It is an honor to serve as your senator from Addison County. As a freshman legislator I had a bit of a learning curve on how the Senate operates and how I could best make my voice heard and counted on the important issues. I took to heart the issues I was tasked to represent my constituents on. I served on two committees, the Senate Committee on Agriculture as clerk and member, and on the Senate Committee on Education. I enjoyed working with my colleagues and I did my best to act with integrity, conviction and purpose.

We ended the session on June 16 and then returned to vote primarily on the education bill, one that had more ups and downs than a country fair roller coaster. I ultimately voted yes on the education bill with many caveats. We needed to make changes on how we fund education. This is something most agree upon. There are still a lot of moving parts to make any meaningful change. How the districts are divided, the costs to each community, local vs. state control, and much more. I do support independent schools. We have wonderful public schools, and we also serve a portion of our student communities with amazing independent schools as well. Finding a balance that recognizes how to better serve our children with both options is imperative. I see room for both.

I supported the Right to Farm Bill. This provided nuisance lawsuit protection for farmers. Agriculture is at the heart of Addison County and support for our farmers is something I will always give full attention to helping with.

We will continue discussion on the Clean Heat Standard and the Affordable Heat Act. There were some deadlines adjustments made to better understand what the best course of action is to protect our environment and keep Vermont affordable. There will be a lot more debate, discussion and compromise on all of this.

New housing made some strides, but we clearly did not move the ball anywhere near enough. I have high regard for environmental law and finding a balance to help grow much needed housing stock in Vermont. Housing impacts every part of our Vermont economy, and I will prioritize reasonable fixes to the Act 250 process.

Public safety is making some inroads, but there is still a lot to do. I support the efforts of having more embedded workers alongside law enforcement efforts to help those in need. I also support arresting and incarcerating those fewer numbers who are just here in Vermont to break laws and harm others. Our corrections system is making strides on better rehabilitation in the corrections system. We want to help those who want help, and we want to protect our communities from repeat offenders who are let out on conditions and don’t meet the conditions time after time. This must stop.

I am grateful for all the support and outreach I have received in my first session as Addison County senator. Making your voice heard has helped me in Montpelier and I appreciate all the points of view and opinions I heard on many important matters. I have tried hard to represent our county with high integrity and determination to make necessary changes on affordability, housing, the environment and public safety. All of these continue to be top priorities. It is clear no one wants higher property tax hikes, and I continue to give my support to helping make meaningful changes so we keep Vermont more affordable.

I welcome your voice and help on all matters important to Vermont.