Tammy Nuccio

CT House Republicans Unveil “Pathway to Affordability” Budget Plan

HARTFORD—House Republicans on Tues­day released a budget adjustment plan for the second year of the state budget through a series of policies aimed at making Connecticut more affordable, lowering household costs, easing property tax pressures, and addressing the school funding crisis facing communities across the state. The $27.9 billion plan, called “Pathway to Affordability,” is balanced, provides more than $400 million in tax relief, falls $167 million under the state spending cap, and spends less than the governor’s budget proposal and the product advanced by Appropriations Committee Democrats. “Connecticut is staring down a projected budget deficit that could grow worse before it gets better, and the majority’s answer is to spend more and hope for the best,” said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford). “That’s not a strategy—that’s a recipe for the next tax hike. Our plan keeps us under the spending cap and puts real money back in people’s pockets, whether through their property tax bills­ or their insurance premiums." School Taxpayer Relief & Affordability Plan (STRAP) The centerpiece of the House Republican proposal is the School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan, or STRAP—a $365 million investment distributed to every city and town in Connecticut to help offset surging education costs and reduce the burden on local property taxpayers. “Here’s the reality: Connecticut is underfunding education, using a fatally flawed formula, which has not kept up with what it actually costs to educate a child, and towns are left making up the difference,” said Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R-Tolland), House Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee. “STRAP distributes $365 million to every Connecticut community on a proportional basis—using the same percentage each town already receives from the $2.3 billion ECS program. It would mean actual tax relief for our communities, and it’s built into the budget so it’s sustainable. It’s a solution that towns can actually plan around, so they’re not constantly scrambling or raising taxes just to keep schools running. We will continue the necessary work to fix this, but in the meantime, our proposal keeps these funds there until the legislature fixes the broken ECS formula once and for all.” The “Pathway to Affordability” plan includes a broad range of tax and fee relief: Increase the state’s maximum property tax credit to $650 and expand income eligibility, extending relief to 800,000 filers Curb healthcare costs by reducing a state levy on insurance companies ($20 million) that has been passed on to consumers in their monthly premiums Eliminate income tax on all Social Security benefits Eliminate the sales tax on children’s clothing Enact a “no tax on tips” exemption Reduce the sales tax on vehicles priced between $50,000 and $75,000 from 7.75% to 6.35%--because the cost of vehicles has risen sharply in recent years, and what once seemed like a luxury price point now covers everyday family minivans and work trucks Eliminate fees on certain occupational licenses Remove the “Passport to Parks” fee from motor vehicle registrations Ease local tax burden by providing $2.5 million to help municipalities cover early voting costs “Connecticut is already one of the most expensive states in the country to live in, and our residents feel it every single month,” said Rep. Joe Polletta (R-Watertown), House Ranking Member of the Finance Committee. “The relief we’re proposing isn’t a one-time check or a political stunt. It’s built into the budget, which means it’s sustainable. Democrats have floated ideas that rely on volatile, one-time revenues. That’s not a plan, that’s a gamble with people’s money. We’re done gambling.” The plan is funded through new revenue and spending discipline, including: Recover $340 million by challenging New York’s “convenience of employer” rule, which forces roughly 80,000 Connecticut residents who work remotely for New York employers and pay income taxes to New York at rates higher (10.9% top rate) than they would pay here at home (6.99% top rate). The plan includes $1 million to help these workers file legal challenges against New York’s policy. Save $153 million by budgeting state employee positions based on realistic hiring trends rather than funding all vacancies at once Save $61 million by eliminating state-funded health insurance for undocumented immigrants, who retain access to care through Federally Qualified Health Centers Removes 25% of double-funding of ECS grants to municipalities, saving $29 million Save $12 million by reducing legislative earmarks Save $3.5 million by eliminating inmate text messaging Among our targeted investments in public safety and human services: $3.2 million to expand the CRISIS program helping police respond to and de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises $1.5 million for domestic violence shelters Provides funding to hire investigators for Medicaid Fraud Control $2.4 million to increase provider rates for Birth-to-Three child development services Creates an income tax deduction (up to $2k) for volunteer firefighter and EMS personnel

Rep. Nuccio Issues Response to Budget Proposal Put Forward by Majority Democrats

HARTFORD – Following a budget proposal disclosed by majority Democrats on Tuesday, State Representative Tammy Nuccio, Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee , issued the following response. "This budget presented today continues to increase spending at an unsustainable level. It is diverting volatile revenue to permanently increase spending while reducing our payments to our unfunded pension debt. My concern is that the majority is spending itself into a corner by building a budget based on a volatile stock market, and when that market turns, lawmakers will be back here debating about what to cut. That is not responsible planning. The budget fails to solve the immediate fiscal problems this state faces, and it just kicks them down the road until next year. House Republicans warned from the start that the majority was sidestepping our fiscal guardrails by pulling half a billion dollars from the surplus under the guise of an ‘emergency.’ This budget sidesteps the guardrails by creating a $180 million deficit for the first time since 2018, and now evades them again in 2026 only to make room for increased spending in 2027. All that while our state’s reserves begin to slip. That’s not responsible budgeting. That’s business as usual. Connecticut families don’t have the luxury of spending money they don’t have, and state government shouldn’t either. Residents are overtaxed and need relief. That’s why House Republicans will be putting forward a responsible alternative, one built on sustainable revenue, that respects taxpayers, reins in unchecked spending, and finally demands that government do what families and small businesses already do every day: live within its means." Rep. Nuccio can be contacted at Tammy.Nuccio@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423 with any questions or concerns related to state government. You can also follow her legislative activity by visiting her website, www.cthousegop.com/Nuccio or on Facebook by clicking here.

