Rep. Buchsbaum Unveils His 2026 Legislative Priorities
Key Takeaways
- Buchsbaum seeks repeal of public benefits charge on electric bills to lower energy costs
- Buchsbaum proposes removal of sales tax on meals, exemption for children’s clothing
- Buchsbaum would fully exempt Social Security and retirement benefits from state income tax
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.