Posted on September 29, 2022
New laws are going into effect on Saturday, October 1st, and I have highlighted some of the major state policy changes for your review. You can check out all newly effective laws by clicking the button below.
Addressing Crime…
The legislature moved to address rising levels of crime. I supported the passage of Public Act 22-115 An Act Concerning Juvenile Justice and Services, Firearms Background Checks, and Larceny of a Motor Vehicle. The new law improves the ability of local law enforcement to review…
Posted on August 25, 2022
HARTFORD – The legislature grapples with the reality that one-time federal funding for people who rely on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has evaporated. I want you to know that there’s a public hearing Monday that provides you an opportunity to share your concerns about this topic either in person (via Zoom) or by submitting written testimony. I hope you’ll consider participating by telling state lawmakers about how rising home heating costs will impact you and your family members.…
Posted on July 18, 2022
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline “9-8-8″ has been activated. This will serve as the universal emergency phone number for mental health crisis and suicide response, which can be called or texted 24 hours a day.
The mental health needs of our communities is an issue I have prioritized while in Hartford. Improving the mental health resources available is key to supporting our friends and loved ones and this resource is important.
For additional resources I encourage you to visit the Department…
Posted on June 7, 2022
Inflation and our state’s tax structure have made Connecticut unaffordable. I am calling for a special session to provide immediate tax relief that will be meaningful to both residents and businesses. The plan I support prioritizes lowering energy costs – including diesel fuel – as well as making everyday items easier for you to purchase. Specifics of the plan include:
- Reducing the income tax
- Expanding current gas tax holiday to diesel
- Suspending impending diesel fuel tax increase (scheduled for…
Posted on May 31, 2022
SHERMAN – Representative Pat Callahan spent the day on Thursday, May 26, at the Sherman School speaking to students in various classes about how the Connecticut State government works. Rep. Callahan spoke to six different classes and explained how a bill becomes a law and the many steps potential legislation must go through in the legislative process. He also conveyed to the students that they can participate by testifying on bills and speaking to their legislators about issues that they have questions…
Posted on April 29, 2022
Hartford – State Rep. Pat Callahan (R-New Fairfield) proposed a concept earlier in the legislative session to strengthen the protections for children when they are surfing websites and using on-line applications. Legislation was then crafted based on Callahan’s proposal, H.B. 5468 An Act Establishing the Crime of Harmful Communication with a Minor, which was approved unanimously by the House of Representatives on Thursday evening.
“This legislation will go a long way in ensuring our children are…
Posted on April 21, 2022
Republicans held a news conference this morning to unveil a detailed tax relief plan “An Affordable Connecticut” that goes beyond the temporary relief package they supported earlier in the year. This proposed plan focuses on making broad-based tax cuts, totaling $1.2 billion in relief, that will benefit every Connecticut resident and business. To watch this morning’s press conference, click here.
An Affordable Connecticut
The plan is comprised of the following tax decreases:
- Income Tax Reduction…
Posted on April 6, 2022
From Sunday, April 10, to Saturday, April 16, there will be a tax free holiday on clothing and footwear. Items sold at $100 or under will not be subject to the state’s sales tax during this time. This tax holiday was implemented by the legislature in the same legislative package that suspended the state’s excise gas tax.
Click here for more examples of what items are tax exempt.
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Posted on April 4, 2022
Established in 1970 by the Autism Society to promote awareness, education, and acceptance – April is Autism Acceptance Month (AAM). The Dept. of Public Health offers resources for individuals who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum and their families. To access those resources, please click here.
The legislature continues to find new ways to support those who are diagnosed with autism and their caregivers. In 2021, I supported a new law that expands the state’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Council.…
Posted on March 23, 2022
The House of Representative unanimously approved HB 5501 An Act Suspending Certain Gas Taxes and Sales and Use Taxes on Certain Clothing and Allocating Funds for Free Public Bus Services on Wednesday, March 23.
This law has three parts to it, including the i.) suspension of the state’s excise gas tax beginning April 1, 2022, to the conclusion of the current fiscal year, ii.) implements a tax free week from April 10-16 on purchases of clothing and footwear. Items sold at $100 or under will not be…