Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you have had warm and safe holidays with those you love. TJ and I are grateful to have spent time with our children and extended families and to have been able to connect with our deployed soldier over the holiday. We are looking forward to a new year of possibility and excited our hometown has decided to pursue a public water system and that the weather over the holiday week has been great for our businesses, visitors and weekend residents.
This is the time of year when Vermont’s elected legislators are preparing to take up the challenges facing Vermont in the session starting January 2025, in partnership with Governor Scott. This month, as part of that preparation, I attended a national bipartisan forum on Democracy, through a program that brings state and local leaders together to consider the principles and challenges of democratic governance.
The forum focused on the state of democracy, the forces dividing us, and how we can rebuild trust and cooperation in our country, states and communities. These discussions focused on the urgent need for political courage in order to address polarization and declining trust. We discussed the importance of reestablishing norms for losing candidates and their speakers including concession speeches, encouraging a culture of service in our communities, and practicing self-control in our rhetoric. It has been inspiring to meet with this group of Americans, some with perspectives very different then mine, for the shared purpose of finding common ground and becoming better elected leaders.
Democracy works best when leaders focus on listening and working together to solve problems. That focus is central to my work as your representative and also to the campaign I am running for Speaker of the Vermont House.
Some of you have asked about the Vermont House Democratic Caucus earlier this month, where my nomination as the possible Democratic candidate for Speaker was debated. While I wasn’t present, I deeply appreciate the courage and thoughtfulness of those who supported me. Ultimately, the caucus chose not to nominate a non-Democrat by a vote of 60-18. I respect the Democratic Caucus’ decision but also see the debate as a sign that more legislators are open to the inclusive, coalition-driven leadership I am offering. The vote by all members of the House of Representatives will occur on January 8th. Follow news on the Speaker race.
As we head into the next session, I’m continuing my work to bring people together and make progress for Vermont. I welcome your thoughts and priorities—please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me to represent our district. I am proud to work with you, and on your behalf, for a better future for our communities and state.
December 1 Letter from the Tax Commissioner
The Vermont Department of Taxes’ annual “Dec. 1 letter” forecasts a 5.9% average increase in education property taxes for the fiscal year starting in July 2025. The projection, based on data from the Agency of Education and local school districts, reflects rising education costs, including a $115 million (6.1%) increase in expected spending. Contributing factors include inflation, healthcare costs, student mental health needs, and the expiration of $69 million in one-time funds used last year.
While the increase is lower than last year’s initial 18.5% projection (which was ultimately reduced to 13.8%), officials, including Tax Commissioner Craig Bolio, warn it remains significant and unsustainable. Governor Phil Scott attributed the rise to systemic cost pressures and called for legislative collaboration to reduce the tax burden.
We need systemic reform of Vermont’s education system in order to address education property taxes in Vermont. We must first find the place where we can achieve the greatest consensus across communities, and then remain open to innovating for long-term sustainability, and to ensuring that the publicly funded education system can meet the needs of students while remaining affordable for residents. The goals for the 2025/26 Session must be:
- Reduce the burden on property taxpayers.
- Ensure schools are resourced to provide equitable, high-quality education statewide.
- Modernize funding mechanisms to reflect Vermont’s changing realities.
I am committed to working with my colleagues and the Administration in the upcoming session to advance a responsible, thoughtful approach to achieving these goals.
Explainer of Ed Funding system from AOE: Vermont’s Education Funding System Explained
Vermont’s education funding system tries to maintain equity for students statewide while balancing local control. This complex system raises common questions about how funding works. The AOE has produced a decent explainer about how this all works. Key points addressed include:
- Reasons why tax bills can increase significantly, even with minimal growth or reductions in local school budgets.
- How funding amounts for each school district are determined.
- Sources of revenue for the state’s education fund.
- Factors influencing individual education tax bills and variations among taxpayers.
2025 Legislative Fiscal Briefing
During the December 4, 2024, Legislative Fiscal Briefing, the legislature reviewed materials and heard presentations to inform the work of the upcoming session. Topics included the Fiscal Year 2026 budget context, with analysis from the Joint Fiscal Office staff and a legislative economist. We also reviewed the fundamentals of federal aid to Vermont, and updates on education funding provided by the Joint Fiscal Office, and a detailed discussion on housing featured insights from representatives of Vermont’s housing agencies. The agenda highlighted pressing fiscal and policy challenges.
New Scam Alert
Scammers are posing as local law enforcement, calling to say you supposedly missed jury duty. They demand payment of a fine and ask for your sensitive personal information. Hang up to protect yourself and your money from scammers!
Always take steps to verify the legitimacy of unknown callers by using publicly available contact information, not information provided by scammers.
Report scams to the VT Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at ago.vermont.gov/capor 1-800-649-2424. For more information about this scam and scam prevention resources go to the CAP Connection blog: https://blog.uvm.edu/cap/
Open Enrollment: When can I apply for Vermont health coverage?
If eligible, you can enroll in Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur anytime. Open Enrollment runs yearly, from November 1 to January 15. It is the time you can sign up for a qualified health plan and a dental plan. Or you can change the Plan you have.
Apply by December 15 to get a January 1, 2025, start date!
