Aundré Bumgardner

Great news for first-time homeowners! An additional $20 million has been added to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's (CHFA) Time To Own Program.

Funding for the program, which offers down payment assistance to low and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut, now stands at $80 million, with more than $21.5 million currently available for loan reservations.

Eligibility requirements for the program include:

• Meeting financial need specifications
• Qualifying for and receiving a CHFA first mortgage
• Being a current resident of Connecticut
• Demonstrating residency for the most recent three years

This program will have short and long-term effects benefiting our state. Not only will there be a new generation of homeowners, but these residents will begin the process of building inter-generational wealth to pass on to the next generation.

• 0% interest rate with no monthly payment required
• 10% of the loan balance forgiven annually until it is fully forgiven on the tenth anniversary
• Financing for up to 20% of a down payment and 5% of closing costs

My colleagues and I are very disappointed Governor Ned Lamont vetoed two important pieces of legislation affecting the 41st district. The first is Senate Bill 73, which would have changed the Connecticut Siting Council by giving municipalities more control over siting projects in their borders. According to the governor, he is concerned the bill could lead to issues on the sitting of transmission lines, solar facilities, and other climate-related projects.
 
The governor also vetoed Senate Bill 1213, which would have required the state to increase grants to municipalities from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan fund from $52.6 million to $139.38 million annually. The governor said the bill would have reduced budgeting flexibility and comes when there has been a boost in other aid.

My colleagues and I will be working diligently to pass both of these important proposals in the next legislative session. 
 
CLICK HERE to see the other bills the governor vetoed.

• Avery-Copp Museum, Groton
• Submarine Force Library & Museum, Groton
• Mystic Aquarium, Mystic
• Mystic Museum of Art, Mystic
• Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic
• Stonington Historical Society, Stonington
• Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Stonington

The full list of participating organizations and institutions can be found here.

Connecticut is receiving $144 million in federal funding to support ongoing efforts in deploying affordable, reliable high-speed internet service across the state. This investment is vital to closing our connectivity and opportunity gap in our increasingly digital world.

Thank you to the Biden Administration, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and our federal delegation for securing this funding.

Drivers can expect delays for roadwork on part of Allyn Street in Mystic. Crews are milling and resurfacing a 1.36 mile stretch from now until Monday, July 17. There will be lane closures on Allyn Street from Route 1 (New London Road) to the end of the I-95 overpass. Crews will be out there from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.

Crews wrapped up the milling portion of the project and are now resurfacing the road through Monday, July 17 as long as the weather cooperates. Drivers are urged to slow down and maintain a safe speed in work zones.

Groton Public Schools are offering free breakfast and lunch for all children ages 18 and younger on weekdays from now through August 11 at the following locations:

Groton Public Library - 52 Newtown Rd.
Breakfast: 9:00 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.
Lunch: 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
 
Anchors Landing - 124 Gungywamp Rd.
Breakfast: 9:00 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.
Lunch: 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
 
Branford Manor - 37 Mather Ave.
Breakfast: 9:15 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.
Lunch: 11:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
 
Dolphin Splash Pad - 100 Tern Ave.
Breakfast: 9:40 A.M. - 10:10 A.M.
Lunch: 12:10 P.M. - 12:40 P.M
 
Poquonnock Plains - 1 Central Ave.
Breakfast: 9:40 A.M. - 10:10 A.M.
Lunch: 12:10 P.M. - 12:40 P.M.