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 […]
Influencing your legislator in the Age of zoom
As Legislature opens today, marijuana bill still hung up on seat belts
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, […]
Commentary: Social justice group says wrong policy, wrong time for Cannabis tax & regulate
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 […]
GOP House members back Scott’s opposition to ‘Global warming solutions Act’
(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 […]
Seat belts, social justice could stop S54, commercial pot bill
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. […]
Ashe, Johnson commit to funding, passing Global Warming Solutions Act
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 […]
Planned Parenthood affiliate in Vermont netted millions thru Paycheck Protection Program
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 […]
Bananas, egg shells, and unintended consequences
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 […]
New election law glitch leaves Secretary of State’s authority ambiguous, Guv says
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 […]
Scott OK with ‘Liberty and Justice for All’ street mural
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, […]
Scott won’t veto universal vote-by-mail bill
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 […]
Scott OK with voting-by-mail, unless….
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, […]
Juneteenth resolution author responds
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 […]
“Juneteenth” resolution calls Trump tweets “racist”
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 […]
Business as usual In Legislature today:
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 […]
City of Montpelier mandates masks
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 […]
Municipal clerks speak out on vote-by-Mail plan
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 […]
Benning predicts battle over new vote-by-mail bill
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 […]
Senate committee not excited about Act 250
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 […]
commercial cannabis would increase budget deficit
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 […]
Ashe: ‘tell us the program you want to get rid of”
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 […]
Despite fraud concerns, universal vote-by-mail could be approved this week
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 […]
“Common property” constitutional amendment dead for this year
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, […]
At 10 AM Today, House to vote remotely on remote voting
…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 […]
Legislative chiefs seek stay of execution for condemned VSC campuses
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 […]
An uncertain budget for an uncertain time
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 […]
Big problems loom for legislature this week
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 […]
Former Cambridge lawmaker dies of Covid-19
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 […]
Single-use plastic bag ban to continue
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 […]
Guv ok with remote voting – for now
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 […]
YouTube offers new window on the State House
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 […]
Highway $$ windfall coming
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 […]
Deb Billado: Legislature should practice ‘bill passing distancing’
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 […]
vt Travel ban has teeth
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 […]
What REALLY happened between cynthia browning and mitzi johnson Wednesday?
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 […]
senate may soon meet, vote remotely
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 […]
Vermont Climate Solutions Caucus leaders discuss Covid-19 pandemic impact on climate change legislation
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 […]
As pandemic grows, vermonters wonder about plastic bag ban, public transit, paid family leave
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 […]
Changing How Vermont does democracy during Covid-19
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. […]
VT House-Senate leaders discuss C-19 unemployment today
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 […]
vermont Senate committees to meet this week by remote access: public welcome
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, […]
bill would give gov’t special powers during coronavirus crisis
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 […]
Legislative leaders set to recess Legislature next week
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 […]
Legislative leaders ponder week-long recess of Legislature
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 […]
Senate refuses House changes to commercial cannabis bill, wants conference committee
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 […]
Second Amendment advocate today asks Sgt. Of Arms, Capitol Police to remove sponsors of H610, gun seizure/domestic violence bill
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 […]
Non-essential gatherings to cease at Vermont State House
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 […]
Lawmakers to consider sales tax on candy; Burlington mayor, legislator feud over idling enforcement
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 […]
Commercial pot will mean more traffic stops of minorities, Montpelier Democrat warns
Lawmakers explain why they voted as they did on S54, commercial cannabis, and H926, Act 250 revision By Guy Page March 4, 2020 – Lawmakers’ explanations of their votes of S54, commercial […]
Saying no to Town Meeting delay, House OKs new Act 250
Concern about new Act 250 review for development next to ‘land trust’ property left unaddressed By Guy Page February 28, 2020 – Deciding to not wait after Town Meeting, the House today […]
VIDEO: Forester Ed Larson describes how Vermont forests sequester carbon and employ 18,000 people
by Guy Page Feb. 27, 2020 – Ed Larson, professional forester and lobbyist for the Vermont Forest Productions Association, describes in this Vermont Daily Chronicle video about the powerful economic impact and […]
Kingdom lawmaker vocal on carbon, prostitution, American flag
Mild-mannered Derby lawmaker speaking his mind about American flag, hookers, and global warming $$ By Guy Page (This column appears in today’s Chronicle of the Vermont State House, a newspaper published twice […]
Lawmakers override Guv’s veto on minimum wage bill
By Guy Page February 25, 2020 – The latest round in the legislative battle between the Democrat-Progressive Legislature and Republican Gov. Phil Scott went to the lawmakers Tuesday noon, as the House […]
National pro-pot group pushes legalization poll
Lobby group with funding ties to George Soros, etc. publishes pro-legalization poll – House discusses paying for marijuana abuse treatment, prevention – Municipalities denied local pot sales tax – Breakfast, lunch, dinner […]
Legislature may ban genital mutilation – but would law violate Prop 5 ‘reproductive autonomy’?
