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HARTFORD —State Representative David Rutigliano (R-123) along with his House Republican colleagues on Thursday released their “Reality Check Budget” — a responsible, common-sense plan that addresses the Affordability challenges within household budgets. In contrast to legislative Democrats’ unchecked spending, the Reality Check Budget honors the fiscal guardrails and protects Connecticut’s long-term fiscal health while reducing the size and cost of government bureaucracy by $600 million.

“This budget’s a commonsense, neighbor-first plan that reflects what Trumbull families are really dealing with. We’re holding the line on taxes and trimming the fat from government, all while focusing on what truly matters—making sure our Trumbull schools are fully funded, our veterans are taken care of, folks can get the healthcare they need, and we’re doing something real about those out-of-control energy bills,” said Rep. David Rutigliano, a strong voice for Trumbull. “We’re putting a stop to wasteful state spending—starting with hitting pause on government pay hikes—and setting Connecticut on a path that’s more affordable, more open, and a whole lot more secure. This plan lowers the burden on our kids and keeps vital services like public safety and education right where they belong. This is how you do a budget—with honesty, common sense, and respect for the hardworking folks who call Trumbull home.”

The House Republican budget delivers relief to local property taxpayers by protecting state aid to municipalities—such as fully funding special education—which helps reduce what residents would otherwise owe in local taxes. It lowers electric bills by reforming the “public benefits” charge and reforming a regulator-run program that forces customers to pay the utility bills of others. The plan also makes responsible financial choices, investing in essential government services while rejecting spending on fringe priorities like healthcare for illegal immigrants and unnecessary bureaucratic positions, such as deputy commissioners in state agencies.

The $54.4 billion two-year proposal was fully vetted by the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis. Unlike the proposal adopted by Appropriations Committee Democrats, the budget from House Republicans is a true ways-and-means product in which spending aligns with revenue. The House Republican budget is $45.5 million under the spending cap in FY26, and $928.5 million under the spending cap in FY27. It spends $769.6 million less than the Governor’s budget proposal, and $1.285 billion less than the plan from legislative Democrats.

Among the provisions of the House Republicans’ Reality Check Budget:

  • Reduces electric bills by beginning to remove the “public benefits” charge
  • Eliminates the “Passport to Parks” fee on motor vehicle registration
  • A 5 percent across-the-board reduction to state agency operating costs
  • $137.5 million in Medicaid rate increases to support struggling healthcare providers
  • Imposes a two-year wage freeze on state employees, following four years of 33% salary increases, saving $330 million over two years
  • Reduces health insurance bills by removing administrative costs passed on to customers.
  • Supports contributions to pensions and debt to protect Connecticut’s fiscal future

The House Republican proposal, available at www.realitycheckct.com, allows residents to choose how they would use $320 million to provide tax relief.