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NVDA News & Announcements - Special Edition
NEK Legislators Offer Summary Statements
NVDA wishes to acknowledge the good work of our NEK representatives in the 2013 Vermont Legislature. We asked every legislator from Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties to submit brief statements highlighting their efforts this session.Thank you to those who responded. We're pleased to print the following unedited summaries: Senator Joe Benning, Caledonia-Orange
This past year I was assigned to the Committee on Institutions and the Judiciary Committee, the latter of which I was appointed to Vice-Chair. In addition, I was elected Senate Minority Leader.
I was the lead sponsor of S.30, a bill calling for a moratorium on industrial wind. The intent of the bill was to force a serious study of this particular renewable energy source in how it is being applied and utilized in Vermont. While the moratorium part of the bill was removed during the committee process, I am happy to say that the study portion is still alive and being taken seriously by the Natural Resources Committee and various state agencies associated with energy production. I remain convinced that this particular renewable energy tool is not appropriate for Vermont's landscape or economy.
I take great pride in being able to work across party lines to accomplish things that I perceive to be in Vermont's best interest. In addition to S.30, I was the lead sponsor of a bipartisan bill in the Senate to change the way Vermont deals with possession of small amounts of marijuana. Specifically, the bill which is now law, was designed to take possession of one ounce or less of marijuana out of our criminal courts and deal with it as a civil offense.
In Institutions we have spent the bulk of our time dealing with the Waterbury Office Complex, the State's mental health system needs, and the re-alignment of state offices. I'm also the lead sponsor of an amendment to the capital bill that will repair a monument to Civil War soldiers who died at Winchester, Virginia and establish a monument to those Vermont soldiers who fought at Cedar Creek Battlefield in time for the sesquicentennial of that battle.
Outside of my committee work I continue to seek to bring cell phone and broadband coverage o all of Vermont's communities. I'm also adding my voice to those who are trying to bring this district's roads and bridges into the forefront of the Transportation Agency's targeted repair list.
Constituents are welcome to communicate with me at: (802) 274-1346. I look forward to returning to work in January and thank the voters of this district for giving me the opportunity to serve.
Senator Jane Kitchel, Caledonia
I have served as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee for the past three years - the committee where all the functions, services and programs administered by state government come together. This appointment comes with a demanding workload, but offers a special opportunity to set priorities and address issues. This year bought its share of challenges, but ultimately the budget addressed a number of important policy and funding priorities for the Northeast Kingdom. Highlights include:
- A balanced budget with no additional taxes - reserves fully funded.
- The first funding increase to higher education in five years - directly benefits Vermont students attending Lyndon State or receiving VSAC benefits. Funding for more area high school students to take courses at LSC.
- Funding to the Department of Public Service to research the impacts on health, environment, and land use of electric generation plants such as industrial wind, establish standards for noise limits and setback requirements, and recommend ways to increase local and regional involvement in the siting process. I was successful in adding this provision to the Senate budget. It was one of the last two items to be negotiated in the budget conference process. The House had stripped this language from an earlier bill.
- Increased funding to support the work of regional planning and development agencies e.g. NVDA.
- Funding to assist affected towns with potential TransCanada hydro-dams tax appeals.
- Creation of Shoreland Protection Commission to obtain public input on how to protect water quality, aquatic habitat, and preserve reasonable property use.
Representative Michelle Fay, Caledonia-3
It has been an honor to serve St. Johnsbury in the VT House this year. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, much of my work centered on making our communities safer and more just. The committee spent a great deal of time working on a drug abuse prevention bill in partnership with the Human Services Committee. This bill gives law enforcement tools to stop the production of methamphetamine ("meth") so Vermont can stay ahead of this incredibly destructive drug that has destroyed communities to our west. It also requires better monitoring of prescription pain medication to prevent doctor-shopping and overfilling prescriptions in support of an opiate addiction.
A more controversial piece of legislation was the decriminalization of possession of small amounts of marijuana. This law makes sense from both an economic development and a justice perspective. The impact of a drug conviction for a young adult could be profound - making them ineligible for federal education loans and other critical supports to transition them into productive adults.
The final bill I'd like to highlight was referred to as the "patent trolling" bill. This legislation was designed to strike a better balance between lawful enforcement of patent rights and the illegitimate practice of threatening business owners in Vermont with costly legal action unless they pay exorbitant licensing fees for patents they may not even be infringing upon. This practice stifles innovation and prays particularly upon small businesses without resources for legal advice. The bill levels the playing field for Vermont business owners.
Representative Marty Feltus, Caledonia-4I served on the House Natural Resources and Energy committee where the bulk of our work centered on monitoring the state's progress regarding statutory and administrative goals relating to expansion of renewable energy resources and conservation of resources through thermal efficiency. Regarding the development of new generation sources (renewable or not), our committee will work with the corresponding Senate committee to review the report issued by the Governor's Commission on siting generation resources. It is my hope that we can agree on several procedural reforms that will enhance the ability of towns to participate and have a more meaningful impact in the siting review process while also taking responsibility for how their communities can contribute to the achievement of the energy goals. In the next session we will again review those goals and, in particular, with regard to the Governor's objective of having 90% renewable energy for all sectors by 2050, we will examine in a much more comprehensive way how that achievement would impact land uses, economic activity, and funding resources. I was pleased to participate in discussions that lead to bills or amendments which gave the private sector (vs. taxpayer support) more opportunity to participate in energy related initiatives such as improving the PACE program, establishing a revolving Vermont Clean Energy Loan Fund, and setting up a used paint recycling program.
