line together!

I had the pleasure of speaking to families at Pathways to STEM Careers Manufacturing Night at Mystic Aquarium, alongside Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie. It was an honor to welcome local middle and high school students and their families to Mystic for an inspiring evening of exploration and hands-on learning.

Events like this are critical to introducing students to the exciting pathways available in advanced manufacturing and STEM. I especially enjoyed connecting with Electric Boat employees and trying out the EastConn Mobile Manufacturing Lab—where I even got to test my welding skills! I also had the opportunity to learn more about Mystic Aquarium’s incredible sea lions, a powerful reminder of the connection between science, education, and marine conservation.

I’m proud to support efforts like these that help build the next generation of innovators, builders, scientists, inventors, and engineers in southeastern Connecticut.

We held our April Coffee Hour on Sunday at The Ditty Bag—and it was a full house! I shared updates on the legislation I’m working on, and we had a thoughtful discussion about the very real impacts of the unprecedented federal cuts to our state. While there’s understandable fear in our district, there’s also hope—and a shared determination to stay engaged and focused on solutions.

We were also joined by a surprise guest: SCRRRA Executive Director David Aldridge, who shared exciting news about a $4.5 million DEEP Materials Management Infrastructure Grant. This funding will support the development of a commercial-scale composting facility that will divert up to 7,500 tons of food waste into eco-friendly compost for local communities and farms—an important step forward for sustainability in Southeastern Connecticut.

Thank you to everyone who came out this morning, Jason for graciously hosting, and Judy for the always amazing chocolate chip cookies. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with you directly and hear your thoughts. I look forward to continuing the dialogue at our May Coffee Hour!

My wife Kayla and I had the distinct honor of attending the commissioning ceremony of the USS Iowa (SSN 797) at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, alongside Groton Town Councilor Portia Bordelon.

It was a powerful and deeply patriotic moment to witness the Navy bring its newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine to life, a symbol of American maritime strength and innovation. Former First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack gave the order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” a time-honored tradition that marked the USS Iowa’s official entry into active service.

We heard from an incredible slate of speakers, including Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, Admiral Daryl Caudle, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Joe Courtney, and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Each underscored the strategic importance of the Virginia-class submarine fleet and the vital role that Groton and Electric Boat continue to play in our national defense.

As someone who represents a community that is home to our nation’s premier submarine base and shipyard, this moment was especially meaningful. The USS Iowa is a testament to the extraordinary talent, grit, and craftsmanship of the men and women at Electric Boat who built her—and to the future-forward vision of our Navy, which remains always ready to protect our interests from seabed to space.

Congratulations to the officers and crew of the USS Iowa. May you sail strong and return safe. Proud to represent the Submarine Capital of the World!

Congrats UConn Women on Natty No.12, Parade Sunday

Congratulations to the UConn Women's Basketball team on winning an unprecedented 12th national title. There's going to be a parade to celebrate, of course, in downtown Hartford, at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Please see the map below for more details, including the parade route.

Go UConn!

$500K State Investment in Mystic for Library Park Enhancements, Waterfront Access

The funding includes $250,000 for Library Park enhancements at the Mystic & Noank Library, awarded through the State Library Construction Grant Program, and $250,000 for the design and engineering of a new public access dock, led by the Town of Stonington and funded through the Connecticut Port Authority’s Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program (SHIPP).

I was proud to advocate for the advancement of these projects and am deeply grateful to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for delivering this critical investment in our district,” said Rep. Bumgardner. “These grants—funding park enhancements at the Mystic & Noank Library and paving the way for a new public access dock just off I-95—will make Mystic more accessible, sustainable, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

The Mystic & Noank Library’s $250,000 grant will fund a comprehensive revitalization of Library Park, located in the heart of Mystic. The improvements will create dynamic outdoor gathering spaces, establish outdoor classrooms, promote environmental stewardship through native landscaping, upgrade walkways to meet ADA standards, and improve multimodal access to the park and library campus.

The park at Mystic & Noank Library is a cornerstone of our community’s civic life. This initiative will enhance one of Mystic’s most beloved public spaces and allow the library to expand its mission outdoors—connecting people to learning, nature, and each other. Their plan reflects visionary leadership and teamwork,” he added. “I want to commend Executive Director Chris Bradley and her dedicated team, along with the Board of Trustees led by Chair Judy Munro, for their tireless work in developing a proposal that meets the evolving needs of our community. Their commitment ensures that the Mystic & Noank Library remains a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking institution for Groton, Stonington, and the entire region.

The Town of Stonington’s $250,000 SHIPP grant will support the design and engineering of a new public access dock located just off Exit 90 on Interstate 95. The dock is envisioned as a launch point for a future water taxi service connecting the region’s primary transportation corridor with downtown Mystic, offering a sustainable transit alternative to alleviate traffic congestion while expanding shoreline access for residents and tourists alike.

