House Bills in Point/Counterpoint: on Act 250 reform, Pg. 3 New Rep. Committee this week published free Pg. 6 bi-monthly when the praises House roll call votes State House Legislature is in session Pgs. 4-5 staff, Pg. 8 Mark Higley

Volume 1, No. 1, April 18, 2019 Tracking the

Big Bills

Of the 2019 session:

Paid family leave goes to Senate

The House passed H107, paid family leave, 92-54 on April 5. It has been referred to the Senate Economic De- velopment, Housing and General Af- fairs Committee. If it passes the Senate it may face a veto from Gov. Phil Scott. The estimated $80 million addition to the payroll tax would begin in Octo- ber, 2020. Paid leave would be granted for up to 12 weeks for new parents, and eight weeks for caring for family members. Pay would be 90% of usual earnings, up to $13.34/hour. Heating Fuel Tax faces pushback H439, doubling the heating fuel tax to pay for more low-income weatheri- zation, was approved by the House March 27. It has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe (D/P Chittenden) and Gov. Scott both have called the tax ‘regressive’ at the ex- pense of low-income Vermonters for whom heating fuel is a necessity. Sup- porters say it is an effective and just way to increase weatherization and Rep. Skip Troiano (D-Stannard) engages in House floor debate Feb. 7 on Act 46 school merger extensions. True North photo reduce heating bills. The House bill was amended to exempt farm opera- tions. A revenue bill, H541, expands Senate open to more local control the fuel tax to all government and non- profit organizations, which had previ- By Guy Page local communities face: ously been exempt. S106, a municipal self-governance “State law, policies, and proce- $15 minimum wage now in House bill, passed the April dures at times inhibit or delay the S23, the $15 minimum wage, passed 3. The bi-partisan vote was 21-8. It is ability of Vermont’s cities and the Senate February 26 and has been now in the House Government Op- towns to adopt and implement inno- discussed by several House commit- erations Committee. vative solutions to local problems,” tees since. It is on the agenda for Gen- S106 is not the only bill in the the introduction to S106 states. eral, Housing & Military Affairs Vermont Legislature this year seek- “Often, State law, policies, and pro- Thursday and Friday (schedule, pg. 6). Springfield Rep. Robert Forguites ing to determine where state power cedures limit the ability of cities Supporters say it will help restore passed away last week. ends and local power begins. Others and towns to creatively work with economic equality and increase low- include bills about marijuana legali- the State in a timely and efficient Lawmakers mourn loss income livability and buying power. zation, school mergers, Act 250 re- manner to address the many issues Opponents say it will threaten small form, and 16-17 year old voting - to facing Vermont, including eco- Vermont legislators Wednesday business sustainability, raise inflation, name just a few. nomic health, housing needs, and boarded a bus for Springfield to and raise the cost of government and But the Municipal Self - environmental conservation.” (continued on page 6) (continued on page 4) Governance Program bill sponsored Therefore, “Vermont’s cities and by Sen. Jeannette White (D- towns lack the ability to make the Windham) focuses directly on the best decisions to meet their unique, issue of local governance. It ac-

knowledges the governance problems (continued on page 7)

POSTAL CUSTOMER POSTAL

The Chronicle of the Vermont State House: Who we are, what we’re doing, and why

Thank you for picking up and reading the debut issue of the Chronicle of the Vermont State House, a joint venture of True North Media and Page Communications.

The Chronicle is a community newspaper. The Vermont State House is more than the seat of legislative government, more than an outstanding art and history museum. It is a community. People learn, work, socialize, and govern together. It has its own history, identity, traditions. It has a busy sea- son and a slow season, newcomers and old-timers, tourists and a business community.

Like any good community newspaper, the Chronicle will include fair, accurate ‘hard news’ coverage. You will see roll call votes (pages four and five) and weekly committee schedules (page six). The front page will feature brief updates on high-interest bills, plus at least one more in-depth news story, with an emphasis on Montpelier-local government relations.

But the heart of every good community newspaper is its news about peo- ple. In our pages you will meet not only lawmakers but also the lobbyists and the dedicated professional and service staff (see Rep. Lucy Rogers’ rave review, page 8). Visitors to the People’s House will describe why they came, what they learned, and what they experienced.

