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.

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 education system into one that recognizes the incredible demographic changes ov … (read more)

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, compromise, late-night negotiation and many satisfying resolutions.

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 is in desperate need of reform.

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 capital, then deciding not to spend a penny of it leveling with Vermonters that making the changes ou … (read more)

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 the naked winter trees in green splendor, all perfectly designed to drink in that nec … (read more)

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 the edges of real problems that we struggle with. The rest are like a lukewarm cup of decaf … (read more)

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 proposals contained in the bill are potentially sweeping changes to our … (read more)

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 2002 or never permitted. They must get a new stormwater permit to remediate the … (read more)

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: repeal the Clean Heat Standard; exempt military retirement income from Vermont state tax; pr … (read more)

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 houses, but many more Republicans are members of the House and Senate, and fewer wome … (read more)

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 year, we ensure that the budget is balanced — we do not spend more than we expect to receive in revenues.

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.

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 have a plan to vote.

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 it does, and does not, do.