By Rep. Mike Tagliavia

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve my constituents and communities as your House Representative at the State House. I am dedicated and engaged at all times to work for you and help ensure that the State is working for Vermonters so that we can afford to live here in our wonderful home of Vermont. Bringing your voice to the table is my highest priority. 

This past legislative session, I served on the House Environment Committee. As a policy committee, there was a tremendous learning curve and after laying the groundwork, we were able to make significant headway in service to Vermonters. 

A major highlight was our ability to repeal aspects of Act 181 (of 2024) which directly harmed Vermonters, especially the largest percentage of Vermont, rural Vermont. A hard-fought, deserving win for our district and the whole of the state, this bipartisan effort reflects the work that can be done when we move beyond partisan politics and come together in good faith to do what is best for Vermont.

In my committee, one key educational understanding I received was the idea of the “species of greatest conservation need,” roughly defined as a wildlife species in need of proactive conservation. Vermont’s current (2025-2035) draft Wildlife Action Plan states that high-priority SGCN are generally species that are rare or vulnerable, show negative population trends, face immediate threats to survivability, or risk local extirpation.  

My committee heard countless testimony on this concept as we reviewed bills, developed policy and considered action steps. 

There is indeed a species in Vermont under constant threat: Threat of the loss of their habitat and home, threats to their land and their ability to survive the regular attacks of predators that infringe upon and invade their lives. 

Their ecosystem is imbalanced and under strain due to laws which endanger their way of life, their culture and their attempts at survival. Barriers have been created making it more difficult for this species which often forces migration away from their homes, further threatening their ability to thrive and raise their young.

I witnessed this constant and escalating endangerment in most committee agendas including my House Environment Committee. Despite my attempts, not enough action was taken to ensure the survival of this species and support their way of life. Shockingly in many instances they were not even considered in the discussions although testimony ensuring their stories and voices were part of the conversation was available. 

The attack was coming from all fronts, making it more difficult for this keystone species to survive and have an opportunity at success. 

In all of my work, I was most dedicated to protecting this species, to ensuring this threatened group had the means, opportunity, and support for a chance at survival after decades of progressive policy that has increased their threatened situation and possible extinction. 

Although there are numerous species under ecological threat, the species identified here is the Vermonter, the hard-working Vermonter, real Vermonters, our farmers, loggers, and business owners. They are struggling and trying to communicate. 

Unfortunately, for the past decades, leadership at the State House has silenced and often ignored these voices. This is unacceptable and must be remedied. 

The voice of this ‘species of greatest conservation need’ is a necessary part of the conversation that has been minimized for far too long. It is this voice that I am dedicated to bringing to the table in all aspects of policy development and consideration. As an elected representative, I serve the people. Ensuring that my constituents, communities and Vermonters are a priority consideration at the State House is my goal and I will work hard at all times to bring this voice and vote to the State House.

I am seeking re-election to continue this work and uphold my commitment to the communities I represent and the whole of Vermont. I will continue to work hard for all species under threat, especially my constituents and Vermonters who have every right to continue their way of life and must be supported by constructive laws that allow their continued survival. This includes a focus on affordability and ensuring there are options available for all to decide what works best for them and their families. 

I will continue to be a strong, determined compassionate voice for you in the State House and I humbly and respectful request your support for re-election.

Please feel free to contact me anytime, I will try my best to help you.