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Dear Neighbor,
We're back!
I hope you had a great holiday, and Happy New Year again. I also hope you can join our monthly coffee hour at The Ditty Bag in Mystic tomorrow. We're just a few weeks away from the start of our next session on February 4th.
I would love to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas you want to share. Just a reminder, these well-attended gatherings go a long way in helping shape how I represent you in Hartford. I look forward to seeing you.
There is a wide range of topics to interest this week. There is also an opportunity to help a young man and his family through A Fundraiser for Sawyer.
This week's newsletter topics include:
- Around the 41st District
- Join me for coffee @ The Ditty Bag Tomorrow
- Access Health CT Extends Registration Deadline
- Generation Power CT Energy Assistance
- Plan of Conservation and Development Open House
- Honoring Dr. King in New London
- Groton Schools Recognized
- A fundraiser for Sawyer
- Heart of the Arts Awards
- 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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Grateful for another thoughtful conversation this morning with the Stonington Men’s Group at the Ocean Community Mystic YMCA – Naik Family Branch.
I was glad to be part of the discussion alongside Heather Somers, Bill Middleton, Danielle Chesebrough, and Michael Schefers, with the panel thoughtfully moderated by Andy Feinstein, and I invited Tom Sanford.
We covered some real issues facing this district — federal funding uncertainty, housing affordability — including land use, short-term rentals, and transit-oriented development, and how we govern responsibly even in a polarized political environment.
What’s clear is that many of the challenges we’re feeling locally aren’t about headlines — they’re about the real impacts local elected officials have on housing projects, coastal resilience, and infrastructure planning in Groton, Mystic, and Stonington.
I appreciated the chance to talk candidly about how we keep projects moving, focus growth in the right places, protect local character, and work across differences to deliver results for our communities.
Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion and asked thoughtful questions. These conversations matter. |
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| These gatherings have been well-attended in the past, and this will be a great opportunity to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas ahead of the 2026 session, which begins on February 4th. I hope to see you there! |
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Access Health CT (AHCT) has announced that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday, January 31.
The original deadline was January 15.
Customers who enroll now will have coverage starting February 1. Customers can also renew their coverage. |
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| Recent state and federal changes mean the amount of financial help available and who is eligible have changed. However, financial assistance is still available. |
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Access Health CT is working with state officials on a plan to implement the new state subsidy program that will lower costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through the exchange.
Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The state subsidies will fully fund the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for consumers with incomes between 100-200% of the federal poverty level, and who are not enrolled in the Covered CT program.
The state subsidies will also replace 50% of the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for those with income over 400% of the federal poverty level and up to 500% of the federal poverty level.
AHCT is the only place Connecticut residents can get financial assistance to pay for their health insurance. |
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| Generation Power CT, formerly known as Operation Fuel, has opened its Energy Assistance Program, which has been extended through Sunday. |
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This is the third program cycle. Eligible Connecticut households can receive a one-time grant of up to $500 to help with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.
For the best chance of approval and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when they are most in need. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season:
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, click HERE.
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Join the Town of Groton next week for a public Open House on Groton 2035, the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. This is an opportunity to learn about progress made so far, review draft ideas, provide feedback, and share your vision for Groton’s future.
Thrive55+, 102 Newtown Rd., Groton
Thursday, January 15 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Can’t attend in person? You can review draft chapter plans and participate in surveys HERE.
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Connecticut’s public schools are showing real, measurable progress — and Groton is part of that success.
The Connecticut State Department of Education recently released results from the 2024–25 Next Generation Accountability System, which looks beyond test scores to measure how well schools are supporting students across academics, attendance, graduation readiness, postsecondary preparation, physical fitness, and arts participation.
The results are encouraging. Students across the state improved on most indicators, including academic achievement, chronic absenteeism, on-time graduation, postsecondary readiness, and graduation rates. These gains reflect sustained investments in public education and a broader understanding of what student success truly looks like.
One standout area has been dual credit expansion, which allows high school students to earn college credits before graduation. The percentage of Connecticut juniors and seniors earning three or more college credits with a grade of C or better increased from 22.3% in 2021–22 to 30.7% in 2024–25 — nearly a 40% increase in just three years.
Each year, the state also recognizes schools that demonstrate high performance, strong academic growth, or meaningful improvement as Schools of Distinction. In 2024–25, 140 schools statewide earned this recognition — including 34 schools in Alliance Districts, showing that progress is reaching communities across Connecticut.
I’m proud to share that two Groton schools were named Schools of Distinction this year:
- Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School
- Thames River Magnet School
This recognition is a credit to the students, educators, administrators, and families who work every day to create supportive learning environments where young people can thrive.
As we head into the legislative session, I remain committed to supporting policies and investments that strengthen our public schools, expand opportunity, and ensure every student — in Groton and across Connecticut — has the tools they need to succeed.
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The deadline for nominations for the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) 2026 Heart of the Arts Award has been extended to January 16.
This prestigious award honors students, adults, or groups involved in high school performing or visual arts who exemplify the core values of education-based activities—integrity, citizenship, courage, and good character.
If you know someone who has shown exceptional "Heart,” gone above and beyond to support others in the school community, or overcome significant challenges, nominate them for this award!
The nomination form can be found HERE, while a playlist of past winners can be found HERE. |
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Construction Activities on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge in New London and Groton
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that construction activities will continue on I-95 Northbound Gold Star Bridge in New London starting on Sunday, January 11, and will be completed on Monday, January 12, 2026. T
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect left lane and shoulder closures during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11 and 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026. State Police escort will be on site.
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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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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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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