It's pretty simple. Each day the Vermont Legislature is in session, it costs us $56,000. If we had a 90-day legislative session that ended on April 12, instead of the usual session that goes until mid-May or June, we could save roughly a million dollars.

By shortening the session we would cause our elected representatives and senators to bring more focus into their discussions, to concentrate on their priority issues.

It would also allow younger people and more working people to run for office if the session were just 90 days long, rather than an undetermined four- to six-month session. That's a long time not to receive your regular paycheck. Because we do not get more of those folks, we don't have the diversity and experiences that they would bring to Montpelier.

There will be petitions to enact HR22 and H.811 to shorten the sessions and accomplish these savings at Town Meeting Day. If you have questions or comments, contact 802-223-3411 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you do not see the petition on March 4, you can sign it online at www.vtgop.org.

How many times have you been able to help out a friend with a fuel bill without digging in your own pocket?

Hugh Campbell
Waitsfield

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