Posted on February 15, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
Photo: Sergio Liguori – Northville Volunteer Fire Department, State Rep. Bill Buckbee, Rachel Holmes – Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew, Michael Kronick – West Port, CT Fire Deputy Chief
HARTFORD – State Representative Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford) testified before the Public Safety Committee regarding a bill adding a layer of greater public safety and preserving our environment. Ultimately, the new law will allow the mobilization of qualified forest firefighters within Connecticut to fight forest fires in the most effective way possible. Prior to speaking in favor of the bill, Rep. Buckbee assembled wildfire experts from across the state to show the committee that the intent of the bill is about getting all of the trained firefighters in the state working together.
“Currently, in the event of a forest fire within our state, some firefighters may not legally be allowed to help fight the flames. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection administers training for forest firefighters and state statute requires that those fighting forest fires be employed by DEEP. If this law were to pass, then qualified forest firefighters, regardless of employer, would be able to help fight in the event of an emergency,” explained Rep. Buckbee.
Posted on February 14, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – State Representative Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford) testified today before the Transportation Committee on two initiatives that will make a positive impact on the local community. One proposal focused on bringing commuter rail back to New Milford and the other was concerning the registration of all motorized vehicles that operate on roadways.
“1971 was the last year that we had commuter rail in New Milford. Over the last decade, the state has invested over $4.6 billion to rail infrastructure. It’s unfortunate that none of those dollars found their way to New Milford,” stated Rep. Buckbee.
According to Buckbee, there would an influx of roughly 100 to 150 additional riders daily on the Greater Danbury Line if an extension was made to connect New Milford. Riding the train would alleviate the congested I-84 corridor and lessen traffic flows on even smaller throughways, like Route 7. Additionally, studies have shown that younger generations prefer to utilize light rail in areas that it is available to them. State policy should mirror this social trend.
Posted on February 8, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
To the Editor,
I do not put party first and never will. It’s not what you’ve put me there to do, and I take this job seriously. I take pride in being bipartisan. I consider every single vote and say:
I ensure that I have answered these questions before I put forth a legislative proposal. I took an optimistic approach to this session. We were promised a fresh outlook, a new approach on doing business at the Capitol. So far, that hasn’t happened. It’s déjà vu, all over again.
The top proposals coming from the governor and some legislators across the aisle are focused on new taxes and tax increases.
Posted on January 9, 2019 by Greg MacKinnon
HARTFORD – State Representative Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford) was sworn into his second term today at the State Capitol when the General Assembly convened for the beginning of the 2019 Legislative Session, which will adjourn on Wednesday, June 5.
Rep. Buckbee will assume the Ranking Member role of the Internship Committee, and continue his service on the Commerce Committee. In addition to those assignments, he will also begin service on the Energy and Technology Committee.
“We are back in Hartford and getting to work right away,” said Buckbee, “I have quite a few proposals that will be beneficial to New Milford and Connecticut residents. A couple of the highlights of my proposals include a full-time job incentive, so that we can grow and strengthen our state’s workforce. I am also continuing my quest to bring commuter rail to New Milford, so that we have options for those who commute in and out of town daily for work, or on the weekends for recreation.”
Posted on August 22, 2018 by Greg MacKinnon
NEW MILFORD – State Representative Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford) and State Senator Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) visited MEDinstill, one of the state’s leading medical manufacturing companies, on Monday afternoon. Mayor Pete Bass coordinated the meeting and also invited the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board in order to explore the potential growth within the industry at a local level.
Rep. Buckbee, a member of the legislature’s Commerce Committee, explained, “I want to thank Mayor Bass and the MEDinstill team for taking the time to meet with us. MEDinstill has an important impact on our community. There is an opportunity to extrapolate that positive impact to other industries and regions across the state. The manufacturing of medical parts may not seem exciting on the surface, but MEDinstill is continuously working on products that prevent further harm to patients and their caregivers. They are true innovators and problem solvers, which is exactly the type of talent we should be fostering here in New Milford and in Connecticut.”
