Settle into a bumpy ride to scheduled May 10 adjournment.
by Rep. Jim Harrison
Could be a bumpy ride?
The last few weeks of the legislative session often contain a bit of theater, eureka moments, surprises, and just plain old disagreements. With the legislature scheduled to adjourn on May 10, the next two weeks could prove interesting. Major legislation, such as the state budget, education property tax rates, higher electric costs related to the renewable energy standard, safe injection sites, Act 250 changes and housing initiatives are in various stages of passage with differences still needing to be resolved.
On Friday, the House disagreed with the Senate version of the state budget, H.883, and sent the measure to a conference committee of three House and three Senate members to work out the differences. Conferees need to be cognizant of concerns the Governor may have or risk a veto. Last year the legislature enacted its own budget by overriding Scott’s veto, which he felt increased spending too much.
The Senate version of the budget includes a new streaming tax and increases on registration fees on securities, such as mutual funds. It also caps the number of rooms allowed for the hotel voucher program; a provision opposed by advocates for the homeless. It adds new positions in the Judiciary to help with the criminal case backlog and 15 new positions in the Dept. of Environmental Conservation to support the work in another bill, S.213, protection of river corridors.
Another bill approved by the Senate, S.258, is facing opposition from various hunting and fishing advocates. The legislation expands the Fish & Wildlife Board and makes it advisory to the Commissioner. It also bans hunting coyotes with dogs. Opponents of the measure fear that hunting and fishing rules could change every time there is a new Commissioner, as is usually the case when there is a change in administration.
Given the large group of Vermonters that showed up at the State House last Thursday to protest increased property taxes, the renewable energy bill as well as the proposed change in the Fish & Wildlife Board, a smooth finish to the session is not likely.
The end of the two-year legislative biennium is also wrought with political news. News of who is seeking re-election (or not) or opting for a higher office begins to emerge. Late on Friday, the potential candidacy for Governor by Howard Dean was being speculated. Dean, who was Vermont’s Governor 30 years ago, could certainly make this year’s gubernatorial contest interesting.
Some issues of interest:
The House passed the education finance bill, H.887, which sets the statewide education property tax. The average homestead tax rate is estimated to increase by 15% and non-homestead by 18%. Those rates could go up or down depending on individual school spending and a town’s CLA (common level of appraisal). The Governor has been critical of the House bill, which will now be considered by the Senate.
The full Senate will take up the confirmation of the Secretary of Education, Zoie Sanders. The Senate Education Committee voted 3-2 last week to recommend her confirmation. A close vote is expected. Many in the education lobby, including the NEA, oppose her confirmation.
The Vermont House approved S.209, which bans “ghost guns” (firearms without serial numbers) and bans firearms at polling locations during elections. The Senate will now consider the House changes to the bill.
The Senate Transportation Committee added a new $89 annual fee to electric vehicles to help with the cost of installing more charging stations. The new fee has been met with opposition from the Chair of the House Transportation Committee.
The House approved Proposal 3, a constitutional amendment guaranteeing workers the right to unionize, on a 129-8 vote. The measure will need to be approved by the legislature again in the next biennium and then by the voters in 2026.
Other News
Congratulations to Wyatt Fitz-Gerald of Chittenden on his Eagle Scout recognition that was part of a State House resolution and ceremony honoring the 2023 recipients.
Mike Pieciak, Charity Clark and Sarah Copeland-Hanzas have announced plans to run for re-election for Treasurer, Attorney General and Secretary of State respectively.
A major new data privacy bill, H.121, was modified by a key Senate committee, which could jeopardize the bill’s future. The issue concerns whether there should be a private right of action provision in the bill, which would allow individuals to sue for sharing your online information, such as purchasing decisions.
Vermont’s new payroll tax enacted last year for childcare begins on July 1. Information on the Child Care Contribution.
Vermont Rep. Emilie Kornheiser Sees Raising Revenue as Part of Her Mission
Seven Days
Working class Vermonters admonish lawmakers for being out of touch with core values
MNBC5
Property Tax Relief Bill Sparks Partisan Feud
Seven Days
Senate’s version of budget would reduce motel room capacity by a third
Vermont Public
As the session nears end, a conversation with President Pro Tem Sen. Phil Baruth
Vermont Public
Scott, Sununu maintain top approval ratings in latest poll
WCAX
Author serves as the state representative for the Rutland-11 district, which includes Chittenden, Killington, Mendon & Pittsfield. You may reach me at JHarrison@leg.state.vt.us or my cell 802-236-3001.
Categories: Commentary, Legislation, State Government
there is no constitutional office for attorney general in vermont//// there never was a constitution amendment to the vermont government to change the structure of government/// go back and look at the proposed amendments/// this would have to be an appointed position///
can i get one of those new government jobs so i set on the river bank and fish for an excuse why i am there///
You are so right, Mday44.
Once upon a time I worked for the Vermont Job Service–that was a long time ago when this Vermont agency actually did was it was intended to do–find jobs for people to work at and be pay for based on their ability, not their DEI check offs. Anyway, there used to be a job with the Department of Fish and Game that was known as a “Stream Walker.” It was only a part time summer job, and the few people hired, maybe one in each county, would literally walk streams and note their condition and the possible spots where trout would gather. It only lasted for the summer and paid about $7.00 an hour with no benefits, but it was a great job for a student, and the students did a great job.
I don’t know about the the 15 new jobs, but I’d be willing to bet that these will be full time positions with benefits, intended for well connected progressive liberal youths with worthless degrees in Underwater Water Basket Weaving and such, and will be paying considerably more that seven bucks a hour. Essentially more do nothing jobs in already bloated State agencies.
What a cool time to be alive ! It is my hope that I am around to see the excrement hit the fan, and our know it all, treacherous, self rightous, non representitive, holier than thou politicians take the beating in the ballot booths this year. Send them all back to the crap holes that they came from ! Take back Vermont !
yes/// there are take back vermont signs in a ware house in vermont///