Legislative Review
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Legislative Review: Rep. Olson reviews the session
Last summer and fall I asked voters whether Montpelier was listening to our community. The consensus was that folks were frustrated by the relationship.
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Legislative Review: H.454 passed but not a done deal
The passage of the education bill, H. 454, in the General Assembly, and presumably gaining the governor’s signature into law, marks the start of efforts to transform Vermont’s…
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Legislative Review: Lawmakers were productive
The last week of the legislative session was a fireworks grand finale of bills passing back and forth between House and Senate, punctuated with highs, lows, political intrigue,…
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Legislative Review: Healthcare or education?
As a boss of mine used to tell me, “It’s not an either or, it’s a yes and.” Healthcare costs are out of control AND our education system…
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Legislative Review: Governor must act in face of crises
When it comes to two of the biggest issues facing Vermonters, Gov. Phil Scott has gone silent. I am sure he is out there, checking his enormous political…
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Legislative Review: Lawmakers near the finish line
Over the period of just a few miraculous days each spring, billions, if not trillions, of tiny leaves burst forth all around us, quickly becoming full-grown and clothing…
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Legislative Review: Most 2025 bills fail to satisfy
So far this year, the Vermont House has passed 65 bills. Some, including money bills, supported the necessary functions to keep our state running. A few nibbled at…
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Legislative Review: House panel offers education path
On Friday, Vermont’s House Committee on Education voted out its much anticipated “Education Transformation” bill, echoing but not copying many of the shared goals with Gov. Scott. The…
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Legislative Review: Paying for gold, getting dirt?
The three-acre rule in the Clean Water Act is a single paragraph in Vermont statutes. It affects property owners of three or more collective impervious acres, permitted before…
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Legislative Review: New lawmaker sees change
Ninety-four bills have been introduced in the House and 25 in the Senate. Committees are beginning to debate the bills. Of particular interest to me are bills to:…
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Legislative Review: Hardy to work hard on new tasks
The new year has brought the start of a new legislative session, with big changes at the Statehouse. After the November election, Democrats retained the majority in both…
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Legislative Review: How the state balances the books
Every year, the Vermont Legislature is required to pass a budget for the following fiscal year, which begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. And every…
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Legislative Review: Vetoed bills were tripartisan
It’s important to note that majority of the 118 bills the Legislature passed this session were approved with support from Democrats, Republicans, Progressives and Independents.
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Legislative Review: Town meeting takes center stage
There are a lot of important races and issues on this year’s March ballot. Be sure you’re registered to vote; learn about the budgets, candidates, and issues; and…
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Legislative Review: Clarifying the intent of the wildlife bill
Because there is quite a bit of misinformation circulating about this bill, I am urging you to look at the bill online so you can read for yourself what…
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Legislative Review: Let’s expand Vermont’s Medicaid program
The cost of health care impacts everyone these days, stressing family wallets, increasing personal debt, and driving up public and private budgets.