Bill Buckbee

Buckbee Announces School/Taxpayers Relief & Affordability Plan (STRAP)

Connecticut’s broken education funding formula has forced cities and towns to make up the difference, leaving property taxpayers to shoulder the burden. The House Republican School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan (STRAP) would return $365 million to communities across the state. For the 67 th District, that means New Milford would receive an additional $1,730,642 in funding for our schools. STRAP is built directly into the state budget, so towns can count on consistent funding year after year—no scrambling, no uncertainty. It provides meaningful, sustainable relief for local property taxpayers while lawmakers continue working to fix the flawed Education Cost Sharing formula for good. More Information Click here to access the STRAP tool and see allocations for each town. Click here for the Pathway to Affordability plan site.

Buckbee Supports Veterans Initiative Improving Dental Care

HARTFORD – State Rep. Billy Buckbee (R–New Milford) supported legislation aimed at expanding healthcare options for Connecticut veterans. The bill, H.B. 5406, An Act Concerning Various Measures Honoring the Heroism of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces , establishes a Veterans Dental Care Program to help eligible veterans access critical dental services. “We’re always striving to ensure those who sacrificed so much for our state and country receive the benefits they’ve earned,” said Buckbee, who serves on the legislature’s Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. “This comprehensive, multi-section bill delivers meaningful support to servicemembers.” In addition to creating a dental care program, the bill: Requires the DMV to waive fees for the initial issuance of a DVA-verified veteran designation on a driver’s license or identity card; Establishes state income tax deductions for (1) compensation received for serving on an honor guard at a veteran’s funeral and (2) pay received by National Guard members called to active duty; and Creates a task force to study ways to encourage nursing homes to contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and provide care to eligible veterans. “With these provisions, veterans will have greater financial flexibility and improved access to life-enhancing services,” Buckbee added. The bill received broad bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the House, and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. ###

Buckbee Supports Bill to Improve Government Spending Transparency

HARTFORD – State Rep. Billy Buckbee (R–New Milford) supported legislation aimed at increasing transparency in state spending. H.B. 5309, An Act Requiring Transparency and Additional Oversight of the Distribution of Certain Legislative-Directed Funds , was among the final bills taken up by the House of Representatives this week. The measure received broad bipartisan support. “It’s encouraging to see this type of policy come forward and earn support from both sides of the aisle,” said Buckbee. “State resources, which come directly from taxpayers, should be managed with far greater stewardship than we’ve seen in prior budget cycles. This legislation is a strong first step toward restoring public confidence in the work we do in Hartford on behalf of our communities.” The bill follows heightened scrutiny over state funding to nonprofits, including a Hartford-based organization flagged for financial mismanagement after receiving millions in taxpayer dollars. The issue gained additional attention during debate over the 2025 state budget. After passing unanimously in the House, the bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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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