by Rep. Jim Harrison

It’s the time of year when we begin to get ready for the next season. Golf clubs and kayaks get cleaned and put away for next year. The list includes an appointment at Charlie Dorr’s to change over to snow tires, taking down the garden hoses at the house and much more.

And while the State House is mostly quiet these days, some are preparing for the new legislative session, which begins January 6. One special committee is charged with drawing maps for new school districts. As part of the education reform legislation signed into law earlier this year, this group was asked to come up with three plans that will significantly reduce the number of school districts and supervisory unions. Vermont currently has 119 school districts and 52 supervisory unions for a little more than 80,000 students.
 
The special committee is holding several public hearings around the state with one this week in Rutland on Wednesday.

Rutland High School
Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00–8:00 PM
To participate virtually: Microsoft Teams | Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 231 719 329 874 5
Passcode: GL9bU6uP

The hearings will inform Vermonters about the work of the Task Force, created by Act 73 to recommend new school district boundaries and configurations to the General Assembly. Input will help the Task Force understand community priorities and considerations as it develops draft proposals. Members of the public may also provide individual testimony (up to 2 minutes each).

Another topic that is front and center right now is the impact of the federal shutdown on Vermont. The Joint Fiscal Committee, of which I am a member, met on Thursday to get an update from members of the Governor’s administration on possible shortfalls in funding.

Two key items include the federal appropriation for LIHEAP (low income heating assistance), which is generally provided to help purchase fuel in early November and the delivery of SNAP food benefits. While SNAP (formally food stamps) funding continues during the shutdown, there is a concern that the federal contractor that operates the electronic benefit system could shut down because they are not getting paid.

In addition, the committee learned that federal funding reductions since July not related to the shutdown have already totaled $12.3 million to the State. This does not include reductions to individuals or other recipients that receive direct funding from Washington. Chief among the help going to individuals is the potential loss of some health insurance subsidies for those purchasing their insurance on the exchange.

Secretary of Administration Sarah Clark updated the joint fiscal group about the back to office directive from the Governor (at least three days a week) that has received some pushback from the state employee union. The change does not apply to the independently elected offices, such as the Treasurer, Attorney General, Secretary of State and Auditor.

In closing, I expect the fall will continue to see preparations for what may be shaping up to be a contentious session with school changes and potential reductions in state spending.

Other News

Dr. Rick Hildebrant of Clarendon was appointed by the Governor as Vermont’s Health Commissioner. Dr. Hildebrant is a doctor of internal medicine and served as chief medical information officer and medical director of hospital medicine at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

The Vermont Department of Labor has announced an increase to the State’s minimum wage from $14.01 to $14.42 per hour beginning January 1, 2026. The tipped minimum wage will increase from $7.01 to $7.21 per hour.  Additional information on the Vermont Department of Labor and its resources may be found at labor.vermont.gov.   
 
Sen. Sam Douglass Resigns Over Racist Chats
Seven Days

Vermont’s fiscal leaders worry feds won’t repay the state when government reopens
vtdigger

Ways and Means: Legislation, STAT!
Seven Days

Gov. Phil Scott announces new Chittenden County court for repeat offenders
vtdigger

Eyeing federal cuts, Vermont House budget-writers brace for tough spending decisions
vtdigger

Author is the state representative for the Rutland-11 district, which includes Chittenden, Killington, Mendon & Pittsfield.