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Dear Neighbor,
We got a lot of work done in the House this week, including passing legislation that protects our kids on social media and strengthens laws for survivors of sexual assault and trafficking.
We passed legislation that will ensure that our tax dollars are being spent the right way in supporting our libraries. I've included an update on bills passed in the House so far. We have a lot more to do before our 2025 legislative session ends on June 4th.
Tuesday was a special day for me in which I introduced five, environment-related bills and they all passed with bipartisan support. That's confirmation that they were good bills. I think you will enjoy the section committed to the day below. I want to send a special shoutout to Gleanna Doyle of Stonington, and a WBDC Accelerate Grant winner! I hope you all have a good weekend. The topics in this week's edition include:
- At the Capitol
- Tuesday Was A Good Day
- Social Media And Protecting Our Kids
- Coordinating Care
- Supporting Victims of Trafficking
- E-books
- Education Bill
- Bills Passed In The House This Session (So Far)
- Congratulations, Gleanna Doyle!
- New Generation Of Marine Scientists, Stewards Fellowship
- CT Department Of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- SBA Lending Expo Comes To Southeastern CT In June
- Community Events And Notices
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.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
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From committee meetings to late-night votes, I’ve been working closely with my colleagues and our local legislative delegation to deliver for Groton, Stonington, and communities across Eastern Connecticut.
Every conversation, every amendment, every stand we take—it’s all about putting people first. Grateful for the teamwork, the advocacy, and the opportunity to fight for what matters most.
Let’s finish up strong! |
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| I enjoyed meeting Connecticut's Kid Governor and Kid Cabinet in the People’s House this week. It is so inspiring to see our youth take a strong interest in civics and public policy! Our future is bright! |
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| I got to celebrate a beautiful Mother’s Day weekend by watching my baby sister walk across the stage and receive her MSW from Quinnipiac—surrounded by three generations: my mom, my grandma, and me. Wishing a joyful Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmas, aunties, and mother figures who make every day brighter! |
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As Vice Chair of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Environment Committee, I brought out five bills on Tuesday. It was my first time introducing a bill on the floor, including SB1282, AN ACT CONCERNING THE MINIMUM QUARANTINE FOR CERTAIN DOGS AND CATS EXPOSED TO RABIES, and HB5013, AN ACT ADDING CERTAIN PLANTS TO THE INVASIVE PLANTS LIST. SB1282 reduces the minimum quarantine time from six to four months for dogs, cats, and other animals that have been attacked and that may have been exposed to rabies.
HB5013 prohibits the sale, use, and distribution of certain invasive plants in the state. Both bills passed overwhelmingly in the House with bipartisan support. |
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| HB 5012, AN ACT PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE OF SHARK FINNING, passed overwhelmingly as well. Please see the video below in which I bring out the bill. |
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I introduced HB6222, AN ACT CONCERNING THE TAKING OF EASTERN OYSTERS AND INVASIVE AQUATIC SPECIES, which would support our local oyster and seafood industries. These efforts help strengthen our sea-to-table restaurants and the working waterfronts that define Groton, Mystic, and Stonington.
Thank you to David Standridge of Shipwright’s Daughter for your partnership on the bill and the close coordination of DEEP, DoAg, Sea Grant, UCONN Avery Point, and CT Restaurant Association.
Please see the video below for the introduction of the bill and its passage. |
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| HB6248, AN ACT CONCERNING THE PENALTY FOR ILLEGALLY TAKING STRIPED BASS, restores the population of striped bass in the lower Housatonic River. This bill passed unanimously, too. It was a good day for me. It was a great day for our state and those who truly care about our environment. |
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Protecting our kids from data harvesting and predatory advertising on social media platforms. Connecticut took a major step forward as a national leader by passing legislation this week to reign in big tech’s predatory practices that are reinforcing addictive and harmful choices in minors.
We are proud to join a nationwide movement that prioritizes youth mental health over tech profits. |
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| It’s great to have another educator in the House! First-term State Representative Patrick Biggins secured a big legislative win with this new effort to coordinate care for students returning to the classroom after being discharged from inpatient care. This means a smoother transition and better support for our kids! |
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House Democrats took action on Thursday by passing legislation that ensures more protection and support for victims of some of the most egregious crimes in our state.
The bill prohibits various forms of discrimination based on someone’s status as a sexual assault or human trafficking victim, such as in employment, public accommodations, housing sales or rentals, granting credit, and several other areas. Survivors deserve protection, not discrimination. |
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Good news for CT libraries! We passed a landmark bill on Thursday that positions the state as a national leader in supporting public libraries facing skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks.
This legislation stands up for libraries by prohibiting them from entering into or renewing prohibitively expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers of digital materials.
This legislation also aims to curb libraries’ unsustainable financial burden while ensuring the public continues to have equitable access to digital content. It does so by barring several onerous contract terms that publishers have used to price-gouge libraries on e-books and audiobooks.
Our libraries are the beating heart of our communities. They shouldn’t have to choose between providing the books their patrons want and accepting terms that interfere with their operations or waste taxpayer dollars. |
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House Democrats just passed a critical education bill that honors civically engaged students, reforms crisis response drills, and much more.
Establishing the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement recognizes graduating high school seniors who demonstrate civic engagement both inside and outside of the classroom school. By reforming school crisis response drills through new standards, we continue to protect and prepare students and staff while being sensitive to mental health needs.
Other provisions include requiring school districts to have policies limiting the use of smart devices, addressing antisemitism, providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies, allowing districts to decide whether to allow 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, and requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.
This legislation thinks holistically about success and support for our students and schools. |
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WBDC's Accelerate Grant Program is designed to encourage continued growth in businesses that previously received a WBDC grant.
Women-owned businesses that received a WBDC Equity Match Grant, Ignite Grant, or Municipal Grant at least 12 months ago were invited to apply for the second round of Accelerate Grants. Applicants were required to demonstrate revenue growth as a direct impact of receiving WBDC grant funding.
On Tuesday, May 6, during WBDC's Women-Owned Business Day at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, seven finalists presented to a panel of judges, who determined the four businesses that received a $25,000 Accelerate Grant.
From a pool of 41 applicants, seven finalists were selected to participate in the Pitch Night. Each presented a compelling case for how the $25,000 Accelerate Grant would propel continued growth for their business.
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| Congratulations to Gleanna Doyle and the world-class dog-training organization Rhodes Collar of Stonington, selected among seven finalists to receive a $25,000 Accelerate Grant. |
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| I am very excited about this fellowship opportunity for high school students 16 years of age or older. Please see below for more details. |
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A milling and resurfacing project began on Monday on Route 1 in Groton and Stonington. This project is scheduled to be completed on Friday morning, May 23rd. The project includes milling and resurfacing a 0.93-mile segment of Route 1 from Allyn Street in Groton to 0.05 mi. south of Lincoln Avenue in Stonington.
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. 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.
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| 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. |
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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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Upcoming Events for Veterans
On Monday, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, in partnership with Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch and CTNG Major General Francis Evon, is hosting a ceremony to recognize living World War II veterans from across the state.The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 19th at 11:00 am on the drill shed floor of the William A. O'Neill State Armory, 360 Broad Street, Hartford. The Lt. Governor would like to invite all legislators to join. 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 Here2025 Municipal Veteran Representative Training – June 13, 2025A vital event for all Municipal VetReps who assist Veterans in accessing services.
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:
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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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| The SBA Lending Expo is coming to eastern Connecticut on Tuesday, June 3rd in Norwich! Please see the flyer below for more details on this worthwhile event. |
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