Thank you to the many folks who joined our Legislative Forum on Education Reform at Harwood last week, and apologies to those on Zoom for the technical difficulties. (Thank you to junior Cashel Higgins for his efforts to resolve the Zoom issue, and to seventh graders Leslie Rayburn and Naomi Niewiadomski for manning the microphones.) I was pleased Secretary Saunders was able to join us, both to share her vision for reform, and to hear concerns on the minds of our neighbors. As requested, Representatiave Torre and I will be sharing some additional resources from the Secretary on our websites later this week.
HOUSE BILLS
In other happenings, the House voted on a number of bills last week which will progress on to the Senate, including:
H.491 – the Yield Bill, which allows for lower taxes this year. That we plan to buy down property taxes this year places even more urgency on our work to move to a more predictable, sustainable education funding system.
The FY2026 Budget This budget reflects hard work and compromise affecting some of Vermonter’s most critical needs including; investing in primary care providers, preserving universal school meals, reducing property taxes, and investing in the development of affordable, middle income and recovery housing. The budget achieved unanimous support in the House Committee on Appropriations – a noteworthy accomplishment.
H.479 – Includes significant investment in housing programs to support many Vermonters, including those with disabilities, first-generation home buyers, and middle-income.
H.167 – establishes the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Grant Program, which aims to purchase locally grown, fresh food directly from Vermont farmers and producers to distribute to individuals facing hunger.
H-342 – a bill on data privacy to protect civil servants.
H-244 – a bill requiring state agencies to “buy local” by spending a majority of their media budget on VT-based media and agencies.
The Transportation Bill (T-Bill) –among other initiatives, updates legislation propping up the AOT budget for Town Highway Structures, Class 2 Roadways, and Aid Program. Additional funds are included to support the continued planning of a mileage-based-user-fee.
GRANT PROGRAMS
I have learned of several grant programs with upcoming deadlines that I want to share:
The Creation Grant program supports Vermont artists in creating new work. Funds can be used for time, materials, equipment, or space.
(https://www.vermontartscouncil.org/grants/find-a-grant/artists/creation)
Dairy Farmer’s Co-Packing Grants program
(https://nedairyinnovation.com/processor-copacking-startup-grant/)
Dairy Food Safety and Certification Grant
(https://nedairyinnovation.com/processor-copacking-startup-grant/)
Farm-to-School and Early Childhood Vision Grant
(https://agriculture.vermont.gov/grants/ftsec-vision-grant)
Public Meetings
Lunchtime Zoom w/ Candice, Monday, April 14, noon to1 P.M. (Zoom link will be posted to my website and on Front Porch Forum.)
I share all public events, meetings, and legislative updates on my website at candicewhite4vt.com.