Some life changes let you have a Special Enrollment Period. This is the only time you can sign up for new coverage or change plans outside of Open Enrollment. Learn more >>
IMPORTANT! You can get financial help for a qualified health plan ONLY if you sign up through Vermont Health Connect. APPLY ONLINE
VLCT 2025 Legislative Preview
This year, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) has outlined legislative priorities that align closely with their ongoing work to support municipalities: lower property taxes, expand housing options, and improve infrastructure to meet 21st-century demands.
Changes in legislative leadership and a significant number of new lawmakers could mean potential shifts in focus on some key issues. There are 51 new members of the 150 member House. In 2022 there were 50 new members.
On fiscal matters, early projections show a potential 5.9% property tax increase, though adjustments in state spending could mitigate this. “JFO reports that state revenues are relatively strong and the economic outlook is optimistic both nationally and here at home. Inflation has fallen from over 9% in July 2022 and is now hovering just above the federal target of 2%. Nationally, we have seen 46 consecutive months of jobs growth, and in Vermont there are two job openings for every one unemployed Vermonter. Vermont (again) has the second lowest unemployment rate in the country. The outstanding exception to this rosy economic picture is our housing market. The costs of buying a home and average rents continue to soar higher and faster than wages.”
Many municipalities are interested in reforming Vermont’s 3 Acre Rule, which has created financial and logistical challenges for municipalities and homeowners. Advocating for a balanced approach that considers cost, feasibility, and effectiveness will be a priority. Read the full report here: https://www.vlct.org/weeklylegislativereport/2025-legislative-preview
Vermont Saves
Vermont’s new public retirement program, “Vermont Saves,” is now open for enrollment, aimed at helping the roughly 88,000 workers in the state who do not have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. The program targets individuals, particularly women and BIPOC Vermonters, and requires employers with five or more employees who lack a retirement plan to enroll by February 2025. Employees will be automatically enrolled in a Roth IRA with various investment options, though they can choose the contribution amount or opt out.
From Vermont Public: New Vermont laws for Jan. 1: Minimum wage, town ethics, electric vehicle fee and more
- Minimum Wage Increase: Vermont’s minimum wage will rise by 34 cents per hour, reaching $14.01, due to legislation enacted in 2020 tied to the Consumer Price Index.
More - Primary Care Paperwork Reduction: Vermont private health insurance plans are prohibited from requiring prior authorization for primary care providers to order treatments, tests, or procedures.
More - Greenhouse Gas Reduction Deadline: Vermont must meet its first emissions-reduction target, a 26% cut from 2005 levels, by January 1, 2025, under the Global Warming Solutions Act.
More - Open Meeting Law Change: Starting January 1, all state decision-making bodies must hold meetings both in person and electronically, with mandatory training for state officials.
More - Electric Vehicle Fee: Vermont will impose an $89 annual fee on electric vehicle owners to help fund EV infrastructure, such as charging stations.
More - Municipal Code of Ethics: New ethics rules apply to local government bodies, banning conflicts of interest and requiring ethics training for officials.
More - Colorectal Cancer Screenings: Health insurance plans must fully cover colorectal cancer screenings for Vermonters aged 45 and older.
More - Telehealth Pay Parity: Vermont health insurance companies must reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person appointments for both video and phone consultations.
More
Vermont news I’m reading:
- Vermont’s motel program turns away hundreds for lack of space, ahead of single-digit temps
- Commission On Public Education Shies Away From Specific Cost-saving Ideas
- How one Vermont company is accelerating the speed of housing construction
- Housing Violations Reveal Role of Migrants in Vermont Trades
- Vermont police are using drones more than ever. Here’s what that means
- Hospital pricing reform could save Vermonters millions, study suggests
My regular January office hours at the Dover Library hours on January 4th from 11-noon. During the 2025 legislative session from January through May I will continue to meet on the 1st Saturday of the month at the Dover Free Library from 11-noon and at your group’s invitation as schedules allow.
As always, if you have suggestions, concerns or critiques please be in touch so we can schedule one on one 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
December 2024
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Vermont State Representative Laura Sibilia 
Kindly quit upping taxes. I am particularly annoyed by an increase in property taxes as well as the potential impact of the increase in heating fuel taxes. You have voted for this Ms. Sibilia. Might we just forward that expense to you?
I am not interested in paying more to receive less. I get NOTHING from this, particularly at my age. Are you trying to create classism in fuel usage? When Vermont hardly contributes to pollution, I am appalled that the legislature, Representatives and Senators continue to ignore the plight this will create for many people who continue to strive to afford living in Vermont.
I don’t want or need an invitation from you for contact or assistance as you offer no answers, just obfuscation. Kindly represent all of your constituents, not just the people who agree with your unaffordable agenda.
M. Skodney, Registered Voter, Exhausted Citizen
Dear M.
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts.
The River Valley School district has begun its budget development for the coming year. These meetings are open to the public and a key place for voters to impact education property tax rates. If you live in Dover or Wardsboro these are good meetings to attend.
Unfortunately no legislator is able to vote the way that 100% of their constituents want, so please stay in touch if you have thoughts about specific policies you’d like to share and let me know if I can assist you in the future.
Best,
Laura