|
|
|
|
|
What's Our Rep Been Up To?
|
|
|
| Thank you to everyone who joined my monthly coffee hour today! Productive discussion surrounding issues impacting our area. I am already looking forward to the next one! |
|
Back-to-back Champions! Connecticut remains the Basketball Capital of the World  Congratulations, UConn Huskies!! |
|
| I had the chance to visit Barn Island in Stonington this week with The Connecticut Audubon Society along with State Rep. Greg Howard whom I represent the diverse coastal Wildlife Management Area. Barn Island is the largest and single most ecologically diverse coastal WMA in CT, with over 1,024 state-protected acres marked by centuries of cultural and biological history, once a vital resource for early colonial settlers and Native Americans and now for scientists and outdoorsmen.
I enjoyed meeting with their representatives in the field to talk about the benefits of conservation and the important role of coastal marsh management in protecting humans and wildlife. This includes their efforts to protect beach nesting birds and initiate coastal resilience projects to create new marsh land.
Given that CIRCA at UCONN Avery Point predicts a 20-inch sea level rise by 2050, this natural ecosystem will continue to be at risk along with birds calling it home such as the Saltmarsh Sparrow, Marsh Wren, Willet, King Rail, and Osprey. I am excited to work on these issues in a bipartisan manner with subject matter experts so we can give these beautiful species a fighting chance of survival. |
|
| Thoroughly enjoyed visiting Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center’s Coogan Farm with my friend and colleague, Town of Stonington, CT First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough this week.
Coogan Farm is home to 400 years of Mystic history and was saved by DPNC and the Trust for Public Land in 2013 to protect natural and historical resources with the goals of conserving, education, sustainable tourism, public health, and community spirit.
We heard an update from DPNC’s Davnet Conway and Vera Harsh on the initiatives they are undertaking concerning their federally licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility; natural history museum highlighting southeastern Connecticut’s local ecosystem; wildlife sanctuary, trails network, and open spaces they manage; community giving garden; and early childhood education-through-nature program.
DPNC is in the process of EXPANDING its preschool program and will offer additional slots at their newly renovated space at Coogan Farm. 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 according to the CT Office of Early Childhood.
As a member of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, I voted to advance our House Democrats’ Caucus priority bill on early childhood education and care, HB 5002– and was privileged to co-sponsor the legislation. Of local significance, 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.
We are grateful that DPNC is prioritizing the development of our youngsters, and nurturing their love for our local environment. Every day, they demonstrate that providing programs for people and protecting birds of prey and songbirds and the habitats they call home, are not mutually exclusive. |
|
| In The Fight To Help Those Being Threatened With Eviction |
|
|
The situation affecting certain residents in duplexes on Ivory Court and Fieldside Apartments is deeply troubling. They are facing eviction threats due to the lack of disclosure from the previous landlord regarding the change in ownership to Up Realty, a company known for acquiring properties in the area for substantial sums. Additionally, some residents were not informed of impending 30-day notices to vacate.
The apparent motive behind these actions seems to be a strategy to relocate residents, undertake renovations, and subsequently increase rental prices. Such tactics are concerning, particularly given the lack of advance notice and the fact that these residents have been consistently meeting their rental obligations.
I recently had the opportunity to listen to residents express their frustration and apprehension at Thrive 55+, and their distress is palpable. I have taken steps to address this matter by reaching out to the State Department of Housing. The Groton legislative delegation has already met with the Housing Commissioner and our town manager regarding the matter. My office will also work directly with Rep. Conley’s office to facilitate assistance with residents. |
|
Connecticut has established protections for vulnerable demographics, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, there is a need to strengthen legislation about no-fault evictions. I am committed to advocating for the expansion of these protections during the current legislative session, recognizing the urgency of the situation with less than a month remaining. Rest assured, I will continue to be a vocal advocate on this critical issue.
Two active programs may be of help to tenants now: The UniteCT Eviction Prevention Fund assists with arrears/ back rent. The Moving Assistance Program provides security deposit assistance to tenants relocating. Current Eviction Prevention Fund guidelines are located here. Tenants must have an active eviction against them with a summons and complaint.
|
|
| Alewife Herring Meeting On April 17th |
|
|
| The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is conducting a scoping meeting at the Mystic Hilton on April 17th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. to solicit comments regarding the range of alternatives to be considered in Amendment 10 (A10) to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Council is proposing to take action through A10 to address spatial and temporal allocation and management of Atlantic herring at the management unit level to minimize user conflicts, contribute to optimum yield, and support the rebuilding of the resource. The Council is also proposing to take action to enhance river herring (alewife and blueback herring) and shad (American shad and hickory shad) avoidance and other catch reduction measures to better support ongoing coastwide restoration efforts for those species. The Council is scheduling the scoping meetings under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. |
|
| Entwined Exhibition Opens At Mystic Seaport On April 20th |
|
|
| This contemporary artwork by Allison Wells is a reflection of the Underground Railroad in the free-state whaling city of New Bedford. Utilizing mixed media, the piece features news clippings and other references of significant African American influences including the 54th regiment of the Civil War and Fredrick Douglas. "Entwined: Freedom, Sovereignty, and the Sea", a new major exhibition at Mystic Seaport Museum, opens on April 20. Learn more HERE. |
|
| Autism: Raising Awareness At The Capitol On April 29th |
|
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 5th Annual Recycle Regatta |
|
|
| 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. |
|
| Earth Day Is Every Day In Stonington |
|
|
| Arab American Heritage Month |
|
|
| Celebrating the rich tapestry of culture and contributions of Connecticut's Arab American community throughout history and beyond. This Arab American Heritage Month, let's honor diversity, embrace unity and recognize the invaluable impact of Arab Americans in shaping our state's vibrant identity. |
|
| Community Events And Notices |
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
