Unemployment claim fraud is on the rise – an alarming trend that can be detrimental to one’s identity integrity. The CT Dept. of Labor has several resources available, for both employers and employees, to protect identity and limit instances of fraud. There are also resources to use in the event you believe that you, or your company, may be a victim of fraud.

You can learn more about CTDOL’s Integrity Unit by clicking here.

If you believe you are a victim of a fraudulent claim, you can access the…

Several new laws will be taking effect on Saturday, July 1. These laws cover a range of topics, from the enactment of the state budget, improving accessibility of critical state programs, to further protecting victims of domestic violence. I have highlighted some of the major acts below and encourage you to review all the newly effective laws.

LAWS EFFECTIVE JULY FIRST (click here)

State Budget – Historic levels of tax relief will go into effect at the beginning of July. This includes lowering the…

The Office of Legislative Research, with assistance of the Office of Fiscal Analysis, have comprised the annual Major Public Acts report. This report provides summaries of the major pieces of legislation that were approved by the legislature in 2023. The report covers many topics, including:

• Budget and tax information
• Enhanced financial protections for seniors
• New social media policies for minors
• Anti-theft measures to reduce catalytic converter thefts
• Job programs for those with intellectual and…
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New Milford—During an assembly at Sarah Noble Intermediate School, State Representatives Bill Buckbee (R-67), Patrick Callahan (R-108) and Cindy Harrison (R-69) talked with 3^rd grade students about how a bill becomes a law. The three legislators presented a slideshow about the legislative process and then took questions from the students.

The lawmakers used a relatable example to engage the kids in the discussion of how a bill becomes a law by proposing free ice cream for all Connecticut students.…

HARTFORD – The House of Representatives approved a $51 billion, two-year state budget on Tuesday. State Rep. Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford) voted in favor of the budget bill that delivers historic levels of tax relief and stays within the legislature’s spending guardrails.

“This is the type of product that comes together when both parties agreed to adhere to our spending and borrowing caps. I’m proud to say that this framework improved budget talks, which resulted in a bipartisan agreement. I commend…

HARTFORD – State Rep. Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford), Ranking Member of the legislature’s Energy & Technology Committee, voted against Senate Bill 7 An Act Strengthening Protections for Connecticut’s Consumers of Energy. Buckbee and many of his colleagues opposed the bill because several of its sections required further vetting.

“We have a 40-section bill. There’s a lot of room for error when legislation is strung together at the last second. I appreciate the intent and unanimous passage in the Senate,…

NEW MILFORD – State Rep. Billy Buckbee (R-New Milford) proposed a concept earlier in the year that would allow parents or guardians of individuals diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability to be compensated as a caregiver. Current state law prohibits family members from being compensated as caregivers, creating an insurmountable financial burden for many Connecticut families.

“Earlier in the year the Human Services Committee heard from a resident of New Milford who is faced with…

Hartford – The New Milford Delegation hosted “New Milford Day” at the State Capitol on Thursday. State Representative Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford), who began the tradition in 2018, was joined by State Representatives Cindy Harrison (R-Southbury), Pat Callahan (R-New Fairfield), and State Senator Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield).

The tradition began as an event for lawmakers to learn about New Milford and its dedicated community partners, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and local programs. The…

House Republicans proposed their two-year state budget plan on Tuesday morning. The balanced budget proposal is comprised of broad-based tax cuts, totaling over $1 billion, and funds core government services.

Click here to review the news conference in its entirety.

Tax Relief Budget…

The document champions historic funding levels for education and nonprofit organizations, strengthening the safety net and ensuring social services are readily accessible to residents who will greatly benefit from…

ESSEX – State Rep. Billy Buckbee (R-New Milford) joined his colleagues on the Energy & Technology Committee, Governor Lamont, and PURA’s Chairman Marissa Gillett, on Wednesday afternoon at the Essex Town Hall to unveil new policy standards for the state’s electric distributors. Buckbee spoke in support of the efforts to address concerns with the utilities and improve the overall consumer experience.

“I strongly support initiatives aimed at providing reliability and accountability to Connecticut’s…