Bill Buckbee

WATCH: Buckbee Comments on Legislation Restricting Homeschool Freedoms

The House recently debated new homeschool reporting requirements . While the bill was framed as protecting children, it fell short of that goal. Despite thoughtful public input and broad agreement on keeping kids safe, key concerns went unheard, and many families felt the weight of a majority that didn’t fully listen. Watch my comments from the debate.

New Milford Day 2026

HARTFORD – The New Milford Delegation, comprised of State Representatives Bill Buckbee (R-67), Pat Callahan (R-108), Jason Buchsbaum (R-69), and State Senator Stephen Harding (R-30), welcomed New Milford businesses, community organizations, and nonprofits to the State Capitol on Wednesday to take part in “New Milford Day.” This annual day of recognition allows state legislators, staff, and members of the public to connect with the people and organizations that make the town thrive. The delegation issued a joint statement, “It’s an excellent tradition showcasing the community. Whether it’s the ice cream from Kimberly Farm or learning about the unique student experience at the Pratt Nature Center, there is something for the whole family in New Milford. We hope that the people who saw the booths in Hartford today will take a trip to visit us—after all, it’s the best town in the U.S.A.!” Participants in this year’s New Milford Day included: • Goatboy Soaps • Create a Castle • Kimberly Farms • Sparrow Restaurant & Bar • GRECA Mediterranean Cuisine • Kimberly Clark • Pratt Nature Center • New Milford Police Department • Roger Sherman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) • Sullivan Farm • And Company on Bank • Hour Lake Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to sample local products, learn about community initiatives, and speak directly with representatives from each organization. The event highlighted the diversity, creativity, and civic pride that define New Milford. The New Milford Delegation extends its thanks to all participants for making this year’s event a success and for their continued contributions to the community. Check out additional photos here . ###

Buckbee Announces School/Taxpayers Relief & Affordability Plan (STRAP)

Connecticut’s broken education funding formula has forced cities and towns to make up the difference, leaving property taxpayers to shoulder the burden. The House Republican School Taxpayer Relief and Affordability Plan (STRAP) would return $365 million to communities across the state. For the 67 th District, that means New Milford would receive an additional $1,730,642 in funding for our schools. STRAP is built directly into the state budget, so towns can count on consistent funding year after year—no scrambling, no uncertainty. It provides meaningful, sustainable relief for local property taxpayers while lawmakers continue working to fix the flawed Education Cost Sharing formula for good. More Information Click here to access the STRAP tool and see allocations for each town. Click here for the Pathway to Affordability plan site.

Buckbee Supports Veterans Initiative Improving Dental Care

HARTFORD – State Rep. Billy Buckbee (R–New Milford) supported legislation aimed at expanding healthcare options for Connecticut veterans. The bill, H.B. 5406, An Act Concerning Various Measures Honoring the Heroism of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces , establishes a Veterans Dental Care Program to help eligible veterans access critical dental services. “We’re always striving to ensure those who sacrificed so much for our state and country receive the benefits they’ve earned,” said Buckbee, who serves on the legislature’s Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. “This comprehensive, multi-section bill delivers meaningful support to servicemembers.” In addition to creating a dental care program, the bill: Requires the DMV to waive fees for the initial issuance of a DVA-verified veteran designation on a driver’s license or identity card; Establishes state income tax deductions for (1) compensation received for serving on an honor guard at a veteran’s funeral and (2) pay received by National Guard members called to active duty; and Creates a task force to study ways to encourage nursing homes to contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and provide care to eligible veterans. “With these provisions, veterans will have greater financial flexibility and improved access to life-enhancing services,” Buckbee added. The bill received broad bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the House, and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. ###

Buckbee Supports Bill to Improve Government Spending Transparency

HARTFORD – State Rep. Billy Buckbee (R–New Milford) supported legislation aimed at increasing transparency in state spending. H.B. 5309, An Act Requiring Transparency and Additional Oversight of the Distribution of Certain Legislative-Directed Funds , was among the final bills taken up by the House of Representatives this week. The measure received broad bipartisan support. “It’s encouraging to see this type of policy come forward and earn support from both sides of the aisle,” said Buckbee. “State resources, which come directly from taxpayers, should be managed with far greater stewardship than we’ve seen in prior budget cycles. This legislation is a strong first step toward restoring public confidence in the work we do in Hartford on behalf of our communities.” The bill follows heightened scrutiny over state funding to nonprofits, including a Hartford-based organization flagged for financial mismanagement after receiving millions in taxpayer dollars. The issue gained additional attention during debate over the 2025 state budget. After passing unanimously in the House, the bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.