Bill Buckbee

Buckbee: Eroding the Legislative Process Through Dummy Bills

READ on CT Examiner site. To the Editor, As the Energy Committee concluded its final meeting of the year, to say I am disappointed with the process would be an understatement. As legislators, we should be working in the best interests of the people we represent. Unfortunately, that principle appears to have been lost on some of our colleagues. This session, we have seen public hearing times shortened, limiting meaningful participation on some of the most important issues before us. Even more concerning is the increased reliance on so-called “dummy bills,” or placeholder legislation, used as vehicles to pass policies at a later stage. The fundamental problem with these bills is their lack of substance. At our final Energy Committee meeting, we debated S.B. 420, An Act Concerning Natural Gas and Gas Companies — a vague proposal that could later be amended to include a wide range of policies before reaching the House floor. This approach eliminates the opportunity for public input and restricts thorough legislative review prior to a vote. This practice effectively circumvents the legislative process. Without proper committee scrutiny, a small group of lawmakers and insiders can advance policies that may not serve the best interests of our communities. These are not extraordinary times that justify bypassing transparency. Any proposal worthy of becoming law should be subject to public hearings and thoughtful review. In fact, some of the strongest policies are shaped and improved by the feedback we receive — your voice truly matters. As the chants for “No Kings” echo in Washington, that same principle should guide our work here in Hartford. America — and this state — are built on systems designed to protect diverse viewpoints, not silence them through rushed processes or majority rule without accountability. My purpose is not to complain, but to inform. This is the current practice, and I am calling on my colleagues and our elected officials to prioritize responsibility over political agendas and party directives. I am here for the difficult conversations. I am here for honest, open debate — not procedural games that delay action and diminish trust. With only weeks remaining before the legislative session adjourns, there is still significant work to be done. I remain committed to advocating for policies that lower your cost of living and sustaining a clean environment while upholding a transparent and accountable process. I also extend an open invitation to the majority leadership in Connecticut: let’s sit down for a courteous, calm, and substantive discussion on any and all of the issues before us. Let us move forward as leaders of the people, engaging with respect rather than sarcasm or dismissal. I would warmly welcome that opportunity. Arrogance and power do not create intelligence. The best ideas for government emerge from a collection of perspectives, not from any single decision-maker, regardless of party affiliation. The question remains: are we willing to set aside ego and engage in meaningful dialogue, or will we continue with the same patterns that hinder progress? Sincerely, Billy Buckbee 67th Assembly District, New Milford

WATCH: Buckbee Questions DEEP Commissioner on BESS Placement

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New Milford Veteran Advocates for College Reimbursement Option for Children

HARTFORD – A bill before the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee could provide additional college resources for children of the men and women who served in the military. The proposal would allow veterans to transfer unused college tuition reimbursement benefits to a direct family member. New Milford resident Warren Hengel joined State Rep. Bill Buckbee (R–New Milford) to testify in support of the concept — H.B. 5417 , An Act Allowing Children of Veterans to Use Such Veteran's Unused Tuition Waivers and Requiring State Funding for Tuition Waivers — during a recent public hearing. “How many of you with children who want them to attend college will have $125,000 or more set aside for each child’s education?” said Hengel, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from New Milford. “If you want to keep Connecticut affordable and appreciate the men and women who have served our great nation, then approve Bill H.B. 5417.” After providing remarks, Hengel and Buckbee took questions from committee members, which focused largely on the practical application of the policy. For instance, in families with more than one child, lawmakers asked how the benefit would be distributed. Hengel suggested a one-for-one approach, noting that if both parents served in the military, their benefits could potentially be combined. Committee members also raised concerns that the proposal could increase budgetary needs or shift additional costs to colleges and universities. However, lawmakers expressed a willingness to work through those issues in order to move the concept forward. Chairman Gregg Haddad (D–Mansfield) said he could not think of a more deserving segment of the population to receive these benefits. “Education vouchers acknowledge not only the veteran’s service, but the family’s sacrifice as well,” Buckbee said. “Transitioning from military to civilian life can be financially and emotionally challenging. Education vouchers help ease that transition by providing children with consistent access to quality education. A nation that asks individuals to defend it has a moral obligation to support their families. Providing education vouchers reflects gratitude in a tangible, future-focused way.” The committee will now take public hearing testimony into consideration. Under legislative deadlines, the bill must be acted on by March 17, 2026. If it receives favorable action, it will move forward in the legislative process. ###

Read Across America, Northville Elementary School

This morning, I had the pleasure of visiting Mrs. Leto’s first-grade class at Northville Elementary School as part of Read Across America. There’s nothing better than starting the day with a room full of enthusiastic young readers! For story time, I shared The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak. Both stories brought plenty of laughs and thoughtful moments — from the heartfelt lessons of generosity in The Giving Tree to the hilarious, imagination-filled fun of The Book With No Pictures . After we finished reading, the students asked insightful questions about my work as a state representative. I was so impressed by their curiosity and the thoughtful way they engaged in our conversation. It was a fun, lively visit with a very bright group of students, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading with them.

WATCH: Buckbee Cries Foul on "Emergency" Legislation

Hartford - The House of Representatives convened on Thursday, February 26, to take action on 'emergency certified' legislation. State Rep. Bill Buckbee took issue with the action of the chamber, as the legislature is in its regular session period - meaning that lawmakers are progressing through the committee process to determine which concepts will make it to the House Floor for a vote. "Each year, hundreds of bills do not advance — that is a normal part of the legislative process. However, the majority party’s leadership recently chose to revive several bills that did not pass during last year’s session, following a closed-door meeting among themselves. "Although I had not originally planned to speak on the bill, I felt it was important to address this process," said Buckbee. You can view my remarks by clicking the image below.