Rep. Sibilia: Week 11 of the 2025 Legislative Session

The 2025 Legislative Session has brought improved collaboration and this week has brought growing tension. While there has been an effort to improve communication and work through major issues, the divide between the Legislature and the Governor over the Budget Adjustment Act has widened. At the same time, pressing challenges in health care, education, and energy policy continue to demand attention.

This update covers the latest on health care reform, education proposals, critical budget negotiations, and the push back against a rushed repeal of the Clean Heat Standard. As always, I am focused on working across party lines to get real solutions. Read on for the latest and how you can make your voice heard.

A conflict has emerged over the Budget Adjustment and the proposal to fund the General Assistance Motel program until June 1 instead of March 30. Democrats proposed a budget adjustment that aligned with over 90% of the Governor’s proposal, adding some housing elements and the Motel program. The Governor has drawn a hard line, stating he will veto the Budget Adjustment if the Motel program remains in it. Legislators have subsequently removed all items from the BAA that the Governor did not propose but are standing firm on the Motel program. The Governor has moved slightly. The BAA passed today, but without a vote large enough to override a veto. The bill will be back up for a vote on third reading on Tuesday – stakeholders are continuing to work over the weekend.

Vermont’s Health Care Crisis

Vermonters face some of the highest health care costs in the U.S., while hospitals struggle financially. Marketplace premiums are 140% above the national average, and federal landscape is extremely concerning.

The House has passed H.482, and the Senate votes Monday on S.63 to strengthen hospital oversight and lower costs. The Senate introduced S.126 on March 18 to tackle rising healthcare costs through reference-based pricing, which sets standard rates insurers must pay hospitals. The bill also promotes site-neutral pricing to ensure fair costs regardless of treatment location and establishes a Board to oversee provider negotiations.These reforms will attempt to make health care more transparent and affordable – but more work remains and, as noted above, the federal landscape is very challenging.

S.63 strengthens oversight of hospital finances, executive compensation, and long-term planning.
H.482 expands the Green Mountain Care Board’s authority to lower private insurance rates and step in when hospitals are in financial trouble.
S.126 sets standard rates insurers must pay hospitals

Education More….

The House Committee on Education has released a draft of language to add a subcommittee of retired or former Vermont superintendents to work with the Agency of Digital Services and the Vermont Center for Geographic Information to “determine the most efficient number of school districts and proposed boundary lines, based on educational research, Vermont’s landscape, and a comprehensive analysis of school locations, conditions, and capacity.”

Next week, we’ll see an elections bill which contain provisions that Republicans, Progressives, and Independents are all pushing back on. Currently an anti democratic “sore loser” provision has been inserted and I am working with other independents members of the House and members of the committee who have proposing the bill to eliminate or adjust this provision.

There is growing momentum behind the provisions of H.43 and S.17, which would exempt military retirement and survivor benefits from Vermont’s income tax. Vermont is one of the last states to continue taxing military pensions beyond a small exemption, and it’s time to change that. This issue has overwhelming bipartisan support, with 75 sponsors in the House and 23 in the Senate.

Please join me in respectfully encouraging Senate President Phil Baruth and Speaker Jill Krowinski to move these bills forward, calls and emails help. The time to act is now. To learn more about why this is important, I encourage you to read the op-ed I co-authored with Rep. Lisa Hango and Senator Joe Major, where we make the case for this necessary change.

MOOVER Changes

Due to rising operating costs and cuts in state and federal funding, Southeast Vermont Transit (SEVT) has approved several route changes, effective March 18, 2025. These changes aim to reduce costs while minimizing the impact on riders. Notable adjustments include the end of service for the Brattleboro micro-transit and Wilmington-Bennington routes, reductions in some weekend and weekday trips, and changes to the Mount Snow and Wilmington-Brattleboro routes. SEVT will save $225,845 in total, with 16,454 fewer projected rides. Medicaid, ADA, and Older & Disabled services remain mostly unaffected. For more details, read the full memo here.

Update on Clean Heat Standard

Last week, I addressed the ongoing push to repeal the Clean Heat Standard, a policy that, while not yet in effect, has already been misrepresented by those with vested interests in maintaining the status quo. The recent vote by the Senate Natural Resources Committee to repeal the Clean Heat Standard was rushed. It was made without full testimony or meaningful discussion of possible alternatives. This vote risks sidelining the critical work that has already been done and continues to refine the policy. It also tackles important technical and equity concerns. This repeal is linked to an expansion of Efficiency Vermont which has not yet been worked through with their regulator.

The Clean Heat Standard does need further work and clarification. However, what we’ve learned so far offers promising solutions to reduce thermal emissions. Repealing the statute now would undermine our progress and reward those who have spread fear and disinformation.

I want to be clear: I will not support a blanket repeal of the Clean Heat Standard. The policy cannot be enacted without further refining. But fully repealing it would be a step backward. This action would empower fossil fuel interests that have kept energy costs high and contributed to environmental harm. We need policies grounded in facts, not distorted narratives from special interests. Vermonters deserve leadership focused on their well-being and the future of our state, not fear-driven politics.

I’m dedicated to working hard to find practical solutions, work across party lines, and staying focused on progress for my constituents and Vermont. My goal is always to get things done and move our state forward. I look forward to working with my colleagues, the executive branch, stakeholders, and Vermonters to turn the lessons we’ve learned into policies that help Vermont meet its emissions, affordability, and climate goals.

Plan Ahead on Social Security

Recent changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA), including staffing reductions and office closures, could affect services. Taking proactive steps, can help you stay in control of your benefits. Start by using the SSA’s online services to manage things like benefit verification and address changes. Stay informed by following trustworthy news sources about potential policy shifts, and get involved with organizations that fight to protect Social Security. Don’t hesitate to contact OUR federal elected representatives if you encounter a serious problem with your social security. Try to plan ahead by submitting any necessary documents early to minimize delays. Empower yourself by staying informed and prepared, ensuring that you continue to receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Bills That Have Passed Into Law and Signed by Governor

H.31 An act relating to claim edit standards and prior authorization requirements
H.35 An act relating to unmerging the individual and small group health insurance markets
H.78 An act relating to the use of the Australian ballot system in local elections

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.

Monitor my votes and the bills I am sponsoring at: https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/single/2026/24023

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