The new year has brought the start of a new legislative session, with big changes at the State House. After the November election, Democrats retained the majority in both houses, but many more Republicans are members of the House and Senate, and fewer women serve in both chambers. I’m getting to know my new colleagues at the State House, but I’m really sad to see Vermont backsliding on women’s representation in Montpelier.
In addition, I’m no longer serving as a committee chair. I’m proud of my two years as Chair of the Government Operations Committee, where among other things, I led efforts to improve the government response to natural disasters, oversight and training of law enforcement, government transparency and accountability, and the organization of local and regional government. It’s very disappointing that Senate leadership decided to sideline a productive, senior member of the Senate, thereby minimizing the impact of the Addison District in the Senate. However, I will continue to work hard for my constituents as a new member of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee and a returning member of the Senate Finance Committee.
This past week, the Natural Resources Committee got a first look at the just-released, enormous Public Utilities Commission report analyzing a possible Clean Heat Standard for Vermont. Overall, the PUC reports that the Clean Heat Standard is not a good fit Vermont, but the report offers several options that we could consider to build on other efforts already underway. Meanwhile the Finance Committee has begun work on K-12 education finance and the Governor’s proposal to change Vermont’s school funding formula, governance, and operations. The full Legislature will get a briefing on the proposal this week. How Vermont funds and operates K-12 schools will be a major topic this session, so stay tuned for more information as the work unfolds.
It’s also important to track the results of past legislation. Last week, I was a guest on Vermont Edition to discuss the status of Act 76, the major childcare legislation we passed in 2023. I was one of the architects of this landmark legislation, which has made Vermont a leader in supporting childcare for young children, working families, and early childhood educators. Listen to the show to hear an update on the progress being made to expand childcare options in communities across Vermont. You can also read about work I began with passage of 2024 Act 118 to make improvements in county and regional government in Vermont to ensure more effective, efficient, and equitable local government services for Vermonters across the state. Check out articles in Seven Days and VTDigger about the importance of this work, especially in light of the floods in Vermont.
The Open Meeting Law ensures that members of the public who want to attend or follow the work of state and local government bodies have access to the meetings and materials of government boards and committees. Check out the Secretary of State’s Office website for information on the Open Meeting Law, including a new video that explains recent changes made in 2024 Act 133. Finally, last month the VT Treasurer’s Office launched the Vermont Saves retirement savings program for Vermonters who don’t have a retirement savings program through their employer. The program was created by 2023 Act 43 and is now ready to help you start saving for retirement!
Monday will be a difficult day for many people. We will celebrate the legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and inaugurate a president who does not protect or respect the civil rights of many people in our country. Let’s all do our part to honor the legacy of Dr. King by speaking truth to power, engaging in brave public protest, and working to ensure justice for citizens, residents, and visitors to our country. I will continue to fight for you and all of my constituents. Take care and thank you for reading.
Photo Note: Meeting with participants of the the Early Childhood Leadership Institute during a visit to the State House last week.
Ruth for Vermont 