By Susan Murray
Moving from Connecticut to Brattleboro, VT, decades ago, my husband and I enjoyed living in this rural area where our children thrived. I have worked in the field of education with students of all ages, including owning and operating a nursery school and later, retiring as a special educator from the local high school.
In my experience, I learned it’s important for parents to participate in and have access to their children’s curriculum and daily activities. I believe school choice and school vouchers are necessary options and will work to ensure that parents regain and maintain oversight of their children’s education.
Critical Race Theory, /Diversity/Equity/Inclusion has no place in school instruction. The truth of our country’s heritage and history that includes instruction of our Constitution needs to be included. We must know our rights as citizens to whom “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is given.
We must end the “sanctuary state” status. Law and order need to be enforced as protections for citizens. This includes supporting local law enforcement and federal agencies committed to apprehending immigrants who entered the United States illegally.
The Clean Heat Standard (Act 18) now in development by state regulators is not affordable nor doable. Act 18 aims to reduce Vermont’s reliance on fossil fuels for heating and hot water. It became law in May 2023. Vermonters have deep concerns regarding what is being forced upon them without fair representation.
Rob Roper, a freelance writer with 20 years’ experience in Vermont politics, has described the process in detail, though there are yet many unknowns. To be updated, go to Rob Roper’s reports: “Behind the Lines” on Facebook, TwitterX, and YouTube.
In an attempt to clarify what still remains unclear, here are some bullet points regarding Act 18:
* Clean Heat Standard is a system requiring importers/sellers of heating oil, kerosene, propane, natural gas and coal to obtain carbon credits
*Carbon credits are given to oil companies as the fuel they sell are ultimately burned
*Dealers would apply these credits to a clean heat measure, for example, installing heat pumps themselves or having Efficiency VT, for example, do weatherizing, and so forth.
*There are too many unknowns about the responsibility and cost of keeping track of steps all along the path to achieve the goal of the Clean Heat Standard …who, what, where, when, transfer of credits, many new jobs that need to be generated by the process to oversee, taxes to include, etc.
*The cost of the clean heat measures necessary to meet reduction standards set up by the Global Warming Solutions Act will cost about $3.3 billion to meet the 2030 target and about $10 billion for the 2050 target.
*Ultimately, all costs generated by this process will be passed along to consumers.
***You have opportunity to say “NO” right now to the Clean Heat Standard by going to affordableheat.org
There are many issues that are causing great concern among Vermonters, as I am hearing from most of the people to whom I speak in my Brattleboro District 7. I encourage all to spread the word, raise questions, and speak out. This is a critical time for all of us here in Vermont.
Susan Murray is a Candidate for Vermont State House of Representatives Republican Party, Brattleboro, District 7