Rep. Buchsbaum Votes to Protect Fiscal Guardrails, Uphold Spending Cap

HARTFORD- State Representative Jason Buchsbaum Monday voted against the new two-year, $55.8 billion budget which erodes Connecticut’s fiscal guardrails, subverts the state spending cap, and moves budget items into dedicated ‘off-budget accounts.’

This budget increases state spending by 10.1%—a staggering $2.635 billion jump—while adding an unnecessary $2 billion tax-and-fee burden on Connecticut’s families and businesses.

“This is an unsustainable plan that sets Connecticut on a path of long-term fiscal instability,” said Rep. Buchsbaum. “This nearly 700-page document was unveiled at 4AM, a mere 12 hours before debate started, when most state residents were sleeping. The lack of transparency and flawed process are disappointing.”

The budget document also included a series of policy proposals having no relation to the budget whatsoever. The budget continues to underfund important programs like special education and Medicaid.

“Our caucus offered several improvements, all of which were rejected. They would have supported Special Education, funded vital healthcare services through Medicaid Rate Increases, and provided reforms to the Passport to Parks system.”

The budget passed the House of Representatives on a vote of 99-49.

“Regrettably, the Reality Check budget proposal House Republicans offered was dismissed without consideration. Our proposal did not break the fiscal guardrails established to keep our state on good financial footing and provided full funding for necessary services like special education, all without increasing taxes,” added Rep. Buchsbaum.

Read the detailed final budget here: State Budget Analysis.