The Senate Committee on Institutions has its work cut out for it

by Timothy Page

The Senate Committee on Institutions “has jurisdiction over matters relating to public buildings, lands in which the State has an interest, and the Department of Corrections.”

As discussed in committee Jan. 15 (Selected time range on YouTube video: 186.67 to 667.945, sentence: 94 to 162), Vermont’s ability to fund new buildings and infrastructure is hitting a crossroads, as financial experts recommend tighter limits on state borrowing while construction costs soar.

The state typically pays for major construction projects by borrowing money through bonds – similar to a homeowner taking out a mortgage. This approach has traditionally made sense because buildings and infrastructure last for decades, allowing future generations who benefit from these facilities to help pay for them.

But Vermont’s borrowing power has shrunk significantly in recent years. A state advisory committee that sets safe borrowing limits has cut its recommended ceiling from $160 million in 2014 to just $100 million today. When adjusted for inflation, this represents an even steeper decline in actual buying power.

Behind these stricter limits are several warning signs that have caught the attention of credit rating agencies. Vermont’s aging population, slow economic growth, and roughly $5 billion in unfunded pension obligations have already led to a credit downgrade. Like a lower credit score for an individual, this downgrade means the state now pays more to borrow money.

The timing couldn’t be worse, as construction costs continue to climb. With less borrowing capacity and higher building costs, Vermont faces tough choices about which public projects it can afford to pursue.

Wendy Harrison (D-Windham) grew up in Florida’s Space Coast and later Silicon Valley, developing an early interest in public transportation. She earned a B.A. in Urban and Environmental Economics from Bryn Mawr College and a Master of Government Administration from UPenn, where she met her husband Peter Elwell.

Her career spans municipal government roles including Assistant Village Manager, County Solid Waste Director, and Town Councilor in Jupiter, Florida, where she focused on sustainable development and transportation. In Vermont, she served as Municipal Manager for Bellows Falls and Rockingham, Interim Town Manager for Vernon, and Interim City Manager for Winooski. She also worked in housing, land conservation, and circus training nonprofits.

Harrison has served on numerous boards including SeVEDS (chair), Vermont State Transportation Board, PalmTran Service Board (chair), and various regional planning and transit organizations. Since 2023, she has served as a Vermont State Senator.

She lives in Brattleboro with her husband and two dogs, near her adult children.

Robert Plunkett (D-Bennington), a Bennington native and Mount Anthony Union High School graduate, earned degrees from Amherst College and Brooklyn Law School. He serves as Deputy State’s Attorney in Bennington and sits on the Bennington Rescue Squad board. His previous roles include co-chair of the Bennington Charter Review Committee and member of the Mount Anthony Union School Board. He lives in Bennington with his two children and their small dog.

Russ Ingalls (R-Essex), born in Japan in 1964, grew up worldwide as a Navy child before settling in Irasburg, Vermont, where he graduated from Lake Region Union High School in 1983. A successful real estate producer, he enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his fiancée Deb and their families. His guiding principle is that there is always someone worse off who needs help, regardless of one’s own circumstances.

Currently chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and serves on the Senate Committee on Institutions. Additional appointments include the Canvassing Committee, Access Board, Art in State Buildings Advisory Committee, Barre Granite and Ethnic Culture Museum Steering Committee, Committee to Oversee Planning and Design of the State House, Special Committee on Capitol Complex Flood Recovery, and Special Committee on State House Improvements (ex officio).

Also in the Committee are Senators Joseph “Joe” Major (D-Windsor), who is serving as Clerk, and Samuel “Sam” Douglass (R-Orleans).

See all bills assigned to this committee here. Constituents may contact committee members (click link on name for bio, party affiliation, etc.) with comments, questions and information at the following email addresses: 

All committee transcripts are available at www.goldendomevt.com. Committee meeting video available at the committee’s YouTube channel. They meet in Room 7.