The Legislature adjourned last week after passing major legislation to advance the transformation of our PK-12 education system. In January, the Governor threatened to shutdown state government and keep the legislature in session all summer if we didn't pass legislation that forced school districts to merge into a small number of mega-districts. After weeks of negotiations,… Continue reading Consensus K-12 Education Reform
I normally don't write posts like this, but I need to tell you about something very upsetting that happened last Friday May 15 on the Senate floor. You should know about the comments and actions of the Addison District's other senator, Steven Heffernan. During a debate about H.578, a bill related to penalties for animal cruelty offenses, Heffernan asked… Continue reading Your other senator’s offensive comments
It's May and flowers are blooming – daffodils, tulips, violets, dandelions, magnolias, azaleas, and more are bursting at my house! I hope you are enjoying the beauty of Spring in Vermont. May also usually means the end of the legislative session is in sight. We're making progress on finalizing bills, but Governor Scott has threatened to shutdown… Continue reading Money Bills & Natural Resource Issues
Happy April! Spring is a hopeful time of year in Vermont – may this season of renewal bring a bit of joy to you, despite so much heartache around the world. Tax Time. April is also tax time, with April 15th the deadline for filing your state and federal income tax returns fast approaching. While most federal tax changes made last… Continue reading Land Use, Housing, and Tax Time
Friday was Crossover at the State House, the day when bills must pass out of their original committees in the House and Senate in order to cross over to the other chamber this session. There are some exceptions to crossover, including big money bills like the State Budget, and proposals that don't meet crossover can still… Continue reading Protecting Vermonters’ Rights
