House Republicans' Reality Check Budget is rooted in the financial challenges facing Connecticut residents, who are already stretched thin by the high cost of government. Our responsible plan introduces common‑sense spending reforms that reflect these realities. While Democrats continue their blank‑check approach, funneling more money into progressive projects, House Republicans are offering a clear vision for Connecticut's fiscal future — one that addresses the key issues burdening taxpayers, protects essential services, and safeguards the state's fiscal guardrails.
House GOP Leader Candelora on Reality Check Budget
House GOP Leader Candelora discusses the Reality Check Budget proposal.
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House GOP Leader Candelora on Reality Check Budget
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FAST FACTS
Smart Spending, Stronger Priorities
Safeguard essential programs by cutting waste and focusing the budget where it matters most
Lower Energy Costs
Reduces electric bills for households and businesses
Fiscal Responsibility
Under the spending cap, honors the fiscal guardrails, pays down debt
Healthcare Investment
Boosts Medicaid reimbursement rates to support providers; removes administrative insurance assessment passed onto your bill
Smaller Government
Cuts bureaucracy and eliminates wasteful spending
Real Relief for Property Taxpayers
Fully funds special education and preserves local aid — easing the burden on families and local budgets.
SPENDING REFORMS
Our budget is fully vetted by the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis
Spending
- 1
$54.4 million over two years
Achieved through disciplined spending controls and efficiencies
- 2
Under the Spending Cap
$45.5M under in FY26 and $928.5M under in FY27
- 3
Smaller Than Other Plans
Spends $770M less than the Governor and $1.3B less than legislative Democrats over the biennium
Reforms
- 1
Across-the-board cut
Reduce all state agency operating expenses by 5%
- 2
Hiring
Creates Historical Staffing Pattern
- 3
Illegal Immigrant Healthcare
Eliminate free taxpayer-funded healthcare, preserve emergency care
BUDGET COMPARISON
See how the Reality Check Budget compares to other proposals.
Spends Less Than The Governor
$769,696,660
Spends Less Than The Democrats
$1,285,023,065
FY 26
FY 27
2-Year Total
Key Takeaways:
- The Republican budget spends $769,696,660 less than the Governor's proposal
- The Republican budget spends $1,285,023,065 less than the Legislative Democrats' proposal
- The largest savings are in FY 27, with $1,069,703,922 saved compared to the Legislative Democrats' budget
KEY BUDGET COMPONENTS
Explore the key components that make up the Reality Check Budget.
CHOOSE YOUR TAX RELIEF
Connecticut can deliver real tax relief by challenging New York’s unfair remote-worker tax scheme. Right now, many Connecticut residents who telework for New York companies pay higher taxes to that state instead of ours— costing them more and costing Connecticut millions in lost revenue. It’s a problem that’s also been highlighted by Gov. Lamont. The House Republican budget sets aside $2 million to support lawsuits fighting this inequity. Success could save workers thousands and return up to $320 million to Connecticut—funding that can go directly toward tax relief.
Total Tax Relief
$0
Target: $320,000,000
$1K Child Tax Deduction
$22,500,000
Provides a $1,000 tax deduction per child for eligible families
$2K Child Tax Deduction
$45,000,000
Provides a $2,000 tax deduction per child for eligible families
Eliminate Social Security Taxes at ALL Levels
$45,000,000
Removes all state taxes on Social Security benefits
Increase Car Tax Threshold from $50K to $75K
$19,300,000
Raises the threshold for car tax exemptions from $50,000 to $75,000
Eliminate 10% Corporation Surcharge
$80,000,000
Removes the 10% surcharge on corporate income tax
Expand the Property Tax Credit
$85,000,000
Increases credit from $300 to $350 and expands income threshold to $70k Single & $100K Couple
Eliminate the Additional 1% Sales Tax on Prepared Meals
$109,600,000
Removes the extra 1% tax on restaurant meals and prepared foods
Eliminate Children's Clothing Tax Year-round
$8,600,000
Permanently removes sales tax on children's clothing throughout the year
Eliminate the Highway Use Tax
$62,600,000
Removes the tax on commercial vehicles using Connecticut highways
Increase Farm Machinery Tax Credit
$2,700,000
Raises the tax credit for farm machinery from $200K to $250K
Eliminate Sales Tax from Personal Training Services
$2,900,000
Removes sales tax from personal training and fitness instruction services
Remove Sales Tax from Businesses Electric Bill
$100,000,000
Eliminates sales tax on electricity for businesses
Remaining Budget Allocation
Pay Down Pension Debt
Use remaining $0 to pay down state pension debt
Please select at least one tax relief option