Legislature may ban genital mutilation – but would law violate Prop 5 “reproductive autonomy?” By Guy Page February 18, 2020 – Does H83, banning female genital cutting of minors, violate the spirit […]
“Right to clean air and water” latest proposed change to VT Constitution
At least two of nine proposed amendments – “reproductive rights” and ban on slavery – likely to appear on Election Day 2022 ballot. Photo credit Pat Bradley WAMC.org. by Mary Daly and […]
100% renewable power would cost $1.2 billion, at least
Converting Vermont to 100% renewable electricity would cost $1.2 billion, and that’s just the beginning, power transmission officials tell Senate committee By Guy Page February 14, 2020 – For years, renewable electricity […]
“Deplorable” floor speech aimed at House Speaker highlights problems facing leadership
Analysis: House leaders seek solutions to rank-and-file recalcitrance, now and maybe in November by Guy Page February 13, 2020 – The failure of House Speaker Mitzi Johnson and House Majority Leader Jill […]
Central police agency gets hearing this week in House Judiciary
By Guy Page February 10, 2020 – the plan to centralize all state and county police under a new Agency of Public Safety will be discussed Wednesday by the House Judiciary Committee. […]
Under GWSA, lawyers can sue State into carbon compliance
If Legislature passes Global Warming Solutions Act, TCI carbon tax likely will follow – without legislative approval By Guy Page February 7, 2020 – Supporters of the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) […]
Ban on carrying guns in public to be discussed Senate this month
Senate committee to discuss semi-auto public carry ban; homeschool background check dead; no local tax $$ for commercial cannabis; cloud tax counterproductive, CEO says By Guy Page February 5, 2020 – Sen. […]
Rent control on House committee agenda
Also on this week’s House committee agendas: eugenics apology, contraception, homeless bill of rights, commercial cannabis, ‘good cause’ for firing employees, global warming solutions, legal prostitution, EV subsidies for bicycles, captions in […]
New bill: all game wardens, sheriffs, state police etc. to work under one new agency
Committee chair’s bill would place state police, game wardens, sheriffs, Corrections, etc. in one centralized Agency of Public Safety By Guy Page January 30, 2020 – The Vermont Legislature – already seeking […]
In Committee this week: VT House considers apology for eugenics and sterilization, and expanding access to contraceptives
About 100 years after the heyday of the Vermont eugenics movement led by UVM Professor Henry Perkins (photo above), the Vermont Legislature this week is preparing an official apology to Abenaki, French-Canadians […]
Vermont Legislature ‘bill mill’ update:
907 bills in House, 334 the Senate, including bias training for school bus drivers, high-capacity mag ban, state collection of racial, gender info of business owners, repatriation of Abenaki lands, EV mileage […]
Ongoing Act 250 revision focuses on climate, forests, ridgelines, and the dreaded ‘permit process’
By Guy Page January 22, 2020 – Reading about the Legislature’s ongoing effort to revise Act 250, Vermont’s land use and development law, is both intimidating and important. And that’s a problem. […]
