The Vermont Legislature may need a special summer session to spend all of the money bestowed on the State of Vermont by the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, Vermont lawmaker David Yacovone (D-Morristown) said in the March 4 News & Citizen.
This week, lawmakers are Town Meeting break. Taking advantage of the respite, Vermont Daily looks back at the most-read, most-commented-on news stories from the 2021 Legislature.
There is a proposal making its way through the Vermont House of Representatives to raise and expand Vermont’s bottle deposit law (H.175). The bill would double the cost of a standard bottle deposit from 5 cents to 10 cents.
The Vermont House of Representatives today passed ‘Covid Relief Bill’ H315, allocating $79 million in federal and state funding, according to release from the office of the Speaker of the House.
Voters in Burlington and about 20 other Vermont municipalities will decide on Tuesday whether to allow retail cannabis stores – “pot shops” – to be allowed to receive licenses to operate.
The Vermont House of Representatives will meet remotely for the rest of this year’s session, House Speaker Jill Krowinski said.
New House bills would take pension from cops found guilty of excessive force; create “Youth Council”; reduce cash bail; raise income tax; give Legislature nominating board control over candidates for National Guard leadership; increase water quality monitoring and reporting. Also – a bill for background checks on firearms.
Bills up for House committee review this week would encourage home visitation by school workers, allow candidates to spend campaign money on personal expenses, let a judge order police to take away firearms, study a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” for Vermont, promote BIPOC home ownership, and reimburse farmers for crop damage caused by black bears.
Bills in the Vermont House of Representatives would merge the remote-worker incentive program, implement rural broadband, add staff for the Ethics Commission, and adjust school property taxes for population density, poverty, and second-language learners, according to a Campaign for Vermont weekly update.
H.283, providing the right to refuse any unwanted test, treatment, or vaccine, was introduced yesterday into the Vermont House. Sponsored by four Republicans, a Democrat, and an independent, it would specifically prevent employers and state government from requiring vaccination in exchange for jobs, travel, childcare and other benefits.
H268, a bill to create a study group “for the purpose of modernizing Vermont’s prostitution laws,” was introduced yesterday into the Vermont House. It alleges state law prohibiting prostitution is steeped in racism.
Overall school spending is only up by 0.68%. Add to this the stronger than expended returns of the consumption taxes dedicated to the education fund and statewide average property taxes are now expected to hold steady in 2022. That’s the good news.
Committees in the Vermont House this week will review bills regarding three of the Legislature’s favorite R’s: race, relinquishing firearms, and reduction of carbon. They also will review three-acre runoff, redemption of beverage containers, reorganizing police under one state agency, and raising the standard for police use of force, and new regulations.
Legislation that would tweak state law about elections (non-citizen and ranked choice voting), climate change, home ownership, school mergers, sale of unpasteurized milk, and child welfare are among the bills introduced into the Vermont House this week.
A Vermont Senate resolution affirming the friendship between Vermont and Taiwan Tuesday, Feb. 9 was denied a floor vote, and instead was diverted into committee.
The Senate Education Committee was briefed this week on the school choice policy impacts of Espinoza v. Montana in which the U.S. Supreme Court last year determined that religious schools shall not be excluded from public tuition dollars under federal law.
A new Vermont House member disputes a veteran senator’s claim that communities should be able to decide by next March whether to ask voters if a retail marijuana store is a good fit.
On Town Meeting Day, March 2, voters in 20 Vermont cities and towns will decide whether to allow retail marijuana. The new state law says local voter approval is needed before a marijuana store can open. But what about towns that don’t want to vote on retail pot? 41 towns won’t even have the question on the Town Meeting ballot.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has received more than $26 million in federal funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to support public transit across the state, Gov. Phil Scott said today.
A bill under review by the Senate Education Committee today at 1:30 pm seeks more data on whether Vermont schools unfairly discipline racial minorities. Sponsors want this information to “understand what strategies are effective and to encourage the adoption of these strategies at the local level.”
