November greetings!

A reminder about events happening this week – informational webinar on Communications Union Districts (CUD), Climate Caucus statewide tour, Legislative Breakfast with Rep. John Gannon and other upcoming events.

Easy access to your government in Vermont is a real benefit of living in our little state, but many folks mistakenly believe their voice doesn’t matter and don’t bother participating. If you are unable to attend any of these events – please do stay in touch on issues that are important to you!

Look for the Valley survey on the issues you’d like to see the legislature address in the coming session to be distributed before December. 

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The Vermont Legislature’s Climate Solutions Caucus has been working since last session developing its priorities for 2020. They want to share those priorities with Vermonters as well as hear other ideas on strategies that will grow jobs, save money and create equity. Join them and this important conversation on:
Tuesday Nov 19th, St Michael’s Episcopal in Brattleboro, 7 pm
One in a series of well organized events statewide, this meeting will feature an open forum discussion on climate priorities for the 2020 legislative session, with leaders from the Climate Solutions Caucus and local legislators on hand to answer questions. 

My first two priories with regard to climate change action in Vermont are protecting our towns from the effects of climate change happening now (more frequent and stronger storms and outages) and ensuring our rural region is not left behind as the rest of the state telecommunications, electric and transportation systems are modernized.

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Broadband 

Is your town interested in creating a local broadband solution? 

Joining or forming a Communications Union District is being considered by a number of towns in rural Vermont, including in the Deerfield Valley. Join BDCC for a Communications Union District Informational Webinar on Nov 19th, 2019 from 12-1pm 

Featuring Paul Giuliani, Carole Monroe (EC – Fiber) and Representative Laura Sibilia who will answer questions on what Communication Union Districts are and how they work.

Dial-in number (US): (712) 770-3893 |   Access code: 682926#     |   Online meeting ID: svep

For more information, click here

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Legislative Breakfast Wednesday, NOV 20 AT 8 AM
Old School Community Center in Wilmington

Join Representative Laura Sibilia and Representative John Gannon for a discussion of legislative issues of special interest to the business community. Issues that will be discussed at the breakfast include:

Minimum Wage, Paid Family Leave, Act 250, Climate Change, Tourism, Broadband, Workforce Development, Cannabis

Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Director of Government Affairs Charles Martin also will join us to discuss Tourism Day January 15th and the Vermont Chamber’s views on the upcoming legislative session. The Legislative Breakfast is free and open to the public. RSVP appreciated but not necessary

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The Rural Economic Development Working Group in the Vermont House has scheduled a public hearing to gather input from folks in rural Vermont on issues important to them.  The intent is to guide decisions made in the upcoming legislative session.  

The hearing is scheduled for 6-8 pm on Wednesday, December 11 that the Statehouse in Montpelier. Please let me know if you plan to attend and would like to carpool.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, or if you need assistance navigating government services at (802) 384-0233 or lsibilia@leg.state.vt.us

Kind regards,

Rep. Laura Sibilia