State Sen. Stephen Harding

📝Thank you to everyone who stopped by to sign the petition this afternoon! We collected the signatures needed to request a public hearing from CT DEEP. I’ll keep everyone apprised as updates develop.

📢ATTENTION BROOKFIELD RESIDENTS!

I’ll be at the Still River Greenway Trailhead today at 1:00 PM to collect petition signatures from Brookfield residents. The petition asks CT DEEP to hold a public hearing on the proposed Iroquois Gas Transmission System compressor station expansion project. This station would sit near homes and a school in our community and residents deserve the chance to be heard. Stop by, sign, and bring a neighbor with you!

Connecticut’s Tax-Free Week starts today!

Now through August 22, most clothing and footwear priced under $300 per item is exempt from Connecticut sales tax.

We know families across our state are feeling the squeeze of high costs and hope this week gives you a chance to save on back-to-school shopping and other essentials. Please consider shopping local while you do.

📅 August 16-22, 2026
👕 Most clothing and footwear under $300 per item
💰 No Connecticut sales tax

A statement regarding the passing of Nancy Wyman.

Great conversation with Dale Jones on 97.3 WZBG this morning! We talked about the need for a moratorium on speed cameras and setting parameters on Flock camera data so it isn’t sold or handed off to third-party vendors for nefarious purposes. We also discussed implementing a bear hunt to manage the population and adjusting the volatility cap to deliver a $1.5 billion middle-class income tax cut to the hardworking people of our district.

As your state senator, affordability continues to be my top priority, starting with lowering your electric bill and removing the Public Benefits Charge. Tax cuts, caps on renewable energy costs and open space preservation remain right alongside it. Thanks to Dale for having me on the air with him this morning! Full interview in the comments below.

Honoring New Milford’s Purple Heart recipients on Purple Heart Day with New Milford Mayor - Pete Bass and the American Legion. 🇺🇸

Health insurance costs are already squeezing Connecticut residents and small businesses. Now insurers are asking for rate increases on 2027 individual and small group plans.

Before any of these requests are approved, you have the right to make your voice heard! The Insurance Department will hold a public informational meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 9 AM in Room 1D of the Legislative Office Building.

Here’s how to participate:

📝 Submit written comments to: [email protected] by 5 PM on Monday, Aug. 24.

💻 Speak virtually: Register by emailing mailto:[email protected] by 5 PM on Monday, Aug. 24 with your full name and organization.

🏛️ Speak in person: Sign up starting at 8:30 AM on Aug. 26 in Room 1D. Public comment happens early in the afternoon.

Oral comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.

More information: https://portal.ct.gov/cid/consumer-resource-library/insurance-rate-filing/health-insurance-rate-filing-fact-sheet?language=en_US

Hartford needs to hear directly from the people paying these premiums. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to speak up.

The New Milford Lions Club Carnival returns August 6 - August 8, with rides, games, food trucks, local vendors and fun for the whole family. It’s a great tradition that brings people together each summer while supporting the New Milford Lions Club and its commitment to serving our community.

I encourage everyone to come out, support a terrific local organization and enjoy a great event!

📅 August 6-8
🕕 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
📍 John Pettibone, 2 Pickett District Road, New Milford
🎆 Fireworks on Saturday, August 8

⛳️A decade of Tee It Up 4 Autism! Torrington Area Families for Autism-TAFA is hosting the 10th annual charity tournament on Saturday, August 8, at Fairview Farms Golf Course. Golfers, sponsors and dinner guests are all welcome. Details at tafainc.org. Thank you to TAFA for everything they do for families in our area!

Strong infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities connected, supporting local economies, and ensuring residents can travel safely every day.

I’m pleased to share that New Milford and Wi******er have been awarded state funding through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s State Local Bridge Program to support important local bridge projects.

-New Milford will receive $2,656,875 to rehabilitate Bridge #109016 on Boardman Road over the Housatonic River.

-Wi******er will receive $612,500 to replace Bridge #162008 on Newfield Road over Fox Brook.

These investments will help improve safety, strengthen critical infrastructure, and support our communities for years to come.