In his final report of the 2023 session, Rep. from Lyndon holds nothing back (again)
by Rep. Charles Wilson
Where to begin? I wholeheartedly tried every day at the State House to bring common sense and balance to the supermajority and their fierce drive to allocate money, infringe on rights, and make destructive decisions for others. It had to be said and it had to be done. My intention as a Representative was to stand up for my constituents to ensure that their voices were heard, their current needs met and that I had their best interests in the forefront of my contributions and votes.
I apologize for the actions of many of the Legislators. Much of this session’s legislation was flawed and compromised and often unconstitutional and therefore, I voted “NO” often, because many bills did not serve and would not solve the problems we face today. S.5 – the (un) Affordable Heat Act and gun control bill H.230 and its unconstitutional framework, were two of the more devastating bills to move through the House, as these infringe rights and will not serve the people of Vermont.
The overspending is rampant and the allocation of the money consolidates and limits funding in a way that does not allow for communities to receive back their fair share. Instead, money is often held up in bureaucracy with more studies and reports versus that spent on the people.
Ensuring that Vermont has a sustainable and realistic budget wisely appropriated for the good of all the people of Vermont must be a primary goal. This did not happen this session as increased spending was the all-out drive to gather more money from the people through taxes and fees, which will be injurious and burdensome to those already struggling to make ends meet. All this directly conflicts with the oath of office we take as Representatives and I will not support the proposed budget for these reasons. It remains to be seen if the Governor will veto the proposed budget and how the supermajority will respond.
Currently there are many schools focused on indoctrination and training children, versus education. We have seen how these conflict with parent’s opinions on subject matter and age-appropriate material. Parental involvement in these conversations is essential for the support in moving forward to ensure sound and safe education of our children. Attacking schools, outside the public school system, depicts the problem with the power that the school lobbyists hold in the State House. Interfering with a family’s option to access and afford independent schools, would have a devastating effect on educational opportunities for many students in Vermont.
The current emphasis on “news media literacy” is essential in order to teach critical thinking, but when it becomes politicized and based on personal belief systems, versus an unbiased approach and understanding of the world to help children decipher the truth from lies and fiction, then there is a problem which will bring long term damage to them and our society. Ensuring sound education for students is the best path, and necessary so that there is a place for all children to be successful.
Another concerning theme relevant in many aspects of Vermont currently, is the drive for “equity” which is negatively impacting our children and resulting in messages of shame, blame and division. Equal opportunity for all is certainly a priority focus and all should have access to support resources toward a path of success. However, recognizing that an equal outcome is not possible, is a necessary truth. A value system based on respect and Constitutional law and Godly reverence, is the foundation of a successful society.
Passing this onto our children and future generations, will allow humanity to find its way through the difficult times and ensure that those in need are taken care of. Vermont is a special state and there are so many good, hardworking people, engaging and informing Vermonters to a solid path toward the future. The supermajority creates roadblocks in this path. They are not respecting their constituents and are acting as a swarm driven by ideology instead of being representatives and protectors of the people. It is my sincere hope that next session will bring common sense, real conversations, and reason.
The author is a Lyndon resident, former House representative for Caledonia-3, and a Republican. He sat on the Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency and Forestry.