Representative Mark Higley, Orleans-Lamoille
This session there were 544 House and 169 Senate bills. It's important for my constituents to know that the Governor and majority in the House and Senate set the agenda for what legislation gets addressed during the session. I work with individuals and members of our caucus to introduce amendments that could make a law better or many times, just not have as many unintended consequences. It seems once a bill is voted out of committee and reaches the floor, there is not much appetite for amendments. I believe Calvin Coolidge said, "It's more important to defeat a bad bill than pass a good one."
- Having experience as a past Selectboard member and current Lister for the past 19 years has helped in my work on the Government Operations committee. Some of the issues we have addressed are 1) pension forfeiture for state and municipal employees convicted of embezzling; 2) allow more power to Regional Planning Commissions, i.e. revolving loan funds, lines of credit, property purchases; 3) numerous town and city charter changes.
- Other issues we are working on include 1) a campaign finance bill; 2) statewide training policy for law enforcement regarding the use of tasers; 3) an ongoing look at public records exemptions in past and proposed laws.
- Locally, Jay Peak's expansion plans are important to the towns I represent which are Lowell, Jay, Westfield, Troy and Eden in Lamoille County. Also, a summer study committee has been established to look at siting criteria for renewable energy projects, with recommendations combined with those of the Governor's Siting Commission Report.
It has been an honor to represent and serve my constituents and others across Vermont over the years. Please do contact me with your questions or concerns. E-mail mhigley@leg.state.vt.us Phone (802) 744-6379 or Mail: PO Box 10, Lowell, VT 05847
Representative Richard Lawrence, Caledonia-4
I, Dick Lawrence, am a member of the House Agriculture Committee where I serve as Vice Chair. Most of the work accomplished on bills start in committee. The following bills were passed out of our committee:
1) A new grading system for VT maple syrup was adopted. This labeling change retains the VT Fancy grade while allowing our maple syrup to be more competitive on the world market.
2) Passed an immigration ag worker tax exemption (these immigrants work on fruit and vegetable farms.) These workers were taxed on wages for the last 3 years but were not notified of the federal and state tax changes and were not able to make payments. The workers will be taxed in the future.
3) Passed legislation giving towns control over possible puppy mills. This so called Pet Merchant bill was eight years in coming a reality.
4) Supported legislation exempting compost from sales tax. In the future this soil enhancer will not be subject to VT sales tax.
5) Opposed the genetically engineered ingredient labeling bill. I believe consumers have the right to know what is in their food, but the approach should be positive rather than negative as the bill dictates.This bill, if passed by the Senate, will certainly face an expensive court battle.
6) Introduced an amusement ride safety inspection bill that would require inspection and reporting of all amusement rides operating within the state. This bill remains in our committee as more work is needed.
7) Supported grant funding for agriculture and forestry expansion. The intent of these grants is to promote and expand these industries.
Being a conservative in the House presents many challenges. I believe Vermont should fund only what it can afford. That theory is difficult to follow on the House floor.
Representative Victoria Strong, Orleans-Caledonia-1
As a Representative for seven Northeast Kingdom towns it has been a privilege and a great experience to serve our area. Being on the Judiciary Committee in the Legislature has been a good fit for me, and I always considered the needs and desires of my constituents as we worked on legislation this year.
During the year I have participated in our local Re-Entry Coalition in Newport which seeks to help inmates successfully re-enter society when they are released from prison. Many of the challenges inmates face have been discussed at these meetings, such as lack of jobs, proper housing, and transportation. The coalition seeks to bring together many area agencies and resources that can help inmates have the best possible strategies to be successful when they are released. Over the past six months I have also been serving on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit organization, Rural Edge (formally called Gilman Housing Trust) as I have an interest in helping lower income Vermonters find affordable housing in our area. This organization has done some great projects locally to make that possible.
As we face the future together I will do my best to represent our local businesses and families to enable them to live affordably and freely in this beautiful corner of our state.
Representative Catherine (Kitty) Toll, Caledonia-Washington-1
The 2013 legislative session closed on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Major pieces of legislation were voted out in the final days. Most notably were the changes made to the 2014 state budget. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, my areas of responsibility include the following budgets: Department of Mental Health, Agency of Agriculture, and the state's alcohol and drug abuse programs (ADAP).
Funding for the state's $200 million mental health care system was critical in the 2014 budget, including the financing for a new state hospital following the closure of the Waterbury facility due to damages caused by Tropical Storm Irene. The state's mental health care system has been in a period of transformation since this disaster. Working closely with key legislators and the Commissioner of Mental Health, we presented a budget that provides funding for a new state hospital in Berlin, programmatic enhancements, and additional facility upgrades. Mobile Medical of St. Johnsbury was contracted to supply a secure residential treatment facility for Vermont patients in Middlesix. This building opened in June and the new state hospital is scheduled for June 2014.
Last year, my work in Appropriations helped to boost Vermont's agricultural future with the funding of the Working Lands Enterprise Board, bringing a new commitment to agriculture by preserving Vermont's working landscape. This Spring, 20 applicants received awards from $3,000-$15,000 for start-up capital, equipment, facility upgrades and expansion, product development, and technical assistance. We are continuing this commitment by adding an additional $250,000 to the Working Lands Initiative for 2014 for a total of $1.425 million. These funds will continue to help Vermont start new businesses, build on existing ones, and allow for diversification in Vermont's agricultural sector.
I look forward to continuing my work in Montpelier in January representing the towns of Cabot, Danville and Peacham.
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