HARTFORD, CT – State Representative Joe Hoxha (R-Bristol, Plymouth) issued a stern rebuke of the $55.8 billion biennial state budget passed by the General Assembly, calling the process irresponsible and the outcome unacceptable.

“This is not a budget. It’s a political maneuver crafted behind closed doors and forced on the public with no transparency, no accountability, and no respect for the taxpayers footing the bill,” said Rep. Hoxha.

The budget increases General Fund spending by over $2.5 billion across two years—an 11.2 percent spike. Yet special education remains underfunded, with only $40 million per year added and a one-time $30 million grant.

“This is a slap in the face to students, parents, and local schools who have been begging for the state to do its job,” Hoxha said. “Instead, they get crumbs and more unfunded mandates pushed onto local taxpayers.”

The middle-class Child Tax Credit was scrapped in favor of a one-time $250 payment to ETIC recipients.

“Let’s call it what it is, a gimmick. Connecticut families are being crushed by the cost of living and they deserve real, ongoing relief, not a one-time check that disappears overnight,” he said.

Nearly $2 billion in new taxes and revenue adjustments were included, while middle-income households were left behind. The budget also funds healthcare for undocumented immigrants over local priorities.

“The people who follow the rules, pay taxes, and ask for nothing more than fairness are being ignored,” said Hoxha. “This budget sends a clear message. If you’re a working Connecticut resident, you’re an afterthought.”

Hoxha’s harshest criticism was reserved for the budget process itself, which he says lacked any meaningful review or transparency.

“This wasn’t governing. It was railroading. Not one member of the majority can honestly say they read this budget. That is a disgrace,” Hoxha said. “This kind of backroom policymaking is a betrayal of the public trust. We were elected to represent our constituents, not rubber stamp billion-dollar bills we haven’t even seen.”

Rep. Hoxha pledged to continue advocating for transparency, local control, and real relief for working families.