Pledges to break stalemate between Legislature, Scott
by Guy Page
Rep. Laura Sibilia, a five-term independent representing the Windham County towns of Dover, Stratton, Wardsboro, Somerset and Jamaica, announced Tuesday afternoon she will seek election as Speaker of the House.
In a letter to legislators, Sibilia cited “need for improved communication, collaboration and nonpartisan problem-solving, principles that have historically defined our state,” Sibilia said. “While the governor shares some responsibility for the current climate, we must hold ourselves accountable as legislators and improve our communication with all members, branches of government, and, most importantly, Vermonters. Vermont and our public institutions cannot afford an extended political stalemate.”
Sibilia currently is the vice-chair of the House Committee on Environment and Energy, where she worked to pass the Affordable Heating Act and the Act 250 reform bill, among other high-profile bills passed by the committee and then the Legislature this session.
Current Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski has held the office since January, 2021. She had been Democrat Majority Leader since 2017 and is a former vice president of Planned Parenthood of New England.
Sibilia emailed out this announcement at about 4 PM:
As I conclude my fifth term in the Vermont House of Representatives, I want to share with you that I have informed my fellow members of the House of my intention to run for Speaker of the House. The challenges our state faces—particularly regarding affordability, housing and the urgent need for adaptation in our economy and communities—demand effective leadership and collaboration. Despite a legislative supermajority, significant work remains undone, and many voices are not being fully heard.
I believe it’s time for an approach that prioritizes nonpartisan problem-solving and open communication. We need to focus on the urgent issues facing Vermonters, such as education and healthcare, while ensuring that all members of the legislature have the resources and support they need to participate meaningfully in this process.
As Speaker, I would play a vital role in shaping our state’s legislation and guiding the legislative process. This position involves leading discussions on key issues, setting the agenda for our sessions, and ensuring that all voices are heard—especially yours. By fostering collaboration among legislators, I can help create bipartisan solutions that directly benefit Vermont’s communities.
For you, this means having a leader committed to putting your needs and concerns at the forefront of our legislative work. My goal is to create a more inclusive and responsive government that truly serves all Vermonters.
I am grateful for your ongoing support. Additional support is welcomed in order to ensure that, should I be successful, the legislature is fully prepared to begin it’s work on Day One.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me for these past 10 years. I am confident we can build a brighter future for Vermont.
Sibilia said sent the following letter to House Members today:
Dear Members – As I conclude my fifth term in the Vermont House of Representatives, I want to address the significant challenges our constituents are facing, particularly around affordability, housing, and the urgent need for adaptation in our economy and communities. This past session has highlighted a deteriorating relationship between the legislature and the governor, ongoing leadership changes, and grave concerns about the sustainability of our public education system, healthcare, and our communities’ ability to adapt to the times as we emerge from COVID.
After extensive discussions with my legislative colleagues, family, and constituents, I am announcing my candidacy for the position of Speaker of the House for the upcoming biennium. My priority is to ensure we take effective legislative action to meet the needs of all Vermonters. Too many voices are going unheard, both of Vermonters and of legislators, and important work remains unfinished, even with a supermajority.
In my communications with fellow members, I have emphasized the need for improved communication, collaboration and nonpartisan problem-solving, principles that have historically defined our state. While the governor shares some responsibility for the current climate, we must hold ourselves accountable as legislators and improve our communication with all members, branches of government, and, most importantly, Vermonters. Vermont and our public institutions cannot afford an extended political stalemate.
If elected Speaker, I will prioritize increasing the capacity of the legislature to effectively address our most urgent issues. This means providing our committees with the resources and support needed to tackle these critical challenges head-on. Additionally, I am committed to developing the capacity of all members to participate meaningfully in this process. We must narrow our focus to the most urgent issues and the most effective actions.
I’m grateful for the encouragement I have received from members across all parties. As an Independent, I have a long history of bringing people together to collaborate on finding solutions. I take this decision seriously and am fully committed to being prepared to do the necessary work from day one. I look forward to continuing conversations with all members about our shared concerns, so we can take effective action and make the progress Vermonters expect from us.
Thank you for your work on behalf of your constituents. We all know these challenges are hard, but our state is full of promise. If we can take the time to listen to each other and work through these challenges, Vermont’s future will be bright.
VDC has asked several legislators to offer comments on Sibilia’s announcement. We have also emailed Sibilia questions about whether, if elected, she will move forward with a vote on the Affordable Heating Act.
Rep. Anne Donahue of Northfield – a former Republican running this year as an independent – responded with this comment: “I was pleased to see Laura’s announcement, because the process is always strengthened by having a contested election. I was the sole ‘no’ vote for last term’s vote for Speaker ‘by acclamation,’ which did not even allow for expressions of dissent to the nominee.”