In February, Vermont House committees turn from January’s “welcome back, here’s what happened when you were gone” reports from state officials and lobbyists, settle into their seats, and begin to look at bills. This week, several bills of interest will come “off the wall” of introduction and get a serious look by committee members.
With a mortality rate rivaling that of baby sea turtles crossing the sand to the ocean, most bills proceed no further than introduction. For a list of all House bills, see the Vermont Legislature website. To contact media and lawmakers about legislation, see Vermont Daily media/legislator contact list in article and Google Doc formats.
A bill sponsored by Rep. Brian Smith (R-Derby) would prohibit flags other than the U.S. flag and State of Vermont flag from being flown on public school property in Vermont.
Gov. Phil Scott said today he did not recommend language in a Senate bill that would seem to allow Big Marijuana companies to bypass local voters deciding whether marijuana retail stores may operate in their town.
A Senate bill adding to the commercial cannabis law would require more funding for police training and substance abuse prevention, and would reduce licensing fees for minorities, among other proposed changes.
H67, introduced by Rep. Jim Harrison (R-Killington) would authorize a farmer to seek compensation from the Department of Fish and Wildlife for damage by a black bear to crops, fruit trees, or crop-bearing plants.
The House yesterday approved H48, a bill giving municipalities flexibility in holding this year’s Town Meeting amid the pandemic. It also empowers the Secretary of State to weigh in, for the health and safety of all concerned.
The Vermont Climate Council has met just three times, but already concerns have surfaced about white supremacy and conflict of interest.
An estimated 27 Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate did not join their legislative colleagues in co-sponsoring JRH #1 Friday, January 8, “condemning the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 as an attack on democracy” – and blaming it on President Donald Trump.
New legislation would:
Eliminate parental consent for age 16-18 vaccination
Change Town Meeting voting law re: pandemic
Fund mental health workers for police departments
Require universal home visits for families with newborns
Eliminate conflicts of interest among Climate Council members
Tax candy and sugared drinks
Provide free breakfast and lunch for all public school students
Allow hunters to use noise suppressors on their firearms
The Vermont House of Representatives this morning elected Jill Krowinski (D-Burlington) Speaker of the 2021-2022 biennium by 138-7 vote. “The 2021 session will be remembered as the Coronavirus Recovery Session,” she said in acceptance speech.
Based on bills proposed, pushed, but not passed last year, Vermonters must prepare for legislative challenges to their gun, real estate, and vehicle property rights, organizer John Klar told attendees at the FifthAmendmentFest today.
When the Vermont Legislature convenes for the 2021 session tomorrow, the House of Representatives is expected to elect Jill Krowinski (D-Burlington) as the next Speaker of the House. Krowinski, has close ties to Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE), Vermont’s largest abortion provider and legislative advocate. Krowinski will hold the gavel and set the agenda for the 2021-2022 session.
The organizations listed below represent hundreds of thousands of working Vermonters. We ask that our elected leaders of all political parties focus on the most immediate task at hand this legislative session and to chart a path to our economic recovery.
If passed into law, it will create a BIPOC Land Access Opportunity Fund with a BIPOC-led board empowered to budget money as needed for down payments for single family homes, owner occupied rental units, and for land and farms through sliding scale grants.
The Covid-19 crisis is an opportunity to accomplish longterm economic development and legislative goals, Vermont Democratic lawmakers said in a Dec. 5 caucus meeting.
Winooski has followed in Montpelier’s footsteps in proposing a charter change that would allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. If the measure is passed, the proposal would have to be approved by lawmakers — who have stalled a similar measure passed by Montpelier voters.
Only registered voters should be eligible to run for election to an office. No showboating 15 year olds, green card foreigners, or persons illegally in our country.
