Jason Buchsbaum

Rep. Buchsbaum Provides Mid-Session Update on Committee Work

All three of the committees of which Representative Jason Buchsbaum is a member met this week to begin voting on bills that were heard at public hearings in recent weeks. The Commerce Committee met to discuss a few bills concerning economic development and tourism. The deadline for this committee comes up next week. "The Energy and Technology Committee held two meetings and completed its work for this session without raising a single bill that would address the high cost of electricity and exorbitant public benefits charges on ratepayer bills. I will continue to advocate for relief for our residents on this significant issue," said Rep. Buchsbaum. "Instead, it discussed proposals at its final meeting that would have the opposite effect. I took issue with that at the meeting, along with the process utilized to pass bills out of committee that were not finalized, that even the proponents acknowledged needed many changes before being presented to the full House. " While Rep. Buchsbaum supports exploration of all energy sources, he believes there needs to be a balanced, thoughtful approach in adopting policies, and statutory language needs to be fully evaluated at the committee level. The Public Safety & Security Committee also met to report bills through to the next step in the legislative process. There were dozens of bills that advanced, including a number aimed at assisting our first responders, including police, fire, and EMS, with respect to various benefits, recruitment, and retention. The Committee listened to feedback on Tuesday on a firefighter and police officer recruitment and retention bill related to tuition at state schools. Rep. Buchsbaum noted, "there was testimony from EMS professionals and I have heard from EMS organizations throughout the 69th district about expanding the legislation to include EMS, which I fully support." There were a number of other public safety initiatives on the agenda as well, including an expansion of the Connection to Recovery Through Intervention, Support & Initiating Services (CRISIS) Initiative pilot program, which helps police officers on de-escalation/intervention tactics with an aim to help connect people in overdose, substance abuse, and mental health calls to the services they need.

CT DOT to Perform Maintenance Work on I-84 Ramps

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is performing wrong way driver detection maintenance and recertification on I-84 west and eastbound in Southbury on Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. • I-84 Eastbound, Exit 14 in Southbury • I-84 Eastbound, Exit 16 in Southbury • I-84 Westbound, Exit 15 in Southbury Traffic will follow posted detours and drivers are advised to seek alternate routes during the ramp closures listed above. 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. The DOT is performing similar work throughout the region over the next two weeks. Monday, March 23, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. • I-84 East and Westbound at Exit 4 in Danbury • I-84 Westbound at Exit 5 in Danbury • I-84 Eastbound at Exit 2 in Danbury Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. • I-84 West and Eastbound at Exit 10 in Newtown • I-84 West and Eastbound at Exit 11 in Newtown • I-84 Westbound at Exit 9 in Newtown Monday, March 30, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. • I-84 Westbound at Exit 17 in Waterbury • I-84 Westbound at Exit 22 in Waterbury • I-84 Westbound at Exit 25 in Waterbury

Celebrating Read Across America Day at Burnham School

State Representative Jason Buchsbaum celebrated Read Across America Day by reading to students at the Burnham School in Bridgewater. Since it was Dr. Seuss’s birthday, Rep. Buchsbaum read “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” and “Horton Hears a Who!” with the upper grades and “Green Eggs and Ham” and “The Cat in the Hat” with the younger grades. "It’s been a few years since I read these stories and didn’t remember the end of “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” went like this: “So be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray…you’re off to Great Places! Today is Your Day!” We shared a good laugh over the same sounding name, just spelled differently, being included in the book," said Rep. Buchsbaum. Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2nd with the goal of sharing the joy of reading and promoting early childhood literacy with elementary school children. According to its website, The National Education Association seeks to build a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. For more information about this great event please visit www.nea.org/readacross .

Rep. Buchsbaum Applauds Farm Transition Grant Award

A farm in Southbury has been awarded a 2026 Farm Transition Grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Guardians Farm was selected as just one of 43 recipients, out of a record 123 applications for this grant. "Small and mid-sized agricultural operations have a positive impact on our local economy. Investments in farms like this help ensure that our agricultural sector remains viable, competitive, and environmentally sound for future generations," said Rep. Jason Buchsbaum.

Rep. Buchsbaum Unveils His 2026 Legislative Priorities

HARTFORD— State Representative Jason Buchsbaum (R-69) announced his legislative proposals for the 2026 Connecticut Legislative Session. Rep. Buchsbaum continues to serve on the Commerce, Energy & Technology, and Public Safety & Security Committees and his bills span across these and other committees in the state legislature. His focus is on making Connecticut more affordable, lowering energy costs, enhancing public safety, and protecting the right of towns to govern themselves. Rep. Buchsbaum is proposing to repeal any component of the combined public benefits charge from electric bills. “One of the top concerns I hear about from residents is the high energy costs in Connecticut, and especially the inclusion of the public benefits charges on electric bills. Those charges are nothing more than a hidden tax that needs to be removed from rate bills," said Rep. Buchsbaum. The cost of living isn't only impacted by the high cost of energy, so Rep. Buchsbaum has proposed a package of tax reforms to bring greater affordability to Connecticut residents. "My proposals concerning common sense tax reductions have been referred to the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, and are likely to receive a public hearing this session. These would include elimination of the one percent sales and use tax imposed on meals sold by an eating establishment, caterer, or grocery store, and exempting articles of children's clothing costing under $100 from the sales and use tax," said Rep. Buchsbaum. As the cost of living continues to rise in the state, to assist seniors in our communities, Rep. Buchsbaum also proposed eliminating the qualifying income thresholds for the personal income tax deductions for Social Security and other retirement benefits, which would fully exempt such benefits from the state income tax. “My focus is on helping Bridgewater, Roxbury, New Milford, and Southbury residents with the overall cost of living, keeping our communities safe, and making it easier for businesses to thrive in Connecticut," said Rep. Buchsbaum. Rep. Buchsbaum has also proposed legislation to reduce fees for small business filings with the Secretary of the State. He is also seeking to help municipalities offset the growing cost of elections by proposing a bill that would provide grants to help mitigate election administration costs for early voting. He has submitted several other bills, and the entire list can be viewed at Rep.Buchsbaum.com . The 2026 Connecticut Legislative Session adjourns at midnight on May 6th.