Aundré Bumgardner

• $243 million proposal to extend Shore Line East from New London to Westerly, Rhode Island with four train stations in Groton, Mystic, Stonington, and Westerly
• 12 roundtrips per day, Monday – Friday
• Northbound trips would take 24 minutes, southbound trips would take 22 minutes
• New operating plan with scheduled timings between New London and New Haven

The CTDOT estimates the Shore Line East extension would bring 159,300 new riders per year by 2035.

For those unfamiliar with the acronym, ALICE stands for Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed. Although the percentage of ALICE households varies from town to town with the statewide average at 39%, policymakers must pay attention to this data and take steps to create a path to financial stability for these families.

CLICK HERE to listen to my remarks at Tuesday's press conference.

I encourage everyone to learn more about the ALICE Report and how it can help us to better understand the challenges facing working families in Groton and across Connecticut. Together, we can make a difference.

Channel 3's Chief Capitol Reporter Susan Raff spoke to single moms who are struggling to make ends meet. CLICK HERE to watch the emotional story.

I enjoyed visiting Masonicare at Mystic alongside Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, Senator Heather Somers, and First Selectwoman Danielle Chesebrough.

I spoke with our valued residents about a resource that was launched in June 2021: the Elder Justice Hotline. This tool, created in partnership with the Elder Justice Coalition, serves as a lifeline for Connecticut's elderly citizens and their families, providing them with an easy way to voice their concerns or connect with vital resources.

The Office of the Attorney General staffs the hotline (1-860-808-5555) Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. While it does not serve as an investigative authority, the hotline receives reports of abuse and refers them to the Department of Social Services Elderly Protective Services Unit.

On October 2, all Connecticut residents will be eligible to sign up for ArrayRx, a prescription drug discount card program that provides up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state.

You need a valid physical Connecticut address and an email address to enroll. A digital card will be provided after registering.

The program is part of Public Act 23-171, An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs, which I proudly supported.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is evaluating and recalculating yellow and red change intervals at more than a dozen municipally owned traffic control signals including one in Stonington at Coogan Boulevard and Clara Drive.
 
According to the Federal Highway Administration, the yellow change interval is the length of time that yellow light is displayed following a green light. Research shows that when yellow change intervals are well timed, they can reduce the amount of drivers running red lights and improve safety on the roads.

The design plans for this project are expected to be completed in April 2024 with a tentative advertising date of June 2024.

There will be temporary lane shifts and ramp closures along I-95 northbound between exits 91 and 92 this month in Groton, Stonington, and North Stonington. The work allow crews to reconstruct the right shoulder. Message boards will let drivers know when lane shifts and ramp closures are ahead.

The $38.25 million project is expected to be completed in November 2024.