Retail sales will only be allowed in communities that vote to opt-in. In other words: No marijuana retail store can open unless town voters affirmatively decide, at a warned meeting, to allow retail operations. Cultivation, testing, warehousing, and distribution are not subject to any municipal opt-in.
by Guy Page Last year, H568, a bill to study legalization of prostitution passed the Vermont House but was not taken up by the Vermont Senate. It is expected that its supporters […]
Under new commercial cannabis law, town voters must grant permission for retail sales Re-published from Sun Community News, Middlebury October 16, 2020 – At a Middlebury Selectboard meeting held on Oct. 13, […]
Electricians, plumbers, etc. must take course in state energy goals to earn, renew licenses by Guy Page October 13, 2020 – The State of Vermont has two separate “90% by 2050” energy […]
Also, several law enforcement bills signed or allowed to pass into law October 7, 2020 – The following press release was received this evening from Rebecca Kelley, press secretary for Gov. Phil […]
Deadline applies to seven Senate slots on carbon-cutting Climate Council By Guy Page October 6, 2020 – Vermonters wishing to serve on the 23-member Vermont Climate Council have until October 8 to […]
by Guy Page October 2, 2020 – The Vermont Legislature approved a resolution on September 18 designating Tuesday, October 6 as Vermont Mask Day. The resolution affirms the importance of wearing masks […]
Budget includes $5 million in state funds for $1200 stimulus payments to people not covered by feds, including illegal workers By Guy Page October 2, 2020 – Gov. Phil Scott this morning […]
If elected, Jon Lynch of Colchester promises to give his cut to Colchester fire & rescue workers By Guy Page September 28, 2020 – A candidate for the Vermont House of Representatives […]
S54 is ‘harmful to African Americans of Vermont,’ Justice For All says By Guy Page September 24, 2020 – Last year, legislators and lobbyists invested S54, the commercial cannabis bill approved yesterday […]
“Johnny’s Ambassadors’” founder explains son’s suicide By Laura Stack The evidence-based negative effects of cannabis on adolescents are many and varied, especially for young people, and we’ve covered them numerous times in previous […]
Cambridge essayist writes memorial to slain Secoriea Turner By Guy Page September 11, 2020 – At his press conference today, Gov. Phil Scott indicated he will veto H688, the Global Warming Solutions […]
Also: Seat belt pull-overs, prevention spending, and local revenue and control divide Legislature on commercial cannabis bill Homeschool applications more than double last year BLM says Burlington cop should be fired; see […]
Superintendents worry about lost funding as homeschool numbers grow By Guy Page August 27, 2020 – The House Education Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee tomorrow at 10:30 AM will […]
Phone, email info still available, thanks to Secretary of State by Guy Page August 26, 2020 – In the coming month, legislators are poised to cast historic votes on taxation, legal marijuana […]
Also: Act 250 ‘reform’ stinks, water quality warriors say Global warming ‘solutions’ would empower unpopular ridgeline wind, critics say Guv’s budget would resolve deficit without new taxes By Guy Page August 25, […]
The following is a letter sent on August 20, 2020 to the Vermont Senate Committee on Judiciary from Mark Hughes, Executive Director, Justice for All regarding S.54, an act that would establish a legalized […]
(Editor’s note: earlier this month Gov. Phil Scott repeated that he would not support H688, the Global Warming Solutions Act, if it allows the State to be sued for failing to meet […]
Leading social justice advocate calls for marijuana reparations By Guy Page August 20, 2020 – Advocates for social justice and organic farming oppose S54, the retail sales, taxation and regulation of marijuana. […]
Scott opposes H688 provision allowing groups to sue State for missing carbon reduction goals by Guy Page August 7, 2020 – Expect the Vermont Senate to fully fund the Global Warming Solutions […]
Small Business Administration, lawmakers say affiliates don’t qualify for program meant to help struggling small businesses, they want $$ returned By Guy Page Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) has received […]
