Patrick Callahan

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.” 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 . ###

Rep. Callahan Op-ed: Revisiting Electric Bus Mandates for School Districts and the DOT

Lawmakers need to think about the big picture and consider ramifications of our actions before passing legislation. Often it seems like the Connecticut General Assembly is going back to old laws even after painstaking warnings that facts and logic show a proposal will create problems. Moving forward with legislation in a deliberate way, listening to all stakeholders, takes time but produces a better regulation or law. The ‘pass it now, fix it later’ approach shouldn’t be the norm . The bottle bill comes to mind as we recently voted to make adjustments to the recycling law after deposits were raised to $0.10 because of massive amounts of fraud. I and others warned that abuse of the system would happen when the proposal to hike the fee was implemented, but that argument wasn’t enough to sway the majority. That speedy Emergency Certification bill won’t fully address the issue, which is why the Environment Committee is considering further changes in a bill before us currently. Another area where concerns were ignored: banning gas-powered buses. S.B. 4 was passed by the majority in 2022. It included a provision to prohibit the state from purchasing diesel-powered buses after January 1, 2024. School districts were also required in another provision to transition their fleets to zero-emission vehicles. Now, the State Department of Transportation and some of the same legislators who passed this bill are asking for mandate relief for the state fleet and their school districts. Bills are before both the Transportation Committee and the Energy & Technology Committee. Some of the things we warned about when the initial legislation was debated are still concerns. The cost of an electric bus can be three times as much as a diesel bus, not including the cost of a charging station. Cost is not the only issue. Proponents of these provisions had on rose-colored glasses when they passed the feel-good bill and ignored market reality. The availability of this technology is another big reason why the CT DOT is now asking for a reprieve. Electric bus batteries haven’t advanced as far as passenger vehicle batteries. Current technology also presents a challenge for school districts that are spread out because certain trips and routes require greater range than is available. In the winter, these batteries lose power and even if range wasn’t an issue, a midday recharge is still needed. School districts can also purchase fuel tax-free, so the price of electricity and agreements with the bus companies will need to be considered. Our electric supply and distribution network to power charging for EVs will increase demand, and further drive up the cost of electricity to our residents. Taxpayers already have their budgets stretched to the max, something reflected in many towns needing several referenda to pass a budget these days. Expensive electricity exasperated by the “public benefits” charge also effects the affordability. H.B. 5470 – An Act Concerning Hybrid School Buses – is a step in the right direction, but Section 13 of Public Act 22-25 must be repealed.

CT DOT to Perform Maintenance Work on I-84 Ramps

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is performing wrong way driver detection maintenance and recertification on I-84 west and eastbound in Danbury on Monday, March 23, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. • I-84 East and Westbound at Exit 4 in Danbury • I-84 Westbound at Exit 5 in Danbury • I-84 Eastbound at Exit 2 in Danbury Traffic will follow posted detours and drivers are advised to seek alternate routes during the ramp closures listed above. Modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area. The DOT is performing similar work throughout the region over the next two weeks. Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. • I-84 West and Eastbound at Exit 10 in Newtown • I-84 West and Eastbound at Exit 11 in Newtown • I-84 Westbound at Exit 9 in Newtown Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. • I-84 Eastbound, Exit 14 in Southbury • I-84 Eastbound, Exit 16 in Southbury • I-84 Westbound, Exit 15 in Southbury Monday, March 30, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. • I-84 Westbound at Exit 17 in Waterbury • I-84 Westbound at Exit 22 in Waterbury • I-84 Westbound at Exit 25 in Waterbury

Rep. Callahan Weighs in on Electric Lead Blower Mandate Bill

As this month moves forward, various legislative committees are coming up on deadlines to vote bills out of committee, to either the House or Senate, or other committees for further consideration. Both the Environment Committee and Transportation Committee have held their final meetings to advance bills that originated in those committees. State Representative Patrick Callahan issued this statement on one bill in particular: "In the Environment Committee, I voted against a bill that would have banned gas-powered leaf blowers for state agencies. That section was removed, but this bill is still an incremental step in that direction. The only part of the original proposal left is a landscaper loan program through the CT Green Bank. The quasi-public organization gets a lot of its funding through the Public Benefits Charge on all of our utility bills.

Rep. Callahan Speaks in Favor of No Tax on Tips & Overtime Proposal

House Republicans raise an amendment to adopt the federal policy of no tax on tips & overtime. State Representative Patrick Callahan expressed disappointment it was voted down along party lines. Later, the concept was raised as a bill. H.B. 5010 was the subject of a public hearing by the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.