Eclipsing property taxes, recent coffee hour discussions have focused on what’s going on federally. I'm so grateful for these conversations, and the chance to talk openly about rising concerns and uncertainty. In the State House, we're asking questions and assessing risks while staying focused on the FY26 budget process and major education and housing bills. Last Friday, the Public Health Caucus hosted Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont's Commissioner of Health, for a sobering presentation on the effects of recent federal actions on global health and security and possible impacts in Vermont from decreased funding and reduced health surveillance. Federal funding provides 70% of the state’s health budget. See the slides from Dr. Levine's presentation and a link to the recording on the Vermont Public Health Association's website (vtpha.org, News section).
Things are heating up in all committees as the crossover deadline (March 14) approaches. In the Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee, we're hearing bill introductions, some of which are already in process over in the Senate. These latter include S.65/H.196, that would expand the scope of our electric efficiency utilities to overall energy use, allowing use of ratepayer funds to cover more weatherization and electrification projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. S.57/H.155 would extend the Standard Offer Program to enable more in-state renewables development and community solar. This week, we’ll likely pass out a committee bill (25-0896) that will update reporting requirements by the Agency of Digital Services as it manages multimillion dollar information technology modernization projects throughout state government. A recent report from the state auditor's office included recommendations on how to give the Legislature better oversight tools and improve public transparency into these costly and important projects. After Town Meeting break, we'll be considering a climate bill from the governor, H.289, that proposes controversial changes to the Global Warming Solutions Act and the Renewable Energy Standard. I’m hearing from a lot of community members on this now, please keep it coming.
As we face increasing storm damage and uncertainty in federal disaster funding, finding durable sources of support for town recovery and resilience investments is paramount. Multiple bills have been submitted that enhance flood resilience, response coordination and recovery. A recent report from the Joint Fiscal Office evaluates possible uses for the $10M-plus surplus in the state’s PILOT Special Fund. The governor’s FY26 budget proposes using $1M of this surplus to help towns that were adversely affected by FEMA buyouts. Last session, the Legislature made it easier for a town to institute a local options tax and this year may consider increasing the town’s portion of revenue to 80% from the current 70% (H.164).
For Town Meeting, Representative White and I will have a Town Meeting Report to share with brief updates on legislative work so far. Our report will be available online and in hard copy form at each town's Town Meeting. The contents of the report (Parts 1 and 2) will also run here in The Valley Reporter over the next two weeks.
Coffee chats/office hours
- Friday, February 28, 8-9 a.m.: Black Cap Cafe & Bakery at Waterbury Train Station.
- Town Meeting Day, March4: Hope to see you there! I plan to visit each meeting for a brief update and questions.
- Additional March dates to be posted.
- Contact:
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