Black bear binges on buffet in bin after Vermonter tries to comply with new composting law by Shannara Johnson July 3, 2020 – A couple of months ago, I said on our […]
Gov. Phil Scott lets S348 pass into law, but urges Legislature to fix problem when it reconvenes in August, says House Gov Ops didn’t fix problem when warned Hardwick couple receives absentee […]
Montpelier mayor, councilor haven’t seen application; Scott concerned about funding, lawsuit parts of Global Warming Solutions Act bill; Guv questions Leahy’s furlough figure of 1111 immigration employees By Guy Page July 1, […]
Governor also backs racial reparations in concept, but questions process; says State will protect historic statues if threatened By Guy Page June 29, 2020 – Gov. Phil Scott said at his press […]
By Guy Page June 24, 2020 – At his press conference today, Governor Phil Scott left the door open – but only just a tiny crack – for a veto of S348, […]
Original resolution was much stronger condemnation of Trump Editor’s Note: Rep. Kevin “Coach” Christie (D-Hartford), the sponsor of the “Juneteenth” resolution to be considered today by the Vermont House of Representatives (see […]
Resolution sponsored by Vermont House Democrat likely to be introduced tomorrow By Guy Page June 18, 2020 – A proposed Vermont House resolution honoring “Juneteenth” also describes recent tweets by President Trump […]
Voting on vote-by-mail fraud, role of Fish & Wildlife, surface water, ivory trafficking, recovery home guidelines, streamlining probation and parole, ban on little plastic bottles in hotels; Homeless Bill of Rights dead […]
Other news: Three month State Budget proposed; Drug legalization advocates seek high bailiff election; Fish & Wildlife asks you to protect pollinators By Guy Page June 4, 2020 – In Vermont’s capital […]
Support mixed, concerns expressed about cost, fraud Senate to consider Scott decision carve-out Tuesday By Guy Page As the standoff between Gov. Phil Scott and Secretary of State Jim Condos over […]
Senate Gov Ops chair unaware of extensive litigation nationwide By Guy Page May 28, 2020 – The transcript of yesterday’s Senate discussion of the universal vote-by-mail bill reveals misunderstandings by a key […]
Due to virtual format and lack of time, in-depth review of revision of 50-year-old land use law seems unlikely By Guy Page May 19, 2020 – During a May 13 meeting, the […]
Weekend’s LA marijuana production explosions highlight use of explosive products in VT hemp, marijuana extraction process By Guy Page May 18, 2020 – As the Vermont Legislature looks past Covid-19 legislation to […]
Senate Pro Tem doubts budget cuts can eliminate $400 million deficit, but asks constituents for suggestions By Guy Page May 12, 2020 – Can the Vermont Legislature cut its way out of […]
By Guy Page The Vermont Secretary of State’s Office hopes to reach an agreement with Gov. Phil Scott this week to institute universal voting-by-mail for the November 3 General Election. The SOS […]
By Guy Page April 28, 2020 – PR9, the proposed amendment to the Vermont Constitution declaring natural resources “the common property of all the people,” will not be taken up this year, […]
…Then will consider emergency borrowing bill. In Committee: medical ethics and crisis standards of care; foreclosure moratoriums; migrant workers By Guy Page April 23, 2020 – The Vermont House of Representatives is […]
Johnson, Ashe ask state college trustees for one-year “bridge” budget By Guy Page House Speaker Mitzi Johnson and Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe this weekend asked Vermont State College (VSC) trustees to […]
With 2021 transportation revenue uncertain, House Transportation Committee hears idea to pass full-year budget but allocate $$ for just 3-4 months By Guy Page April 16, 2020 – In response to uncertain […]
Legislature gets updates, seeks solutions for milk dumping, education revenue shortfall, prison reform By Guy Page April 13, 2020 – Vermont farmers are dumping milk while shoppers worry about food supply. The […]
by Guy Page April 8, 2020 – Bernie Juskiewicz, husband, father, dedicated local volunteer, and a Republican legislator who represented Cambridge and Waterville from 2013-18, has died of the coronavirus, according to […]
