Aundré Bumgardner

Dear Neighbor,

I am proud to share that the Student Loan Reimbursement Program reopens today with broader eligibility requirements, offering more individuals the opportunity to qualify for relief. Scroll down for more information.

Sales Tax-Free Week is almost here. Don't miss the opportunity to save on some back-to-school shopping and perhaps treat yourself, beginning Sunday. Sales Tax-Free week runs through Saturday, August 23rd. I've added more details below.

The highly anticipated Stonington Borough Art Walk is set for September 13th. It will feature more than 60 artists from New England. The event is free to the public. There are more details below.

This week's newsletter topics include:

• Around the 41st District
• Student Loan Reimbursement Program Reopened
• Reminder: Sales Tax-Free Week Begins on Sunday
• Signed into Law: Firearm Industry Responsibility Act
• CT Alert
• Stonington Borough Art Walk on September 13th
• 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

 

I visited this incredible program on the UConn Avery Point campus, which is inspiring the next generation through hands-on marine STEM education.

For the third straight year, I’m proud to have secured $25,000 in the state budget through the Judicial Branch’s Youth Violence Prevention Grant to fund their youth STEM programming fully.

This investment means more opportunities for young people in Groton, Stonington, and beyond to learn, collaborate, and lead.

From after-school programs to summer and spring break camps — and even a special snorkeling event at Bluff Point — Project O is giving hundreds of local students the chance to explore, ask big questions, and understand the impact they can have on their environment and marine ecosystems.

Through this funding, Project O delivered:

• Over 500 student interactions with 83 students in Groton and Stonington schools.
• 39 events totaling 50+ hours of instruction.
• 99% completion rate — nearly every student stayed engaged start to finish.

These are the kinds of results that show how investing in our youth pays dividends for our entire community. Thank you, Andrew Ely, and your great team!

Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday and runs through Saturday, August 23rd. 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.

Click HERE for a list of exempt and taxable items during Connecticut's Sales Tax-Free Week.

Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont signed The Firearm Industry Responsibility Act (Public Act 25-43) into law. It introduces new measures aimed at reducing gun violence and increasing accountability within the firearm industry. It allows civil lawsuits against gun industry members who fail to act responsibly and strengthens firearm permit laws. 

Key provisions of the bill include:
Gun Industry Accountability:

• Enables civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who fail to exercise reasonable control over the marketing, sale, and distribution of their firearms
• This makes Connecticut one of the few states allowing civil action against members of the firearm industry under state law

Closing Permit Loopholes:

• Out-of-state convictions: Individuals convicted of crimes in other states that would be disqualifying in Connecticut are now also ineligible for firearm permits in the state
• Applies to convictions within the past 8 years

Age Restrictions Expanded:

• The prohibition on selling certain semi-automatic rifles to individuals under 21 now extends to private sales, not just sales by licensed dealers

Body Armor Restrictions:

• Purchasers must have a pistol permit or an eligibility certificate to buy body armor
• Certain exemptions apply for law enforcement and specified personnel

Clarification of Self-Defense:

• The law clarifies that the unlawful discharge of a firearm statute (a Class C misdemeanor) does not apply to someone who lawfully discharged a firearm in self-defense or defense of another

Connecticut is recognized as having some of the strongest gun laws in the U.S., and this bill is seen as a significant step toward enhanced public safety and industry accountability.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is urging state residents to sign up for the CT Alert emergency notification system as extreme weather incidents continue to increase.

According to DESPP, more than 5,000 residents signed up for CT Alert just over the last month — more than during any one of the last three years, bringing the total to nearly 226,000 people who have signed up for the emergency notifications.

DESPP offered several tips on how to prepare for potential severe weather:

• Download the CTPrepares app for your mobile phone so you know how to prepare for any emergency.
• Create an emergency kit to keep in your home so you are ready for any emergency.
• Put together a “go bag” with copies of important documents, prescriptions, a battery-operated radio, and other items such as a cell phone charger.
• Make sure you have an evacuation plan, particularly if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.

Signing up for the CT alert system can be done online or by texting CTALERT to 888-777.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.