Statement on House Democrats/local education funding

HARTFORD—House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford), State Rep. Lezyle Zupkus (R-Prospect), and State Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R-Tolland) released the following statement Monday in response to a news conference by House Democrats on providing more state education funding to local school districts: "The property tax crisis has reached a fever pitch in communities across Connecticut and we agree with our House Democratic colleagues that state education funding is at the heart of the matter. We're ready and willing to work across the aisle on solutions that will help municipal leaders deliver quality education in a manner taxpayers can afford. House Republicans have put forward solutions for several years to provide sustainable education funding for our communities, we've prioritized that, but our proposals have been largely ignored. It's good to see the other side of the aisle catching up to the conversation. We find encouragement in today's discussion around magnet school and agriscience tuition that local school districts pay, but the bulk of what was described is a promise, not a permanent fix. It would draw from the same $500 million pool of volatile, one-time revenue the Governor has already been eyeing for energy rebates and gas tax relief—enough to get municipal leaders through the budgets they're building right now, but nothing more. Our goal is to prioritize permanence over promises while making sure every community, regardless of size, is treated fairly." Rep. Zupkus is House Ranking Member of the Education Committee Rep. Nuccio is House Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee

Rep. Nuccio, Tolland Legislative Delegation Issue Response to Judicial Branch Decision Regarding Juvenile Detention Facility

TOLLAND – State Representative Tammy Nuccio, State Representative Tim Ackert, State Senator Jeff Gordon, and Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley issued the following response welcoming the decision by the Connecticut Judicial Branch to pursue an alternative location outside of Tolland for its proposed juvenile detention facility. “This is a major win for the residents of Tolland,” the delegation said in a joint statement. “From the moment this proposal came to light, our focus has been clear: ensuring the voices and concerns of our community were heard and respected.” The delegation raised serious concerns about the proposed facility’s location along Tolland’s primary commercial corridor and near schools and childcare facilities. The proposal would have involved converting a property on Merrow Road into a residential program for juvenile offenders under the state’s REGIONS initiative. “Our delegation will always stand up for the people of Tolland. When decisions are being considered that could significantly affect our town, we will make sure our residents have a voice and that their concerns are taken seriously,” the statement continued. “This decision demonstrates what can happen when residents speak up and their elected officials work together to advocate on their behalf. Today’s outcome is a victory for the Town of Tolland and the people who call it home.” Following those concerns, the delegation worked closely with state officials to ensure that a full review of the proposal and its potential impacts on the community would be conducted. Discussions facilitated by the Governor’s Office previously led to a pause in the state’s efforts to acquire the site so additional evaluation could occur. “We want to thank the Governor’s Office for helping facilitate productive conversations throughout this process,” the delegation said. “We also appreciate the willingness of the Judicial Branch and Chief Court Administrator Joan K. Alexander to listen to the concerns raised by residents, town officials, and legislators.”

Rep. Nuccio Encourages Public Testimony on Bill to Help Victims of Funeral Home Fraud

HARTFORD – Following a deeply troubling case in Tolland and Vernon in which families were allegedly defrauded by a funeral home operator, State Representative Tammy Nuccio, R-Tolland, has developed legislation focused on helping victims recover financial losses. The proposal, HB 5381, would establish a Funeral Service Compensation Account to provide grants to individuals and families who have been harmed by fraudulent or unlawful funeral service practices. The legislation was drafted in response to allegations involving a local funeral home, where multiple families reported that money entrusted for funeral services was mishandled or stolen. “No family should have to endure the emotional and financial pain of losing a loved one and then discover the money they trusted someone with was mishandled or stolen,” Rep. Nuccio said. “This legislation is about accountability and making sure victims have a path toward being made whole.” HB 5381 will be the subject of an upcoming public hearing before the Appropriations Committee on Thursday, March 12 and Rep. Nuccio is encouraging residents, especially those affected by similar situations, to share their perspectives with lawmakers. “Public testimony plays a critical role in shaping legislation,” Nuccio said. “Hearing directly from residents helps lawmakers understand the real-world impact of these issues and why stronger protections are necessary.” Residents can review the bill, sign up to testify at the public hearing, or submit written testimony using the links below (the deadline to sign up to testify in person is March 11 by 3 p.m.): Read the bill: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2026&bill_num=5381 Sign up to testify: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CXZiXZ-8RGi163h2XXa0tw Submit written testimony: https://www.cga.ct.gov/aspx/CGAtestimonysubmission.aspx Nuccio noted that anyone who has been affected by funeral service fraud, or who believes stronger protections for families are needed, is encouraged to participate in the process.