Reusable shopping bags not a significant transmission threat, Health Dept. says – although they’re banned in NH, MA and San Francisco By Guy Page April 7, 2020 – The July 1 ban […]
By Guy Page April 6, 2020 – Gov. Phil Scott said today he is working “hand in hand” with legislative leaders on Covid-19 legislation and is fine with the use of remote […]
Republished from the Ethan Allen Institute April newsletter If there’s a positive thing to come out of this COVID-19 response in regard to state government, it is the new policy of live-streaming […]
Federal ‘infrastructure’ bill will pay 100% of VT transportation project costs – scope, amount uncertain By Guy Page April 1, 2020 – State transportation officials expect a new federal infrastructure bill will […]
http://www.truenorthreports.com/deb-billado-legislature-should-practice-bill-passing-distancing It’s almost too bad that author Deb Billado chairs the VT Republican Party and therefore everything she writes is likely to be discounted or ignored by the legislative majority, because what […]
STAY AWAY – Police are warning New Yorkers and the Vermont lodging industry not to make non-essential lodging bookings. They’re asking for voluntary compliance – now. But repeated non-compliance could lead to […]
PHOTO: Rep. Cynthia Browning tells reporters why she made the controversial decision to request a quorum at the gathering of the House this week. Pool photo by Kevin McCullum, Seven Days Lawmaker/Journalist […]
PHOTO: screenshot from Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe Sunday night Facebook message. Senate to vote Tuesday on meeting and voting remotely, expanding unemployment insurance and telemedicine, extending DMV renewal deadline By Guy […]
Many Vermont Daily readers have been asking how the pandemic has impacted Vermont climate change legislation. The short answer is that I have asked that question of at least one climate change-leading […]
Graphic credit: Fox News By Guy Page March 19, 2020 – Some recent environmental and fiscal decisions made by Vermont State Government are being rethought, or at least second-guessed, due to the […]
Senate committee agrees to waive need for physical location of government meetings, allowing 2020 election ballots to be mailed to every registered voter. Secretary of State warns of C-19 return in fall. […]
Covid-19 Teleconference Report Editor’s note: Rep. Anne Donahue reports on the takeaway from the Vermont House – Senate teleconference today. Reprinted from Berlin Front Porch Forum. ANNE DONAHUE, ADONAHUE@LEG.STATE.VT.US STATE REPRESENTATIVE, WASHINGTON-1 DISCUSSION CORONAVIRUS Today’s […]
Will discuss 100% renewable power, criminal offense reclassification, reducing student loan debt, state budget, health care reform, COVID-19 response etc. By Guy Page March 16, 2020 – As the old saying goes, […]
If approved by the Senate and signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott, H742 would: Prepay insurance claims to keep clinics from closing / reimburse for empty nursing home beds / waive […]
By Guy Page March 13, 2020 – The Legislative Joint Rules Committee voted unanimously this morning to prepare a resolution to recess for all of next week, due to coronavirus concerns. The […]
by Guy Page March 12, 2020 – The Vermont Legislature Joint Rules Committee decided late this afternoon to ask staffers to prepare a resolution for its review tomorrow to recess the Legislature […]
CAPITOL CARPOOL UPDATE – for the second time in the last three days, two of the three prime parking spots reserved for carpooling legislators are empty. Today in House Transportation, committee members […]
Jim Sexton of Essex Junction today visited the Vermont State House to ask the Sergeant of Arms and Capitol Police to remove sponsors of H610 from the State House because they “violated […]
By Guy Page 6:07 pm, March 11, 2020 – Beginning Friday, all non-essential meetings at the Vermont State House will be cancelled due to the coronavirus, Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe told […]
By Guy Page March 11, 2020 – The House Ways & Means Committee is scheduled to discuss a sales tax on candy tomorrow morning, according to its weekly agenda. According to a […]
