Patrick Callahan

Rep. Callahan Celebrates Longevity of Local Businesses in New Fairfield, Danbury

New Fairfield, CT – State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-108) is touting the success of three businesses in the area for their continued contributions to the local economy and community. Rep. Callahan recently met with family-owned Gil’s Auto & Truck Repair, Halas Farm Market, and the Goodie Shoppe to mark operational milestones, calling them pillars of the community. He also presented them with citations from members of the General Assembly, an honorary document recognizing achievements and community contributions. “Small businesses are the backbone of our community and these three are great examples of dedication to local residents,” said Rep. Callahan. “These businesses are part of a diverse jobs base in the greater New Fairfield and Danbury area and have stood the test of time.” During a celebration of Halas Farm Market’s 100 years of business, Callahan presented a citation to the Halas family. He commended them for their hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to quality locally grown food and plants. “Halas provided an especially valuable service during the pandemic when people were looking for locally sourced and accessible food as grocery store shelves became bare,” said Callahan. He also presented a citation recognizing 50 years of operations by Gil’s Auto & Truck Repair, started by Gil Hicks, now operated by his son, Tom, alongside grandson, Tyler. “I send my congratulations to Gil, Tom and all of their skilled employees for their 50 years of service,” said Rep. Callahan. “Just like the three generations that have worked at Gil’s, the family has built lasting relationships with generations of customers. Their service and customer care has earned the loyalty of many residents.” Rep. Callahan also recently presented a citation to Marc Jayson at the Goodie Shoppe as he retires after more than 30 years. “The Goodie Shoppe has been the gathering place for area residents, and part time job for dozens of local high school and college students. The tables are always full of people gathering to enjoy each other's company and conversation with wonderful treats from the bakery. The success of this business reflects the support of the residents of New Fairfield,” said Callahan. Callahan encouraged residents to continue supporting local businesses, noting that their longevity contributes to a strong local economy and a thriving community.

2026 Major Public Acts Report

The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has compiled its 2026 Major Public Acts report. This report details the action of the legislature in 2026, with brief summaries of major policy changes. More detailed summaries can be found at: https://cga.ct.gov/olr/ . OLR also produces a number of “Acts Affecting” reports highlighting legislation in various policy areas. Some of the topics covered in this report include: Aging Criminal Justice and Public Safety Education Energy Environment Human Services Insurance Public Health Veterans’ and Military Affairs To review the 2026 Major Public Acts report in its entirety, click here .

Rep. Callahan Highlights Tax Credits and Exemptions in

The House passed a budget adjustment bill this session that sends additional aid to cities and towns that they can use for tax relief to help with the rising education costs each municipality is facing, which could offset property tax increases. Representative Patrick Callahan highlighted some of the tax changes that may be of interest to residents. This budget adjustment creates a sales and use tax exemption for nonelectronic school supplies, like backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, and paper. This will begin on July 1, 2026. It also increases the exemption amount for “sales tax free week” from $100 to $300 for clothing and footwear. Sales tax free week runs from the third Sunday in August through the following Saturday. Backpacks and cleated shoes costing less than $300 are now included in the exemption. Municipalities will be allowed to provide a $50,000 property tax exemption for taxpayers’ primary residences that are single-family homes or units in common interest communities or condominiums. Existing law allows municipalities to provide an exemption for certain owner-occupied primary residences. The bill prohibits municipalities from providing this exemption and the new exemption in the same assessment year. To adopt the new exemption under the bill, a municipality’s legislative body (or board of selectmen if the body is a town meeting) must vote in favor of it. The municipality may limit eligibility to taxpayers who meet length-of-residency requirements it sets. To be eligible for this exemption, taxpayers must annually file a form with their assessors declaring that (1) the dwelling is their primary residence, (2) they have no other primary residence, and (3) they have not claimed the exemption for any other residence that year. This will be applicable to assessment years starting on or after October 1, 2027. A nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $2,000 is also created in the budget adjustment bill for income-eligible family caregivers who incur eligible expenditures to care for and support an eligible family member. To qualify, the family caregiver must have federal adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than (1) $50,000 for single filers, married people filing separately, or heads of households or (2) $100,000 for joint filers. The credit equals 50% of eligible expenses incurred, up to a maximum of $2,000, for any tax year. Caregivers may apply the credit against their personal income tax liability, but not the withholding tax.

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.