Letter to Editor: 2018 Legislative Initiatives

To the Editor,

The Legislative Session is underway at the Capitol in Hartford. The legislature is in what we refer to as the “short session”. The short session is designed to allow the General Assembly to make budget adjustments. Improving Connecticut’s fiscal stability and long-term viability is of the utmost importance to me.

Despite the focus on the state budget, several other initiatives will come before the legislature for consideration. Unlike the longer session, all concepts that are discussed this session must be raised and put forth by the various committees of cognizance.

Today, a concept I put forth to the Commerce Committee was raised to become a bill. To minimize the unemployment rate, it is important to provide an incentive for businesses to hire full-time employees in the form of a tax credit. This credit will be increased if employment is gained by an individual who had been collecting unemployment compensation.

Other new proposals that I have presented include:

• Licensing Motorized Vehicles. It is common to see smaller motorcycles and scooters on our streets during the nicer months of the year, however a very small number of these vehicles are properly registered making it impossible for insurance claims to be properly processed in the event of an accident.
• Increasing Energy Efficiency. In light of the budget considerations, it is important that funds devoted to energy efficiency and clean energy programs are not raided. This will provide the resources required to roll out these initiatives, which will have an immediate positive impact on the environment.
• Providing Public Protection. Too often animals are left locked in motor vehicles in extreme heat or cold. Temperatures in a vehicle tend to be more extreme due to the confined space. This provision would provide an affirmative defense for an individual who rescues an animal in such a predicament.

Some initiatives that I have previously introduced and will continue to pursue include:

• Bringing Rail to New Milford. I will continue to advocate for rail to return to New Milford, as it will be an economic and tourism driver for our community.
• Safe Hunting Opportunities. Hunting should be allowed on private lands on Sundays. Additionally, it is important to consider a black bear hunting season to help in minimizing the exploding population.
• Children’s Health. It is important to allow local school districts to procure locally grown foods. This will help stock school lunch programs with quality produce.

Session is slated to adjourn on Wednesday, May 9th. As the status of each of these initiatives progresses, I will be sure to update you.

Sincerely,

Bill Buckbee
State Representative, 67th District