Buckbee Supports State Budget

HARTFORD – The Connecticut State Legislature has approved a budget that will reverse the governor’s previous executive order, which slashed education funding to New Milford, and restores the majority of municipal aid across the state. This version of the budget was recently signed into law by the governor at the State Capitol on Tuesday, October 31.

According to Buckbee, the version of the budget that was passed retained several of the structural changes within the original document that cleared both chambers last month. Of these changes, a state spending cap and a state bonding cap were imposed to limit the amount of government spending. Additionally, all union contracts must receive legislative support before the state enters into such labor agreements.

“This was a laborious process, which at times was beyond frustrating. However, I am proud to finally get a budget passed with support from both sides of the aisle. Fiscal policies that are clearly routed in the middle are important to getting Connecticut back on path toward fiscal stability. The core services of state government are protected within this budget, which was the ultimate goal,” stated Buckbee.

The budget also includes:
• Restores education funding from the governor’s executive order
• Continues funding for DDS services and day programs
• Supports senior living services
• Provides tax cuts for retirees
• Mental health and addiction services are preserved
• Provides municipal mandate relief and prevailing wage reform, raising the threshold from $400,000 to $1 million

Buckbee also noted that this compromise is the best foot forward for the State of Connecticut. While there is less than 1% increase of new fees and tax revenues in this budget, Buckbee will continue to push for reforms that do not rely on additional tax revenues to balance future state budgets.

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