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Dear Neighbor,
I’m looking forward to a couple of upcoming events and hope you can join us. Climate & Clean Transportation Advocacy Day is on April 21, and Southeastern CT Day at the Capitol is Monday, April 27. We’re still adding vendors for that event. You’ll find more details about both below.
As vice chair of the Environment Committee, I was glad to hear that the state is providing $15 million to support clean air projects. You can find more information below.
Do you have unused or unwanted prescriptions lying around? National Drug Take Back Day is April 25th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information, including locations to drop off unused or unwanted prescriptions, is below.
Lastly, my intern, Ian, checks in with an inside scoop!
If you have questions or ever need any help, please don't hesitate to reach out by phone, (800) 842-8267 or email, Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
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Climate & Clean Transportation Advocacy Day on Tuesday, April 21, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Hosted by Save the Sound, advocates will join together to speak with legislators about bills that would support continued electrification of school bus fleets and establish programs for the purchase of bus passes for distribution to high school students and veterans, in addition to opposing rollbacks in clean transportation standards. |
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| Looking to lower your energy bills? Local and state partners are hosting upcoming resource fairs to connect residents with programs that can help reduce costs and improve home efficiency, beginning on Wednesday in Norwich and Groton on Wednesday, April 29th. Interested? Register HERE. |
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| I will be participating in this event and hope to see you there! |
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As we begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of their unused or expired medications at local collection sites.
Please click on the image to find your nearest drop-off location. |
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| Southeastern CT Day is on Monday, April 27th, in the North Lobby of the Capitol, beginning at 10 a.m. I hope you can join my colleagues and me for what is sure to be a good time! |
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Here is a list of the vendors confirmed for the event so far:
CT Sun
- Mystic Chamber of Commerce
- New London Recreation Center
- Muddy Waters Café New London
- Hope Inc. New London
- Grijavla Cattle Company- North Stonington
- Florence Griswold Museum
- UCONN Avery Point
- Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation & Mashantucket Pequot Museum
- Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
- Mystic Aquarium
- Mystic Seaport
- Mommys Delicious Food- Norwich
- Mi Familia Restaurant
- Electric Boat
- Coast Guard Museum
- New London Historical Society
- Habitat For Humanity Southeastern CT
- Ledge Stone Orchard
- Lyman Allen Museum
We hope to see you on Monday, April 27, at 10 a.m.!
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The state is making $15 million available through the national settlement of the Volkswagen emissions scandal to support clean air projects across Connecticut. Eligible projects must reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, key contributors to smog, and help advance the state’s efforts to combat air pollution.
Older diesel engines are a major source of nitrogen oxide, which is linked to asthma, lung damage, and other serious health conditions, with children particularly at risk. Funding will prioritize projects that replace, repower, or retrofit aging diesel-powered vehicles and non-road equipment, significantly reducing harmful emissions.
Organizations interested in applying for grants can learn more through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). DEEP will also host an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 21, at 1:00 p.m. to review the application process and provide guidance. Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on June 11.
Click here to register for the webinar.
Click here for more information on the Volkswagen settlement. |
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April is recognized as ABLE to Save Month in Connecticut, a time to raise awareness about financial empowerment for individuals with disabilities.
The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program allows eligible individuals to establish tax-advantaged savings accounts that support greater independence and long-term financial security. |
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Recent expansions have broadened access to the program, making thousands more residents, including veterans, eligible by increasing the disability onset age to 46.
ABLE accounts allow individuals to save more than $20,000 annually without jeopardizing eligibility for critical federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, providing a vital pathway to stability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency.
Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and to enroll. |
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| This is a time for advocates, survivors, their loved ones, and the broader community to come together to speak openly about sexual violence by supporting survivors, raising awareness, deepening understanding, and identifying effective strategies and resources to prevent it. |
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| If you need support, The Connecticut Alliance to end Sexual Violence offers a 24-hour toll-free hotline, call 1-888-999-5545 (English) or 1-888-568-8332 (Spanish). |
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Observed each April since 2003, National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, highlights the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, and honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.
More than 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with a new person added every eight minutes. Approximately 17 people die each day waiting for an organ they didn't receive in time. A single organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others through tissue and cornea donations. Less than 60% of American adults are registered donors.
