CT House Republicans Unveil “Reality Check Budget” Focused on Affordability, Fiscal Discipline, and Protecting Connecticut’s Future

HARTFORD —House Republicans on Thursday released their “Reality Check Budget” — a responsible, common-sense plan that directly addresses the fiscal challenges within household budgets and state government. 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.

“Our plan is rooted in reality—the reality that Connecticut families are already stretched thin by the high cost of living that’s driven by the cost of government,” said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford). “Unlike our majority party colleagues who continue to write blank checks to fuel government programs, House Republicans are offering a sustainable, disciplined approach that funds what’s necessary while protecting the fiscal guardrails that help to stabilize our finances and pay down long-term debt.”

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.

“This budget is a responsible, common-sense plan that reflects the financial struggles of Connecticut families. We’re rejecting tax hikes and we’re shrinking government costs, while funding areas that matter most — from special education, veterans’ services, Medicaid rates and most importantly we are the only caucus who are directly addressing energy costs,” said Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R-Tolland),House Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee. “Our budget reins in government spending, including an immediate freeze of state employee wages, and will set us on a path for a more affordable, accountable, and secure future for Connecticut that pays down debt for future generations, while maintaining core services. Our plan shows it can be done, that the state can live within your means without constantly asking taxpayers for more. This is budgeting the way it’s supposed to be—honest, sustainable, and respectful of taxpayers.”

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 unfunded liabilities and debt to protect Connecticut’s fiscal future

“This budget is a step toward what residents deserve—affordability, accountability, and flexibility in the face of federal funding uncertainty,” said Rep. Joe Polletta (R-Watertown), House Ranking Member of the Finance Committee. “We’re rejecting the Democrats’ $500 million capital gains tax, and independent of our budget, we’re also proposing the pursuit of a policy change that would let Connecticut residents working remotely for New York firms to pay taxes here instead of the higher rate the Empire State charges—saving them money while generating $320 million in future revenue for Connecticut that could be used for tax relief.”

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

“Our Reality Check Budget begins a vision for Connecticut’s future: responsible, sustainable budgeting that protects taxpayers and their needs—not bureaucrats that so often demand more from residents fed up with the cost of living here,” Candelora said.