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Dear Neighbor,
The 5th annual Groton City Brew Run at Eastern Point Beach is tomorrow. Almost 600 folks registered for the event last year. Please scroll down for more details.
September is Hunger Action Month. In response, the state has provided some much-needed relief to Connecticut Foodshare. I've added additional details below.
Connecticut ($16.94) will have the second-highest minimum wage in the country, on January 1, 2026, behind Washington State ($17.26) and just ahead of California.
The boost will benefit more than 160,000 CT workers. Please see more details below.
I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter. Topics include:
- Around the 41st District
- September is Hunger Action Month
- Generation Power Energy Assistance Program is Open
- A Boost to the Minimum Wage in CT
- "Hey, Did That Bill Ever Pass Somewhere Else?"
- Groton City Brew Run is Saturday
- Reminder: Stand Down 2025
- 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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| Planting a Shadblow Serviceberry on Arbor Day with the Town of Groton and DEEP at the Groton Public Library earlier this year. Fall is a great time of year to plant native trees! |
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We honor the contributions of working people and Unions here in Groton, Mystic, and Stonington—and across Connecticut—who power our communities and keep our state moving forward. From the shipbuilders at Electric Boat, to teachers in our classrooms, to health care workers, first responders, service workers, tradespeople, and the small business owners who form the backbone of our local economy—Labor Day reminds us that progress is built on their hard work and dedication.
It’s also a time to recommit ourselves to protecting workers’ rights, ensuring safe workplaces, and expanding opportunities so that every family can thrive.
As your state representative, I’ll continue to fight for fair wages, affordable housing, Green jobs of the future, and quality education, including free child care.
To all who labor in our community—thank you. Your work is the foundation of our shared prosperity.
I hope you and your loved ones had a safe and restful Labor Day. |
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Saturdays are for The Velvet Mill! Kayla and I enjoyed a lunch date at The Back Door Kitchen & Pizzeria, one of the many gems tucked inside this incredible space.
We’re so lucky to have The Velvet Mill in our community. Beyond great food, it’s a place where local makers, small businesses, and artists all come together under one roof.
Whether you’re browsing shops, grabbing a coffee, checking out unique art, or enjoying live music and events, there’s always something happening here! |
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The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Groton Utilities are holding the 5th Annual Groton City Brew Run at Eastern Point Beach in the City of Groton tomorrow, beginning with the kids run @ 10:30 a.m. You'll need to register for the event. Nearly 600 did in 2024.
Please click on the flyer below for more details. |
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| Did you know that, according to Feeding America, 516,000 people in Connecticut are food insecure? That's 1 in 7 adults, and 1 in 6 kids, or 122,000, and these folks are from all walks of life, from working parents raising families, to the disabled. |
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| I am proud to have voted for the much-needed additional funding for the nonprofit organization earlier this year. Click on the image below for a good read from Fox 61. |
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The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program is open and will run through Wednesday, September 10th.
This program offers a one-time grant of up to $500 to assist eligible Connecticut households with their electric, gas, or fuel expenses. |
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Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income.
Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when they are most in need. GPCT has four Energy Assistance Application Cycles:
- September 2-10
- November 2-10
- January 2-10
- March 2-10
Click HERE to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.
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Beginning on January 1, 2026, Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from the current rate of $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour.
The change is required under a state law signed in 2019 that ties the state’s minimum wage to economic indicators, specifically the percentage change in the federal Employment Cost Index.
The Connecticut Department of Labor reports that the employment cost index increased by 3.6% over the 12 months ending on June 30, which accounts for a $0.59 increase to the state’s minimum wage.
No full-time worker should be stuck in poverty.
This is a fair increase that helps individuals and families gain stability and puts money back into our local businesses and communities. Read more HERE. |
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The 2025 OLR Bill Tracking report is now available. This report identifies bills considered during the recent legislative session whose content or concepts were incorporated into other legislation, under different bill numbers, that the legislature then passed.
During this session, the content or concepts originating in at least 201 bills were incorporated into other legislation that was enacted in 51 public acts.
Click on the image below to view this report and track down the bill concepts of interest. |
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On September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will host its annual Stand Down event.
This event is a commitment to serving Connecticut’s veterans, military personnel, and their immediate families by providing “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at regional sites across the state. |
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A formal ceremony will be held at the Rocky Hill Stand Down location at 9:30 a.m.; however, you're welcome to attend any of the six Stand Down locations at any time throughout the day.
Stand Down locations are:
• Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue, Bridgeport
• Southington: Southington Armory, 600 Woodruff Street, Southington
• Danbury: Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive, Danbury
• Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue, Norwich
• Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill
• Stamford: UConn at Stamford, 1 University Plaza
Click HERE for more information. |
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Nighttime Repairs on the Gold Star Bridge Along I-95 North and Southbound in New London/Groton
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that bridge work will be performed on Bridges 03819 and 02514A along I-95 north and southbound (Gold Star Bridge in New London/Groton. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, September 8, and be completed on Friday, October 3, 2025. This project ensures the bridges remain in a state of good repair.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be nighttime lane closures on I-95 north and southbound from Monday, September 8, to Friday, October 3, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday-Thursday. No work will be performed on Columbus Day. Traffic control signing patterns and crash units will guide motorists through the work zone.
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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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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