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| Dear Neighbor,
The start of a new month has opened the door for another legislative meeting at The Ditty Bag in Mystic. I hope you can join me on Saturday. There will be one more opportunity next month before the 2025 legislative session begins on January 8th.
I am happy to share that millions in grant funding are headed to Stonington for the cleanup and repurposing of the mill property at 21 Pawcatuck Avenue into a 51-unit apartment building.
I also have an update and recommendations to the legislature to share from our Ranked Choice Voting Working Group meeting this week. There is a little something for everyone in this week's newsletter, including some very special holiday events happening this weekend.
This week's topics include:
- Out N' About in the 41st District
- Join Me for Coffee @ The Ditty Bag on Saturday
- Stonington to Receive $4M Grant to Remediate Blighted Property
- Ranked-choice voting Update, Recommendations
- Strengthening Pension Funds, Investing in Connecticut
- Statewide Burn Ban Ends
- Reminder: Heating Assistance Available
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance
- Community Events
Have a great weekend,
Aundré |
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| I had the privilege of attending Mystic Aquarium’s Legislative Day—a reminder of why Senator Somers and I often joke that we represent the best district in Connecticut!
Mystic Aquarium is not just a world-class destination for marine life enthusiasts; it’s a cornerstone of conservation and education in our community. From their incredible Animal Rescue Program that rehabilitates sea turtles and seals, to their tireless efforts to protect endangered penguins and belugas, Mystic Aquarium embodies a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable species.
Beyond conservation, the Aquarium plays a vital role in education, reaching virtually every school in Connecticut with impactful programming that inspires future generations to care for our ocean planet.
Recently, I was proud to have played an active role in securing $500,000 from the state bond commission for the Mystic Aquarium’s chiller replacement, which is essential for the care of marine animals!
Walking through the exhibits and hearing about their initiatives reaffirmed the importance of supporting this critical infrastructure. This funding is a win for our community, ensuring the aquarium can continue its vital work in conservation and marine education while supporting the local economy.
Thank you, Mystic Aquarium, for hosting such an insightful event and for your dedication to protecting our marine ecosystems. Together, let’s continue to build a more sustainable future for our oceans! |
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| The time has come for our monthly get-together. I hope to see you on Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon at the Ditty Bag in Mystic. |
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| Governor Lamont announced this week that a series of state grants totaling $20 million will support the remediation and redevelopment of 21 blighted properties, consisting of 150 acres of contaminated land in 18 municipalities across Connecticut.
That includes $4,000,000 to the Town of Stonington for abatement and remediation activities at the four-story mill property located at 21 Pawcatuck Avenue. The cleanup of the 5.24-acre site will enable it to be repurposed into a 51-unit apartment building with limited commercial space. |
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| The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. These state investments are expected to leverage approximately $530 million in private investments and facilitate the creation of 1,392 units of new housing and the growth of new businesses.
I am thankful that the Lamont administration continues prioritizing remediating brownfield sites, which will improve our towns and keep Connecticut moving forward. |
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| You may remember that I was selected to join the Ranked-Choice Voting Working Group Governor Lamont established during the 2024 session to explore RCV in Connecticut. I was honored.
Potential reform would enhance democratic participation, reduce negative campaigning, eliminate wasted votes (with early voting including absentee and military ballots), and ensure that election outcomes reflect the preferences of a broader segment of the electorate. I am proud to report that the group has come up with recommendations for the legislature to consider and adopt. You can take a look at those recommendations and an update from our most recent meeting on Wednesday HERE. Please click on the video below to hear my thoughts on the work that has been accomplished. |
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| Vice Chair Monte Frank who I collaborated with is pictured on the left. He made a great leadership team with Co-Chairs and State Senators Cathy Osten and Tony Hwang. on the right, I'm with David Klein, of Mystic, who testified before our working group in support of RCV. After the meeting, I was able to show him around our historic House chamber! |
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| Connecticut has made significant progress in strengthening its pension funds for retired state workers and addressing legacy debt, which isn’t just good news for pension holders and all taxpayers.
The improvements in the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) are detailed in reports released this week. Our latest independent valuations found both systems to be at their highest funding levels in decades. |
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| As funding levels rise and debt goes down, that frees up money—$492 million in the next fiscal year alone—that can support tax cuts for working families and key investments in our communities. We’ve got a lot of work left to do, but this continued fiscal progress will have direct benefits for all Connecticut residents. |
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| The statewide burn ban has ended for Connecticut’s State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas. Recent rain and snow have helped tremendously with drought conditions and lowered the forest fire danger level. Despite the news, please consult with local officials for guidance on burning and continue practicing fire safety as conditions evolve. |
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| To learn more, including fire safety guidance, please click HERE. |
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| Here's a friendly reminder about several programs that can help pay or lower their heating bills this winter. Whether it be state assistance, protection from shutoff service, financial assistance programs, or energy efficiency, there is a plan for everyone. |
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| Here is a closer look at what's available:
State and Other Assistance Programs
- You can get up to $530 to help pay your heating bill through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply online here or visit your local Community Action Agency. You can also find your closest agency by calling 211.
Protection from Service Shut-Off
- Protect your gas or electric service from shut off, from November 1 through May 1 with Winter Protection, for customers facing financial hardship.
- You may also be eligible for Medical Protection if anyone in your home is seriously ill or has a life-threatening situation.
Financial Assistance Programs and Payment Plans
- The Matching Payment Program can lower the amount you owe on energy bills. For every dollar you pay, and every dollar you receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), Eversource will subtract a dollar from the amount you owe.
- An Electric Discount Rate You may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit if you have a financial hardship status on your account.
- Flexible Payment Plans of up to 18 months are available to help all residential customers with active accounts pay off money owed, regardless of their income.
- With Budget Billing, pay a fixed amount each month based on your average energy usage to avoid spikes in your bill during heating and cooling seasons.
Energy Efficiency
- Eversource has energy efficiency programs, incentives, and money-saving tips to help you reduce your overall energy use during the colder months.
To learn more about the programs, and which one may be right for you, please call 1-800-286-2828 or visit eversource.com/billhelp. You can get a jump on lowering your heating bill and keeping your home this winter today. |
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| On this day, we honor the lives lost and the courage shown on December 7, 1941. Let us never forget the sacrifices made on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. |
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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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