Global Warming Solutions Act in House Energy all week
Required movie captions in theaters, police use of force, prescription drug costs, nuclear first strike, Homeless Bill of Rights, wandering livestock on House committee agendas By Mary Daly and Guy Page January […]
Democratic lawmaker warns other D’s about retail marijuana: “we are going to rue the day”
By Guy Page January 15, 2020 – A Democratic member of the Vermont House of Representatives told fellow Democrats yesterday he strongly opposes S54, the legalization of commercial cultivation, production, sale and […]
Proposed two-cent hike in heating fuel is back – along with four-cent gasoline “fee”
by Guy Page January 14, 2020 – A bill to double the home heating fuel tax and add four cents to the cost of gasoline and other transportation fuel was introduced into […]
In Committee, this week:
Prison rape culture. Who’s at Woodside and why? Social justice in schools. Pay hike for Speaker, Pro Tem, chairs? Contraception. Act 250 and slate quarries. Homeless Awareness Day. Vehicle registration fee hikes […]
Gender-neutral Constitution amendment, tax & regulate prostitution proposed
Random news, notes & observations from the State House on a Friday afternoon By Guy Page January 10, 2020 – A proposal to make the Vermont Constitution gender-neutral was introduced into the […]
Vermont should help women escape prostitution, not legalize it, human trafficking official says
By Guy Page January 10, 2020 -Vermont’s senior human trafficking official strongly opposes a bill to legalize prostitution, she told the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday. H569, sponsored by Judiciary Committee Chair Maxine […]
Worker relocation program unpopular with people who already live here, Water Cooler survey says
The Remote Worker Program paying people to move to Vermont – celebrated as a success by elected officials and set for expansion in 2020 – is highly unpopular with Vermonters, according to […]
They’re back – ‘Bill mill’ resumes activity on first day of 2020 Legislature
By Guy Page January 7, 2019 – On the Legislature’s first day back, the ‘bill mill’ resumed at a rapid pace as House Democratic Caucus leaders gave members two minutes each to […]
2020 Vision: special ed, pre-K, future of State Board of Education on school menu
Latest in a series about the people and priorities of the 2020 Vermont Legislature. By Guy Page December 31, 2019 – House Education Committee Chair Kate Webb (D-Shelburne) a month ago emailed […]
GMTA proposes free bus fare, paid for by car owners
By Guy Page Fact One: The Feebate report, funded in the 2019 House Transportation Committee’s omnibus bill and published this October, describes how the State of Vermont could charge a higher registration […]
Twice this month, Trump and Welch work together
By Guy Page December 23, 2019 – Maybe it’s just the Magic of the Season. Not once but twice this month Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) and President Donald Trump have collaborated to […]
2020 Vision: House Judiciary bills include gun restrictions, prison for profiling cops, fines for racist intimidation
Fourth installment of 2020 Vision, a look at Vermont House committees and the legislation they may consider next year. by Guy Page December 17, 2019 – Members of the Vermont House Judiciary […]
