Committee Work Draws to an End, Budget Discussion Looms
HARTFORD – The session deadlines for committee work are quickly approaching. Most of the General Assembly’s 19 different committees of cognizance have held their public hearings and voted on the legislation deemed worthy of further debate. I have previously reported that some of my proposals have successfully moved along in the process, including a provision to require gas leak detectors in new construction as well as mechanisms to help those coping with addiction. I wanted to provide further insight on some of the other legislation I worked on throughout the committee process.
As the Ranking Member of the Energy Committee, I engaged in many discussions on how to decrease the rising cost of energy throughout the state. Connecticut residents and businesses have been asked to shell out their hard-earned cash for several recent increases to rates, making an already unaffordable financial climate even tougher. I was proud to help shepherd legislation examining the make-up of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority, cutting down on extended terms, limiting the number of PURA commissioners to three with a maximum 8-year tenure (two, four-year terms). Transparency is a great step in providing clarity in the rate setting process – an issue that the committee will continue to address in the coming months.
I have also advocated for the strengthening of our energy grid, hardening our infrastructure so that we can minimize long-term power outages. I was proud to support legislation that will create a study on the use of biosolids as a source of energy. This concept has been adopted in other regions of the country and around the world. I believe, pending the findings of the study, similar processes of gleaning energy could prove beneficial to Connecticut.
Connecting residents with health services is the primary concern of the Human Services committee. I believe we moved forward quality policy reforms that will help residents get the healthcare they deserve. One major concern that was brought to my attention was a lack of operating hours for the state’s 2-1-1 services hotline. This hotline is used for a multitude of services, which was why I found it to be incredibly alarming that over the weekends and in the evenings, no one was answering calls to the hotline.
To ensure around the clock accessibility, we crafted legislation that would allocate the necessary resources for 24/7 monitoring of the hotline. We also moved legislation that is aimed at eliminating the wait list for services, an issue that has plagued too many residents for years.
The men and women who served our country to protect the freedoms you and I enjoy today are often struggling to get the benefits that they have earned. The committee moved forward legislation that will remove disability payments from veteran income. Currently, these payments have been considered income and based on certain thresholds, have disqualified individuals for benefits.
It’s also important that those who have served are recognized for what they have done for our country and state. Specialty license plates are a small token in which we can recognize individuals for their service. I supported a bill that allows veterans to access specialty plates at no extra cost through the Dept. of Motor Vehicles.
Looking Ahead
With committee work winding down, the budget debate looms in the not-so-distant future. The Appropriations Committee will hold a vote on its proposed spending package at the end of April, with the Finance Committee figuring out its blueprint to pay for it. The legislative proposed state budget will be compared to what the governor offered in the beginning of session. There will be a lot of discussion on how to divvy up the current surplus, and what we can do to provide financial relief.
Should you have any questions or concerns about our state government, please contact me! My e-mail is Bill.Buckbee@housegop.ct.gov or you can call me at 860-240-8700.
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