Legislative Review


  • Legislative Review: Rep. Olson reviews the session

    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.

  • Legislative Review: H.454 passed but not a done deal

    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…

  • Legislative Review: Lawmakers were productive

    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,…

  • Legislative Review: Healthcare or education?

    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…

  • Legislative Review: Governor must act in face of crises

    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…

  • Legislative Review: Lawmakers near the finish line

    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…

  • Legislative Review: Most 2025 bills fail to satisfy

    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…

  • Legislative Review: House panel offers education path

    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…

  • Legislative Review: Paying for gold, getting dirt?

    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…

  • Legislative Review: New lawmaker sees change

    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:…