Rep. Sibilia: Week 15 of the 2024 Legislative Session

My next Public Office Hours are at the Dover Free Library Saturday, May 4th from 11-noon – please stop on by.

Diagnostic Breast Imaging Legislation signed into Law
Last week the Governor signed into law H.621. I’m pleased to have worked with Representative Melanie Carpenter and Susan G. Komen® to introduce this legislation to make breast cancer detection more accessible. Our bill, H.621, addresses the high costs of important breast imaging, ensuring everyone in Vermont can afford these crucial tests. By removing out-of-pocket expenses for MRIs, ultrasounds, and diagnostic mammograms, we hope to catch Vermonter’s cancer earlier and save lives. Passing H.621 is a step towards fair healthcare access for all Vermonters.

Vermont Secretary of Education Confirmation Process Underway
Zoie Saunders has been recommended for the position of Education Secretary by a vote of 3-2 by the Senate Education Committee. On Tuesday the entire Senate is scheduled to vote on whether or not to confirm her nomination. This is a Constitutional duty of the Senate alone. From all accounts the full Senate vote is expected to be very close. Given the Governor’s call today for a delay in the process, it seems likely there are not enough votes to confirm her. Here are several articles discussing this nomination:

Center Square: Scott defends education secretary nominee amid criticism
Vermont Community Newspaper Group: Education secretary pick upsets lawmakers, educators
My Champlain Valley: Vermont Senate committee approves Zoie Saunders’ nomination for education secretary
VPO: Things Are Getting a Bit Tetchy In and Around the Saunders Nomination
VPR: Years of acrimony over vouchers animate the dispute over Education Secretary Zoie Saunders
VTDigger: Phil Scott calls on Senate to push back confirmation vote on Zoie Saunders for education secretary

YIELD BILL
Last week the House recently passed the Yield Bill (H.887) by a vote of 101-39 after a heated debate. This bill, which adjusts property and income tax rates has now moved to the Senate for further consideration. Here is the Education Fund Outlook if H.887 passes.

Statewide Budget Votes
Efforts to influence local school district budget voting, led by the Governor, have been ongoing, including the voting down of his own school district’s budget. However, there is a notable absence of comprehensive plans to systematically address challenges such as the significant 16% increase in healthcare costs. This lack of strategic planning extends to the broader issue of governance within the state-funded educational system. While a single school district acting independently cannot resolve these challenges, successful resolution will require years of guided leadership and collaboration with the legislature.

It is worth noting that over the course of the Governor’s tenure, there have been significant changes in staffing capacity within the Agency of Education, which may have implications for its effectiveness in addressing current challenges. While the administration has acknowledged public concerns regarding the changing economy and inflation, there appears to be a gap between rhetoric and substantive leadership actions. Policy concepts, such as those related to student-teacher ratios, have been presented, but lack leadership or a comprehensive strategy. There is an urgent need for more substantive policy initiatives and greater collaboration among stakeholders to address the complex issues facing the state’s educational system.

With some budgets having been voted down a second time, the House is working to ensure schools without an approved budget can remain open. In the short term, schools have the ability to borrow up to 87% of their previously approved budget if a new budget is not approved. Budgets for the FY 26 school year will begin to be developed in a few months.

2024 River Valleys Unified School District Annual Meeting:
April 30, 2024, at Dover Town Hall at 7 PM Warning

S.259 An act relating to climate change cost recovery
S.259 establishes the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program Fund, aimed at financing infrastructure repairs and adaptations in Vermont that might be damaged due to climate change, such as roads and buildings. The bill holds responsible parties liable for the costs associated with these projects, meaning that companies contributing significant pollution to worsen climate change must contribute towards fixing it. This principle, known as strict liability based on greenhouse gas emissions, ensures that entities are accountable for the financial impacts of their emissions, regardless of fault or intent. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a statewide Climate Change Adaptation Master Plan to guide fund allocation, which will undergo periodic audits to ensure its effectiveness. Furthermore, the bill calls for a comprehensive assessment of the costs incurred by Vermont due to greenhouse gas emissions, providing critical insights for future policy decisions.

Vermont Public: Vermont Senate supports granting professional licenses regardless of immigration status

This big guy is prowling Goose City – we’ve gotten glimpses of him in our yard day & night

2024 Vermont Long-Range Transmission Plan
VELCO, Vermont’s transmission utility, is seeking public input to shape its 2024 Vermont Long-Range Transmission Plan. The Plan identifies the new transmission line investments that may be needed to maintain system reliability.View or download the Plan

Community engagement will occur through public gatherings and online forums from May to June. The plan aims to address reliability challenges while considering broader energy needs. Vermonters are encouraged to participate in the public outreach meetings to provide insights on transmission and other solutions for meeting the state’s energy demands. The input gathered will help improve the plan and ensure a reliable, resilient, and affordable energy future for Vermont. If you are unable to attend the scheduled public forums, please note that you can also offer input by posting your comments online at www://www.velco.com/vlrtp.

Public Meeting details are as follows:

May 1: 5-7 PM at Delta Hotel, South Burlington, VT
May 2: 12-2 PM, Virtual
May 14: 12-2 PM at Rutland Free Library, Rutland, VT
May 15: 5-7 PM at St. Albans Town Office, St. Albans, VT

RSVP HERE

It continues to be an honor to represent the Windham-2 District in the Vermont House of Representatives.

Monitor the bills I am sponsoring and recorded roll call votes.

As always, if you have suggestions, concerns or critiques please be in touch so we can schedule time to discuss. Please do not hesitate to contact me 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

Rep. Laura Sibilia – Dover, Jamaica, Somerset, Stratton, Wardsboro