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What's Our Rep Been Up To?
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| Earlier today, I had the privilege of attending the State of Town of Stonington, CT, Town of Groton, and City of Groton presentation, hosted jointly by The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce.
We heard from our local municipal leaders: Danielle Chesebrough, First Selectman of Stonington, John Burt, Town Manager of Groton, and Keith Hedrick, Mayor of Groton City regarding their insights into the current and forecasted economic activity in our collective communities.
From highlighting key initiatives to addressing pressing concerns, the presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges ahead. I enjoyed engaging with fellow residents, business owners, and community members who attended the event. |
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| On Good Friday, we made a great choice with the Friday Fish & Chips night at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society of Stonington in the Borough! |
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| Join Me For Coffee On Saturday |
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| I hope you can join me on Saturday, April 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., for our monthly coffee hour in which I get to share with you what I have been doing in Hartford as well as hear your concerns or what more you think I should be doing for the 41st district. I hope to see you there. |
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| Sounding Off For Climate Action |
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| I was proud to stand with fellow lawmakers and climate change activists at the Sound Off for Climate Change Action press conference at the LOB on Wednesday. As the constituents of the 41st district know, this issue is close to my heart. I am passionate about the environment, clean energy, solar power, electric vehicles, and more.
I got right to the heart of the matter and how urgent it is for us legislators in Hartford to do all we can to address climate change now by passing bills this session that could help us here in CT, including:
Please click below to hear my comments. |
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| I was happy to talk with Fox 61's Emma Wulfhorst shortly after the Sound Off for Climate Action press conference on Wednesday. Climate change and doing what we can for the planet is worth talking about anywhere and at anytime. Thanks, Emma! |
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| A Commitment To Childcare Affordability |
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| House Democrats have made it a top priority during this legislative session to address the issue of childcare affordability. HB 5002 focuses on making childcare more accessible and affordable for families through long-term strategic investments. This is a significant measure that could positively impact many families in our community.
As a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, I was proud to support this proposal, as childcare plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth and well-being of our children while also strengthening the economy by supporting parents and guardians. By improving accessibility and affordability, we are investing in our community's future and providing relief to individuals striving to balance work and family life. |
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This legislation is certainly relevant to Southeastern Connecticut and Groton specifically, where the need for child care will continue to increase driven by the hiring boom at Electric Boat which will be hiring at least 5,200 new employees in the next year.
Section 5 of the bill proposes a tri-share childcare model in New London County, establishing a public-private partnership with an evenly shared cost for qualifying employees’ childcare between the state, participating employers, and participating employees. Currently, thousands of jobs remain open in New London County as its major defense, manufacturing, and hospitality industries struggle to find workers, in part because the area is a childcare desert.
This bill is about more than just numbers; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of families who deserve access to quality, affordable childcare.
Together, we can ensure that this legislation reflects the needs and priorities of the families it aims to serve. |
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| Stonington HOP Service Update |
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| Saturday marks the start of HOP (MicroTransit) service for Stonington. Service will be available between 6:45 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. Rides can be booked using the SEAT Connect or Spare Rider app. Fares are $1.75 or $0.85 for Senior and/or Disabled citizens with proper ID. |
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| Subase Scheduled Power Outage Saturday And Sunday |
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| There will be a scheduled power outage on Subase New London on Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Subase visitors and tenants may experience between 4-8 individual outages during this timeframe. Public Works Department New London will be testing and commissioning the Subase New London Micro-grid system. This Micro-grid commissioning will increase the Subase New London electrical resilience, allowing for better service to both Subase Sailors and submarines. |
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| Denison Homestead Daffodil Festival Saturday |
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The Denison Homestead Daffodil Festival is this Saturday, April 6, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., at 120 Pequotsepos Road, Mystic (across the street from DPNC)
Visitors to the festival are invited to come across the street afterward to DPNC and enjoy a hike and a visit to natural history exhibits! Admission to DPNC exhibits is free for members and $10 for non-members. The building and natural history exhibits close at 4 pm, but the trails are open without charge from dawn to dusk. Questions about the Daffodil Festival on April 6? Call Denison Homestead at 860-536-9248. |
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| Total Solar Eclipse Monday! |
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| In a dramatic news bulletin Monday morning NASA announced a major correction to the path of the great American Solar Eclipse predicted to occur on April 8th.
Totality is now predicted all over Connecticut. No need to drive far, it is coming to a theater near you! Click on the image below to read more. |
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| Autism: Raising Awareness At The Capitol April 29th |
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| The CT Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity is inviting you and the families under your care to attend: "Autism: Raising Awareness at the Capitol".
This free event, which takes place on Monday, April 29th from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the North Lobby of the Capitol, aims to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and address challenges confronting the autism community. I am proud my mom, Liz Bumgardner, will be participating in this event, from an educator and parent advocate perspective. |
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| The invitation is being extended to families to join and listen to insights from medical professionals, as well as personal stories from individuals with autism and parent advocates who have navigated the journey of raising children on the autism spectrum. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from legislators regarding current legislative efforts. |
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| 5th Annual Recycle Regatta |
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| Don't miss out on participating in the 5th Annual Recycle Regatta, a free, fun, hands-on competition for K-12 students! Students build model sailboats from recycled materials, racing to victory while learning about engineering, math, sailing, buoyancy, and stewardship. Submissions are open and being accepted through April 30th! Please visit the New England Science & Sailing Foundation website for more information HERE. |
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| Congratulations Renee And David! |
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| Congratulations to chefs Renee Touponce (Oyster Club and Port of Call) and David Standridge (The Shipwright's Daughter). Renee has been nominated as a national Outstanding Chef Finalist by the James Beard Awards Foundation! David is one of five finalists in the Best Chef Northeast category. The James Beard Award is among the most respected in the culinary world. Award winners will be announced in Chicago on June 10th. Good luck Renee, and David! Read more about Renee and David HERE. |
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| Earth Day Is Every Day In Stonington |
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| The Spirit Of Mystic Award Winner Is... |
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| The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is the proud winner of the 2024 Mystic Irish Parade Spirit Of Mystic Award. The Greater Mystic Chamber Traveling Visitor Center will be touring the Mystic region to celebrate. For more details, please click HERE. |
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| Community Events And Notices |
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| 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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