Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As threats to free speech and due process grow nationally, Vermonters are organizing. This weekend, protests are planned across the Southern Vermont region in Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, and Keene, and I’ve shared resources below on how to safely exercise your rights.

I’ve also just published a blog post about some concerning issues that have happened in Vermont and why defending our constitutional rights is imperative. You can read that here.

This newsletter includes updates on state-level responses to federal overreach, public hearings on veterans affairs and collective bargaining rights, and a recap of this week’s oversight work in the House Appropriations Committee. You’ll also find information about upcoming community conversations, support services for immigrants and refugees, and newly signed laws.

Warm wishes to those who celebrated Passover last week and to those observing Easter this weekend. I hope to see many of you soon.

– Laura

Saturday, April 19th protests

• BELLOWS FALLS Saturday 4/19, NOON-2, 17 Depot St.
• BRATTLEBORO  Saturday 4/19 @1pm, Brooks Memorial Library
• KEENE Saturday 4/19, Central Sq.

Protecting yourself when protesting, Know Your Rights: What to Do if You or a Loved One is Detained

Diversity Equity and Inclusion in our Schools

In response to a federal directive from the Trump administration challenging diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, Vermont Education Secretary Zoie Saunders sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education affirming that Vermont schools do not discriminate based on race and will continue DEI efforts. Saunders rejected the claim that DEI practices are racially discriminatory, emphasizing that Vermont’s initiatives—such as affinity groups and anti-racism education—are inclusive and beneficial to all students. The letter aligns Vermont with other Democrat-led states resisting the federal pushback and commits to working with the state Attorney General to protect students and federal funding.

Read the full letter: Vermont’s response to DOE directive (via SevenDays)

The Vermont House Appropriations Committee focused this week (April 15–18, 2025) on reviewing federal funding across key state sectors. Discussions included:

• Emergency response and recovery funding with FEMA and the Secretary of State’s and Attorney General’s offices.
• Housing-related federal funding, including rental assistance, HUD programs, and community impacts via local housing organizations.
• Agency-specific funding for Agriculture, Transportation, Libraries, and Crime Victim Services.
• A summary of state revenue collections and insights from the Vermont Community Foundation closed out the week.

Meetings are live streamed here: House Appropriations Committee Streaming

Scheduling Community Conversation & Support Events in light of federal actions.

These conversations are rooted in the spirit of mutual aid which is showing up for each other with time, skills, food, or simply by listening. Everyone is welcome.

The first event is scheduled for: Jamaica Town Hall – April 26th at 2 PM Additional dates for Dover, Wardsboro and Stratton will be announced soon. If you’d like to get involved in planning, just reach out.

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Joint Public Hearing on Veterans Affairs in Vermont

Room 11, Broadcast via YouTube The Vermont House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs and the Senate Committee on Government Affairs will hold a joint public hearing on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in Room 11 of the State House. The Committees will take testimony on policy issues such as veteran housing and family support, the Vermont Veterans Home, mental health, and access to services.

Interested parties may attend the hearing in person or virtually. Anyone interested in testifying must sign up in advance of the hearing through the online form on or before 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025. We are capping the testimony to 45 people. To ensure there is enough time for everyone to speak, we are asking that remarks be no longer than 2 minutes. You will receive instructions on how to access an participate in the hearing once you sign up to testify.

Online form: https://legislature.vermont.gov/links/ph-veteransafairs
For those not planning to testify or to attend the hearing in person, the hearing will be available to watch live on YouTube at the following link. YouTube livestream: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-government-operations-and-military-affairs

Written testimony is encouraged and can be submitted electronically through email at testimony@leg.state.vt.us or mailed to the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs c/o Autumn Crabtree, 115 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633.

For more information about the format of this event, contact Autumn Crabtree at acrabtree@leg.state.vt.us.

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Follow testimony in the Senate on: H.454 – A Bill to Transform Vermont’s Education System

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Sibilia: Due Process, Free Speech, and Legal Presence

Federal education cuts and Trump DEI demands leave states, teachers in limbo

Federal Funds under the Trump Administration

This is a live webpage from the Joint Fiscal Office dedicated to tracking the impact of federal policy on states. The current presidential administration has issued executive orders freezing federal funds, discussed the elimination of federal programs, and has proposed significant changes to tax policy. Congressional budgetary actions could further impact states.

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Recent Reports to the Legislature

Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC)’s 2025 (FY24) TIF Annual Report This report, produced annually by the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) in compliance with state statute, provides a comprehensive update on the performance and impact of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts across Vermont. It includes detailed data on each district’s creation, investments, development outcomes, and financial metrics. The FY2024 report highlights the Council’s October retreat focused entirely on TIF, where stakeholders, including lawmakers and national experts, gathered to assess and propose improvements to TIF policy. As Vermont faces slow grand list growth and infrastructure challenges, VEPC emphasizes TIF as a critical tool for fostering community revitalization, leveraging additional public and private investment, and growing the Education Fund.

Bills That Have Passed Into Law and Signed by Governor

• H.2 An act relating to increasing the minimum age for delinquency proceedings
• 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

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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