Good evening,
A few timely notes to share about the end of CARES Act unemployment benefits, and vaccinations. There is also a Public Hearing on fixing the student weights this week – please let me know if I can assist if you are willing to testify. Testimony is brief and can be done virtually.
Many thanks to the Wardsboro and Dover Public Libraries who have agreed to allow me to host monthly in person public office hours at the Wardsboro library on the 3rd Thursdays from 6-7 pm next on September 16th and at the Dover library and on the 3rd Tuesdays from 6-7 pm beginning September 14th.
I am also host a monthly online office hours on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 11-noon next happening on September 18th– you can join this online meeting here or by calling +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 734 376 857 Passcode: 003089.
CARES Act Unemployment Programs Ending
The federal CARES Act created various programs to expand eligibility to increase accessibility to unemployment insurance benefits throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs created under the CARES Act include Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
PUA, PEUC and FPUC are all scheduled to end the benefit week ending September 4, 2021, which is the final full week of the program. After September 4, 2021, if you are filing in the PUA or PEUC program, you will no longer be eligible to receive those benefits. Please review the information below to better understand how the ending of various programs will impact your eligibility. read more
Vermont Department of Labor: LOOKING TO LAUNCH OR ADVANCE YOUR CAREER?
Funded by the Vermont Legislature, the 802 Opportunity is open to new or returning students of any age, starting in the fall of 2021 and continuing for two academic years.
Choose from 33 flexible programs. Day and evening classes. In person or online.
Why America has 8.4 million unemployed when there are 10 million job openings
According to the CDC, that the Delta variant is highly contagious, more than 2x as contagious as previous COVID-19 variants. Here are two reasons to strongly consider getting vaccinated if you haven’t yet.
- Children under 12 can’t be vaccinated, this means children, especially in school and daycare settings, are more likely to get and transmit the virus to others.
- In a number of southern states, the intensive care units and emergency rooms are full with unvaccinated people who are now sick with COVID. That means that others who are in car accidents, have a different type of health emergency, or are in a region with a massive hurricane are much more unlikely to be able to receive timely healthcare.
The stay at home orders, the mask mandates and now the voluntary vaccinations are all about protecting the most vulnerable and healthcare for all on our community. Further down you will find a number of walk in vaccination clinics in southern Vermont in the coming week. You can also make an appointment at most pharmacies.
Also, with the additional federal unemployment benefits ending just as this delta variant is spreading. It’s important to know that employers can mandate masks and vaccines in order to work at their establishments.
| 09/08 | School Clinic: Twin Valley Middle and High School 4299 VT-100 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Whitingham | Pfizer (first or second dose) |
| 09/09 | Brattleboro Retreat 17 Farmhouse Square | 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Brattleboro | Johnson & Johnson (single dose) Pfizer (first or second dose) |
| 09/10 | School Clinic: Bellows Falls Union High School 406 High School Rd. | 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Westminster | Pfizer (first or second dose) |
Public Hearing of the Task Force on the Implementation of the Pupil Weighting Factors Report
The Task Force on the Implementation of the Pupil Weighting Factors Report will hold the first of two public hearings on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the State House in Room 11. Participants may testify in-person or remotely through a Zoom webinar.
Anyone interested in testifying, in-person or remotely, should sign up in advance of the hearing through the following online form: https://legislature.vermont.gov/links/pupil-weighting-factors-public-hearing. Instructions on how to access and participate in the hearing will be sent once you have signed up for the hearing.
The public hearings will be available to watch live on YouTube at the following link: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/vermont-joint-fiscal.
For more information about the format of these events, contact Sorsha Anderson at sanderson@leg.state.vt.us.
Gov. Phil Scott opens application process for chair of the Natural Resources Board
Population change in VT municipalities
The #VT Legislative Apportionment Board (LAB) is seeking YOUR input on #VTPoli legislative redistricting.
Visit https://sos.vermont.gov/apportionment-board/ for more info on the LAB’s work and a link to a short survey on reapportionment where you can give your feedback.
Efficiency Vermont Home Energy Visits – Now Available
Has your house (or apartment) been stifling hot this summer? Is it drafty in the winter? Are your energy expenses unexpectedly high? You aren’t alone.
A typical Vermont home can have more than one heating source, aging appliances, hidden air leaks, damp basements, and a range of other quirks that make them unique…yet inefficient and uncomfortable. The good news: there is plenty you can do to save on energy, and be more comfortable. You just need to know where to look.
Efficiency Vermont’s energy experts are offering FREE virtual home energy visits to Vermont homeowners and renters. They’ll walk (virtually) through your home and take a look at your attic, basement, appliances and more. By the end of the consultation, you’ll have a personalized list of energy-saving opportunities (big and small) that you can do to cut your energy costs and improve the comfort of your home.
Get a contactless, FREE energy consultation today.
September openings are already filling up… schedule your virtual home energy visit: https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/rebates/list/home-energy-visit
As always, if you have suggestions, concerns or critiques please be in touch so we can schedule time to discuss them.
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
Vermont State Representative Laura Sibilia 