I also extend sincere appreciation to First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough and the Town of Stonington staff for their partnership and support in executing this ambitious and competitive grant opportunity. Their efforts helped move this idea from concept to reality.

Together, these two projects represent a significant public investment in the future of Mystic—supporting tourism, environmental stewardship, transportation infrastructure, and education.

Tax Deadline Fast Approaching

Tax season is in full swing, and I wanted to share some useful resources to make filing a little easier and to help you get the refunds and credits you may qualify for. Check them below - and don’t forget, the deadline is April 15th!

Black Maternal Health Week Begins

Spending this Black Maternal Health Week reflecting on the voices of Black mothers and families in our communities who deserve better care, support, and outcomes. We have more work to do in Connecticut to ensure equity in maternal health, and I’m committed to being part of that change.

From the Equity & Environmental Justice Newsletter

Join the Healing By Growing Farms for the 3rd National disABILITY & agriCULTURE Conference. The conference will bring together farmers, food industry providers, health and human service professionals, community and faith-based groups, brain injury and trauma survivors, and (youth) our next generation of growers to share healing and empowering stories, learn new knowledge, resources, and best practices. For more information, click here.

CT Department of Transportation News

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing wrong-way driver detection maintenance and recertification on I-95 in North Stonington, Stonington, and Groton starting the evening, April 16, 2025.

The Wrong-Way Detection System uses video cameras to detect vehicles that are traveling in the wrong direction. If a vehicle is detected, wrong-way signs outlined with multiple sets of red lights are activated and begin flashing to alert the driver they are traveling in the wrong direction. Additionally, the system alerts the CTDOT Highway Operations Center and local State Police Troop barracks in real-time, allowing staff to monitor the activities of the wrong-way driver on the ramp.

The following locations are included in this project:

Route/Interstate	Town	Location
I-95 Southbound	North Stonington	Exit 92 Off-Ramp to Route 2
I-95 Northbound	Stonington	Exit 90 Off-Ramp to Route 27
I-95 Northbound	North Stonington	Exit 92 Off-Ramp to Route 2
I-95 Northbound	Groton	Exit 88 Off-Ramp to Route 117

Motorists can expect ramp closures at the locations listed above from Wednesday evening, April 16, to Thursday morning, April 17, 2025. Traffic should follow the posted detours. The work schedule for this project is from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

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.

A lane shift along I-95 northbound between the Exit 89 on-ramp to just past the bridge over Deans Mill Road will be in effect starting the week of March 31, 2025.

During this lane shift period, the Scenic Overlook Area will be closed for no more than 8 weeks to facilitate construction improvements in this area. 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.

Culvert Replacement on Route 215 in Groton

A culvert replacement at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove will be performed on Route 215 in Groton has begun. 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.

Installation and revision of traffic control signals at 10 locations, including Stonington, has begun.

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.

Baker Cove Watershed Committee's 4th Annual Rain Barrel Sale Is on Now

The Baker Cove Watershed Committee (Bacwac) has announced that its fourth annual RAIN BARREL SALE is ON now. The order deadline is Sunday, April 20th!

Please note: You don’t need to be a Groton resident to take advantage, but Public Works encourages locals to embrace it!

Veterans Resources & Updates

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

WWII Veterans Ceremony – May 19, 2025
Location TBD

This event, hosted by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut Veterans Affairs, and the Connecticut National Guard, will honor our remaining WWII Veterans in recognition of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. More Info

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

2025 Municipal Veteran Representative Training – June 13, 2025
A vital event for all Municipal VetReps who assist Veterans in accessing services.

Legislative & Policy Updates

2025 Connecticut General Assembly Session Opened January 8
Veterans can track bills related to military benefits, tax relief, and more using the General Assembly’s Bill Tracking Tool: Track Bills Here

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 Upgrade

Veterans 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 Instructions

Municipal Veterans Representative Program

Each town must appoint a Veterans Representative to help Veterans access services. Find your local VetRep here: Locate Your Rep

2025 Veterans Benefits Guide Available for Download

The 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.

Happy Passover

Chag Sameach!

Raising Autism Awareness Event @ Capitol on April 28th

This event aims to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and address challenges faced by the autism community while advocating for legislative action and supportive policies. This event is open to the public.

The Program will feature insights from medical professionals, personal stories from individuals with autism and parent advocates, and discussions with legislators on current legislative efforts supporting the autism community.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Program (Room 310)

Organizations from across the state will participate by sharing information about the resources and services they provide to the autism community. Of note: Resource tables will be set up as early as 9 a.m.