2020 Vision: Will Legislature consider Homeless Bill of Rights, again?
Today’s installment of 2020 Vision, a Vermont Daily Chronicle series being published this month about the upcoming session of the Vermont Legislature. by Guy Page – December 11, 2019 – Democratic gubernatorial […]
TCI will be Climate Caucus “banner bill” for 2020
While Scott administration signals openness to TCI, candidate Klar firmly opposed Upgrade for Barre-Montpelier commuter rail: $67-96 million By Guy Page December 4, 2019 – The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) will […]
2020 Vision: farm & forest committee may protect farmers from nuisance suits, livestock from inhumane conditions
(First installment of 2020 Vision, a Vermont Daily Chronicle series being published this month about the upcoming session of the Vermont Legislature.) By Guy Page December 3, 2019 – Do Vermont livestock […]
Bishop Jethro James, legal pot opponent from NJ, to speak in Winooski
Wednesday 12/4: Bishop Jethro James from N.J. will attend the community dinner at the O’Brien Community Center in Winooski @ 5:50 -7:00 PM. Bishop James is a well-known leader and highly-regarded voice for how […]
Briefing of Legislature Wed. 12/4 to cover TCI ‘carbon tax,’ re-org of legislative offices, state revenue, economy, budget
By Guy Page December 2, 2019 – Members of the Vermont Legislature will gather Wednesday, Dec. 4 to get a pre-session briefing on important climate, clean water, and transportation initiatives, the state’s […]
AG Donovan wary of marijuana municipal veto, taxation
Attorney General TJ Donovan tell pro-legalization podcast he’s concerned VT cities and towns might veto local marijuana operations, but welcomes convicted offenders to participate in legal industry. Photo from 2017 UVM conference, […]
After New Year’s, VT House faces big work-related bills
Minimum wage, contractor licensing, paid family leave all on January 7 agenda (Photo credit: Vermont Department of Labor Facebook page) By Guy Page – November 25, 2019 – After the opening gavel […]
Truckers want marijuana victims’ compensation fund
by Guy Page – November 22, 2019 – With increases in both crashes and collision insurance claims in cannabis-legal states, the American Trucking Association wants state and federal government to take steps […]
Cannabis bribery, ‘scromiting’ front page news in pot-legal Massachusetts
November 15, 2019 – by Guy Page – Marijuana cultivation and sale became legal in Massachusetts in 2016. Now, municipal officials are being investigated for soliciting and receiving big bribes from legal […]
Scott says solar industry ready to be weaned from price supports
Administration report says subsidies distort economy, favor wealthy, support purchase of power not in demand by consumers November 14, 2019 – by Guy Page – Gov. Phil Scott supports cutting price supports […]
Real estate prices in rural Orleans County go through the roof
Why it’s happening, and when and where else it’s happened before November 12, 2019 – by Guy Page – Don’t look now, but homes are selling for record prices in Orleans County. […]
Climate-friendly housing/bus stop of the future opens in Montpelier
Taylor Street affordable housing project cost $256K per unit – not including the multi-million $$ transit center downstairs November 6, 2019 – by Guy Page – A new 30-unit Montpelier rental housing […]
What’s on agenda for 2020 Vermont Legislature?
Climate change, plastic, Act 250, insanity defense, prisons, distracted driving, marijuana, State House “CEO” may see action by 2020 Legislature November 4, 2019 – by Guy Page – Vermont Legislature reconvenes Tuesday, […]
When Vermont women interact with male drug dealers, they lose
By Guy PageOctober 29, 2019 – When drug dealers ply their trade in Vermont, everyone else loses. But recent news reports suggest that often, women are the biggest losers. Sometimes the […]
Senator, EAI prez talk plastic, nature and freedom in Elmore
October 25, 2019 – for immediate release For more information contact Brad Ferland at 999-2633, bferland@together.net Permission given to publish press release and/or video Link to video: https://youtu.be/0p4fWpnfSps ‘Travels with Charlie’ video series goes to […]
Video: Bag Creature from Lake Elmore
Featured Video: Episode #10 of Travels with Charlie – the Plastic Ban
Five initiatives climate activists will push in 2020 – and what they will mean to Vermonters
October 21, 2019 – Guy Page – When the Legislature convenes in January, Vermonters can expect a full-court press to impose added costs and restrictions on many fossil fuel products and benefits. […]
House bill could shed light on inmate racial disparity
October 18, 2019 – Guy Page – The Judiciary Committee of the Vermont House of Representatives next year is expected to take up a criminal justice data collection bill, a senior legislator told […]
State panel ‘toying’ with elimination of State Board of Education
10/16/2019 – Guy Page – The Vermont Sunset Advisory Commission is considering recommending the elimination of the controversial Vermont State Board of Education (SBE), Co-chair Sen. Jeanette White (D-Windham) said today. “We’re […]
Does VPIRG really have ‘special interest’ ties? You decide…..
October 15, 2019 – Guy Page – In a recent “Dialogues with Meg Hansen” video interview entitled “Dark Money in Montpelier,” Ethan Allen Institute President Rob Roper claims the Vermont Public Interest Research Group […]
Of Haircuts, and Haircuts
Say Goodbye to the “Men’s Haircut”? And schools and social services will need more money to pay increased transportation costs, if TCI ‘stealth’ carbon tax takes effect. By Guy Page October 8, […]
