Letter to Editor: Budget Debate Denied

To the Editor,

I supported an amendment during Monday’s Special Session that would have allowed the minority party to petition and bring out a budget for the entire chamber’s consideration. If passed, this provision would have served as a mechanism for the chamber to vote on the Republican proposed budget.

The House Democrats voted this proposal down on a party-line vote of 77-71.

To me, the vote to block a budget debate solidifies the fact that the majority leadership is not fit to lead. This provision did not call for support on a budget, one way or the other. It simply allowed a budget proposal to be brought up, debated, and acted upon, by the membership of the House of Representatives.

Without currently having a balanced budget, a costly union deal was ratified. This deal will dictate the allocation of a significant portion of state resources over the next 10 years.

Our state employees are a major reason why Connecticut is such a great place to live and work. They deserve our respect and consideration, but not at the cost of a fair and balanced budget for the entire state of Connecticut. The greater good must come first. However, this deal has detrimental carve outs that are simply not in line with the hiring practices or benefit packages of the private sector.

I stand ready with my colleagues who do not fear this poor vision of our future, to lead and look forward to actually working on the state’s finances. I do not accept the status quo of standing idly by as Connecticut’s fiscal climate continues to be downgraded.

You have called on me to stand and fight for you, not as an “R” or “D”, but as a proud representative of you – the people.

Sincerely,

Bill Buckbee
State Representative, 67th District