Tomorrow and Friday I hope to start pulling together the pieces of Federal and State legislation that have been passed – for now – know there is a lot of help on the way. If you are worried about food or shelter in the next two weeks – please be in touch right away at lsibilia@gmail.com or 802-384-0233
Business & Economy
Is your business essential? The commerce agency wants to help you figure that out
As David Marvin, CEO of Butternut Mountain Farm, sees it, there’s no question that his maple syrup business in Morrisville is essential and should stay open through the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the question is a lot less clear-cut for many other manufacturers in the wake of Gov. Phil Scott’s March 24 executive order, which directs that “all businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state shall suspend in-person business operations.” read more
Happenings in the House and Senate
Today the House met to approve a few resolutions and bills related to healthcare, unemployment, wills, commerce that were passed by the Senate yesterday.
Below is an excerpt describing the content of those resolutions and bills we received from Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson at just after midnight last night.
The House resolutions are
- To have the House declare a state of emergency to help encapsulate the work we do at this time.
- To allow House committees to vote remotely
- To allow the House to make floor votes remotely. This resolution requires ratification by a ¾ majority. Ratification votes can be done remotely.
There are also two House bills that came with amendment’s from the Senate for the House’s consideration:
H.742– This bill contains the health, human services, unemployment insurance and DMV components. Committees of jurisdiction by straw poll unanimously support concurrence and all-House leadership agrees with concurring with the Senate proposals of amendment. I hope we can get this bill on its way to the Governor’s desk to help many Vermonters with unemployment insurance and provide flexibility to our health care system.
H.681– This bill contains several Government Operations elements to help with elections, open meeting law and in the COVID-19 era. House Government Operations by straw poll unanimously supports these provisions. Leadership is touching base with you all and tomorrow (Wednesday) we will make a decision about whether to concur.
Here’s the House calendar. The full text of the strike-all amendments to these bills are at the end:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2020/Docs/CALENDAR/hc200325.pdf
The bills passed and the Governor will sign as soon as he is able helping individuals with unemployment, towns with remote meetings and businesses.
A few stories about today’s vote:
- Vermont House Passes Emergency Coronavirus Bills After Procedural Delay
- House rep forces speaker to call in 76 members for COVID-19 vote
ACCD Department of Tax and Tourism updates
A number of clarifying communications were issued today
- Vermont Department of Tourism released a newsletter including guidnace on short term rentals.
- Vermont Tax Department issued issued clarification and and FAQ on Tax in general and Meals and Rooms Specifically
Bookmark for updates:
Vermont Department of Health 2019 Novel Coronavirus Current Status in Vermont Webpage for updates.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Disease page
World Health Organization Coronavirus Disease 2019
STAY HOME, STAY SAFE GUIDELINES AND FAQs
As noted in the Executive Order, lodging is now permitted only to the extent required to support COVID-19 response, critical infrastructure and national security. This directive includes private rentals as well as licensed lodging establishments. No new arrivals or reservations for immediate extension of stay are permitted after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 through April 15. Existing guests should be asked to depart unless they meet the criteria of being essential to support COVID-19 response, critical infrastructure and national security. Examples of permitted lodging scenarios are provided in ACCD’s Stay Home, Stay Safe FAQs for Businesses. If you have questions or guests that does not comply with this directive, please complete the Continuation of Business Operations Form for additional guidance.
Topic: Coffee and Discussion w/ Laura
Time: Mar 25, 2020 07:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Friday Mar 27, 2020 07:00 AM
Monday Mar 30, 2020 07:00 AM
You can join this call from your computer by following Click to Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 608 474 437
Password: 344164
If you join by computer – you may be able to join with video if you are on a computer with a camera or using a smartphone.
Or Join the meeting by phone
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Meeting ID: 608 474 437
Have a public wifi spot to add to the state list? Psd.telecom@vermont.gov
Consolidated Communications is currently offering FREE Internet to families with students attending a school affected by COVID-19. This is available to new and existing customers. The offer ends March 31 so I encourage you all to take advantage of this right away.
Here is a direct link to more information and directions for signing up:https://www.consolidated.com/offer/student
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
Dover, Readsboro, Searsburg, Somerset, Stamford, Wardsboro, Whitingham
Vermont State Representative Laura Sibilia 