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Dear Neighbor,
I hope you can join me for our monthly "Coffee with Aundre" at the Ditty Bag in Mystic on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon. We've had a great turnout and lively discussions at these gatherings in recent months.
As we begin rounding out the summer, parents look forward to shopping for school supplies and clothing during Sales Tax-Free Week.
We're almost there. Sales Tax-Free Week begins next Sunday, August 17th, through Saturday, August 23rd. It's never too early to prepare for the week when the sales or the purchase of certain items of clothing or footwear under 100 bucks is exempt from the state's 6.35% sales tax.
You can treat yourself to something, too. Please see more details below, including which items are exempt from the sales tax that week and more.
I've also included an item from the Office of the Healthcare Advocate, which assists CT residents in understanding their health insurance options, resolving disputes with insurance companies, and accessing necessary healthcare services.
This week's newsletter topics include:
- Around the 41st District
- Join me for Coffee @ The Ditty Bag on Saturday
- Sales Tax-Free Week Begins on Sunday, August 17th
- Healthcare Superpower: Office of the Healthcare Advocate
- E-bike, E-Scooter Injuries Up in CT
- National Farmers Market Week
- CT Department of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- Community Events and Notices
Have a great weekend!
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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| I had a great time visiting Camp Cove at OC YMCA Naik Family Branch in Mystic. From the opening ceremonies to the energy of the campers, it was an inspiring morning full of joy, community, and the unmistakable Y spirit. Proud to support programs that make this kind of impact. |
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I’m deeply saddened by the passing of former Town of Groton Mayor Rita Schmidt — a dedicated public servant, an unlikely mentor, and a steady voice of reason in local government.
Our time in public service overlapped during my first term as State Representative, when she served as mayor, and we later had the privilege of serving together on the Groton Town Council. From the very beginning, Rita was a strong supporter — always encouraging me to challenge myself and serve Groton to the best of my abilities.
She offered thoughtful guidance, whether through a quick phone call or one of her signature, plain-spoken emails.
Rita was brilliant, graceful, and an exceptional negotiator who led with clarity and conviction. She had a deep understanding of our town’s needs and was especially passionate about cultivating a thriving tourism economy in Mystic that benefited residents and preserved our character.
She mentored me with wisdom and care, often the quiet person in my ear, reminding me what truly mattered. Her leadership was grounded in balance, integrity, and a fierce commitment to community. We need more local leaders like Rita — but there will never be another quite like her.
Thank you for always having my back, Rita. You are deeply missed and forever appreciated. RIP. |
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| I look forward to seeing and hearing from you on Saturday for "Coffee With Aundre" at the Ditty Bag in Mystic from 10 a.m. to noon. |
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Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 17, and runs through Saturday, August 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week
- Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
- Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
- This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.
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| Click the button below for a list of exempt and taxable items during Connecticut's Sales Tax-Free Week: |
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| Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week! |
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| We have a wonderful resource in the state of Connecticut, known as the Office of the Healthcare Advocate. Recently, they shared a video on how they can help you when dealing with insurance companies over procedures, billing, and more. Please see the video below. |
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| Please click on the video below regarding e-bike and e-scooter injuries in Connecticut. Of note: In May and June, Connecticut Children's treated 24 kids in the emergency department due to e-bike injuries. They may be eco-friendly, cool, and fun, but e-bikes and e-scooters can be dangerous, too, if you're not careful. |
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Happy National Farmers Market Week!
Celebrate the benefits of shopping local:
- Fresh & Flavorful – Straight from the farm to your table
- Sustainable Choices – Support eco-friendly farming practices
- Support Local – Keep money in your community
- Meet Your Farmers – Know who grows your food
- Get Inspired – Discover seasonal ingredients & new recipes
Shop local, eat fresh, and grow community! Find a list of Connecticut’s Farmers' Markets, please click HERE. Of note: Farmers' Market will be open at Washington Park in Groton, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19th & 26th.
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Temporary Signalization on Route 215 in Groton
A temporary signal was implemented on Route 215 in Groton on Monday, June 9th. It will be de-energized in November 2025. Project No. 0058-0338 consists of replacing the culvert headwalls and relining the existing culvert pipe under Route 215 at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be continuous single-lane closure on Route 215 from June 9 to November 2025. Traffic control signing, temporary pavement markings, and the temporary signal will guide motorists through the work zone in an alternating one-way manner.
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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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 VeteransWreaths 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 HereLegislative & 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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