To register as a donor, sign up online at RegisterMe.org, through Connecticut's donor registry, or through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Registration is quick and free.
For individuals age 18 and over, being included in the Donor Registry is legal authorization for organ and tissue donation. Remember to discuss your decision regarding organ donation with your family. |
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Hello again,
It’s been a busy past few weeks, and I’m excited to update you on what’s been happening at the Capitol.
There were many bills on the floor during the last House session, but one particularly interesting proposal was HB 5243, which seeks to create a working group to develop an economic development and tourism plan for the greater Mystic area.
Co-sponsored by Representative Bumgardner, the bill brings together legislative and local leaders from Groton and Stonington, with a goal of delivering recommendations by January 1, 2027.
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On a related note, I tuned in to the Bonding Subcommittee’s hearing on state agency budgets and gathered some interesting insights. During the hearing, Representative Bumgardner asked the OPM Undersecretary about the Distressed Municipalities Property Tax Reimbursement (DMPTR) Program.
Undersecretary Martin Heft explained that the program allows towns like Groton and Stonington to receive reimbursement for a significant portion of their property tax revenue, helping return those dollars to the local economy. This is why continued or increased funding for the program is being requested in the upcoming fiscal year.
The final update I have for you is on Representative Bumgardner’s bill, HB 5536. If this bill reaches the House floor, it would allow the state and municipalities to collect critical data on the rapidly growing and largely unregulated short-term rental market (think Airbnb). This is especially important for communities like Groton, where the rise in short-term rentals is putting pressure on housing availability and local infrastructure.
When we last shared an update, the bill was scheduled for a public hearing—I’m happy to report that it has since passed committee and been referred onward in the legislative process.
That’s all for this week—and remember: democracy is not a spectator sport.
Sincerely,
Intern Ian
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| As energy costs remain a concern for many households, Groton Utilities is offering several programs to help residents reduce expenses while improving home efficiency. |
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Available programs include:
• Free Home Energy Audits
Identify air leaks, improve insulation, and receive simple upgrades that can immediately lower your energy use.
• HVAC Mini-Split Rebates (up to $4,000)
Upgrade to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems that reduce long-term energy costs and improve comfort.
• SolarPlus Incentives (up to $10,000)
Support for installing solar or solar-plus-storage systems to help you generate your own power and lower monthly bills.
These programs are practical, cost-effective tools to help households save money while strengthening our local energy system.
I encourage all Groton Utilities customers to explore these opportunities and take advantage of the support available.
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A wrong-way driver preventative maintenance and recertification will be performed on I-395 in Plainfield, Griswold, and Waterford; Route 2 in Norwich, and I-95 in Groton, Stonington, and North Stonington.
The locations and dates of work included are:
Monday, April 13, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
- I-395 Northbound and Southbound at Exit 24 in Griswold
- I-395 Northbound and Southbound at Exit 28 in Plainfield
- i-395 Northbound at Exit 29 in Plainfield
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
- I-395 Southbound at Exit 2 in Waterford
- I-95 Northbound at Exit 85 in Groton
- I-95 Northbound at Exit 88 in Groton
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
- Route 2 Eastbound at Exit 35 in Norwich
- Route 2 Eastbound at Washington St. in Norwich
- Route 2 Westbound at Exit 38 in Norwich
- Route 2 Westbound at Exit 35A in Norwich
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
- I-95 Northbound and Southbound at Exit 90 in Stonington
- I-95 Northbound at Exit 92 in Stonington
- I-95 Southbound at Exit 92 in North Stonington
Traffic will follow posted detours and be advised to seek alternate routes during the ramp closures listed above.
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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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing plans to rehabilitate Bridges carrying I-95 over the Groton Reservoir in Groton.
The project involves structural rehabilitation to address the deficiencies associated with the existing bridges to prevent further deterioration, ensure safety, and maintain serviceability.
The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in June 2029, with construction anticipated to start in the spring of 2030, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding, and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits.
It is CTDOT's policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. |
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How 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 Upgrade
Veterans 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 Instructions
Municipal Veterans Representative Program
Each town must appoint a Veterans Representative to help veterans access services. Find your local VetRep here: Locate Your Rep
2025 Veterans Benefits Guide Available for Download
The 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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If you have questions, or ever need any help please don't hesitate to reach out by phone, (800) 842-8267 or email, Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner |
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