The current session looks like it will continue through a good deal of the summer and early fall as we seek to best plan for the short and long term effects of the global pandemic.

Over the the next few years we will be facing significant challenges in our state and our country as we deal with the long term effects of the current crisis. Vermonters, Vermont businesses, Vermont’s public institutions are hurting. I hope my regular updates have helped alleviate some of the unknowns as the pandemic has unfolded. In all of the chaos, I have been focused on keeping you abreast of pertinent information for your family and business and keeping you and your concerns closely connected to your government. As a result, politics has not been at the forefront of my thinking. And yet now is the time for partisan candidates to announce their intentions to run for office.

In the coming years, we will need hardworking, ethical leaders who can work with others across Vermont’s geographic and political spectrum to make decisions in the best interests of current and future Vermonters. I will run for re-election in 2020 for a 4th term representing the Windham-Bennington district in the Vermont House to represent the voters, taxpayers, businesses and students of Dover, Readsboro, Searsburg, Somerset, Stamford, Wardsboro and Whitingham. I will file my papers to run again for reelection as an independent in July as is allowed by law. As an independent, I pledge to continue to consider the merits of each issue over the respective party positions.

Rural Vermont has been struggling for more than a decade with demographic issues which impact our local and state economies, schools and property taxes, the availability of broadband and healthcare, our resilience from unseen natural and economic challenges. This has been and will continue to be a focus of my work on your behalf in the Vermont House of Representatives. My work this session in the House has created opportunities to move forward important pieces of legislation related to education, land use, and broadband for all Vermonters. There is still much to be done.

While it is not possible for me to agree with each one of you on every issue, it is possible to help you understand what is happening in state government, how it may impact you, and what additional steps you may take to weigh in. It is truly an honor and a privilege to represent and connect you to our state government. I look forward to serving you again in the 2021 legislative session.

Serving in the legislature does come at a financial cost to working Vermonters like me. These are very tough times for our families and neighbors and my expectation is that those in our district who can provide some financial support during this crisis have been doing so to any number of community service groups helping Vermonters. If you are also able to provide $10 or $5 to my reelection campaign, the funds will help offset my online email and meeting subscription services and are very much appreciated. Please click here if you are also able to help offset these expenses.

As always, if you have suggestions, concerns or critiques please be in touch.

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. Follow my regular posts online at http://www.laurasibiliavt.com

Kind regards, 

Rep. Laura Sibilia 
Dover, Readsboro, Searsburg, Somerset, Stamford, Wardsboro, Whitingham