Bolinsky & Foncello, CT House Republicans Unveil “Reality Check Budget” Focused on Affordability, Fiscal Discipline, and Protecting Connecticut’s Future

HARTFORD —State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) along with his House Republican colleagues on Thursday released their “Reality Check Budget” — a responsible, common-sense plan that addresses the fiscal challenges within household budgets and state government. In contrast to legislative Democrats’ unchecked spending, the “Reality Check Budget” observes the fiscal guardrails that put Connecticut on solid financial footing and have, for seven-years, kept our state “in the black”.  By going the extra yard to limit the cost of government and bureaucracy by $600 million, Republicans, boldly address Connecticut’s growing unaffordability by balancing the state budget.

“This budget is a practical, community and taxpayer-focused plan that mirrors the financial realities faced by Newtown families. We’re standing firm against tax increases and cutting government waste, while prioritizing what matters most to our town—fully funding our schools and tackling skyrocketing energy bills head-on,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, a dedicated voice for Newtown, and 13-year member of the Appropriations Committee. “Our proposal curbs excessive state spending, including placing a temporary pause on government wage increases, after seeing those wages rise 33% since 2019. It paves the way for a more affordable, transparent, and secure future for Connecticut, reducing debt for our children while preserving essential services like public safety and education.”

“This is how budgeting should work—honest, sustainable, and respectful of Newtown’s hardworking taxpayers.  With this budget, we give Connecticut’s taxpayers tangible relief on the cost of energy, particularly the “public benefits cost explosion”, and we replace proposed Democrat tax increases with tax relief.” 

The House Republican budget delivers relief to local property tax relief payers by protecting state aid to municipalities—such as fully funding special education—which helps reduce what residents would otherwise pay in local taxes. It lowers electric bills by reforming the “public benefits” charge and reforming a regulator-run program that forces customers to pay the utility bills of others. The plan also makes responsible financial choices, investing in essential government services while rejecting spending on fringe priorities like healthcare for illegal immigrants and unnecessary bureaucratic positions, such as deputy commissioners in state agencies.

The $54.4 billion two-year proposal was fully vetted by the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis. Unlike the proposal adopted by Appropriations Committee Democrats, the budget from House Republicans is a true ways-and-means product in which spending aligns with revenue. The House Republican budget is $45.5 million under the spending cap in FY26, and $928.5 million under the spending cap in FY27. It spends $769.6 million less than the Governor’s budget proposal, and $1.285 billion less than the plan from legislative Democrats.

Among the provisions of the House Republicans’ Reality Check Budget:

• Reduces electric bills by beginning to remove the “public benefits” charge
• Eliminates the “Passport to Parks” fee on motor vehicle registration
• A 5 percent across-the-board reduction to state agency operating costs
• $137.5 million in Medicaid rate increases to support struggling healthcare providers

• Imposes a two-year wage freeze on state employees, following four years of 33% salary increases, saving $330 million over two years
• Reduces health insurance bills by removing administrative costs passed on to customers.
• Supports contributions to pensions and debt to protect Connecticut’s fiscal future

The House Republican proposal, available at www.realitycheckct.com, allows residents to choose how they would use $320 million to provide tax relief.

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