Legislators, local officials, and Vermont voters and citizens all will get an opportunity to freely address each other in the pages of the Chronicle. Page two, Letters to the Editor, will be a forum for the rest of Vermont to speak truth to what Chapter II of the Vermont Constitution calls “The Su- preme Legislative Power” of the General Assembly. On page three of every issue, two informed legislators will explain their differing positions on major issues in “Point/Counterpoint.” As space permits we also will run a column about state policies and legislation from a local government perspective enti- tled “The Local View.” Town, state taxes make work for businesses

The Chronicle will be published twice a month during the Session and Recent events at Brattleboro’s (6%) on sugar sweetened beverages. will be distributed free at the State House. It will also be mailed free to mu- town meeting are concerning to This new tax will add 1% to that pur- nicipal and school district elected officials statewide and other interested local businesses. The Brattleboro chase and require small convenience individuals. (Longterm, the Chronicle will develop revenue from advertising Area Chamber of Commerce polled stores and grocery stores to separately sales and subscriptions.) its membership to get their views track each item code for each flavor of on adding an additional 1% use tax every brand of soft drink with sugar, to The idea for the Chronicle began about 20 years ago when, as editor/ in town. The result was that 75% of add this tax. This is a tremendous publisher of the Colchester Chronicle, I started State House News Service. I the membership were opposed. amount of bookkeeping for a small sent a reporter to Montpelier to cover local legislators because I was trou- These are the businesses in town yield of income to the town. bled by how little both I and my readers knew about the State House. This that are most affected by this addi- It’s my understanding that the origi- fledgling venture ended when I sold my paper in 2002 and began a second tional tax. nal proposition was to reduce property career as a lobbyist, which will end with the 2019 session. I have some ex- Just for clarity, it’s important to taxes for homeowners with this addi- perience with community newspaper startups, having founded the Winooski remember that many small busi- tional tax (which for clarity….is 1 per- Eagle and Burlington’s North Avenue News. nesses in town are currently collect- cent and not one penny as it was often ing, tracking and paying three sepa- described). After the article passed at Feel free to send your letters to the editor and other comments, questions rate taxes on purchases (9% state town meeting, it was decided that part and observations to [email protected]. rooms and meals tax, 1% options of the funds will be used for social ser- tax and 6% use tax). The addition vice programs instead. It seems that a Guy Page, Editor & Publisher of the 1% tax requires and addi- much more efficient way to improve tional, and separate collection, our grand list/tax base would be to tracking and paying of this tax (of make it easier for businesses in town to which Brattleboro receives just over do business, rather than make it harder. 60% - the balance going to the State In a recent study by The Tax Founda- of Vermont). tion’s State Business Tax Climate Index In the last few years, food retail- (continued on page 7) ers were required to charge use tax

P-2 / April 18, 2019

Point/Counterpoint: How should Act 250 be reformed?

Make Act 250 review more efficient, respectful Protect environment, fight climate change

Rep. Mark Higley Rep. Amy Sheldon I understand the need for ad- Act 250 turns 50 in 2020 and it dressing the current 10 criteria in is more relevant today than it was 50 Vermont’s land use planning law Act years ago because the cumulative 250. impacts of our land use choices are However, many that have gone threatening the resources upon through the review process use which we depend. Strategic updates words like, “extremely inefficient,” “ to the criteria, jurisdiction and ad- far too much detail,” “overlap mak- ministration of Act 250 now will ing the process costly,” and “at times support our environment and our disrespecting the applicant.” Ver- economy and make our communities mont has such a short construction be allowed to remove those improve- more resilient to climate change. emissions and climate change resil- season. Time is critical. Many appli- ments, within a certain time frame, Act 250 identified a shared com- ient development; amending Crite- cants are dealing with state agencies and the development would return to mitment to supporting Vermont’s ria 5 to include ‘bicycle, pedestrian for the first time. They should be an exempt pre-existing status traditional settlement patterns of and other transit infrastructure’; treated as a respected customer. (currently not allowed). Current leg- densely developed downtowns and changing Criteria 8 to protect forest The Vermont Natural Resources islation to address this situation is villages surrounded by working blocks and connecting wildlife habi- Board (NRB) and Agency of Natural H.213, and a recent case study in- farms, forests and natural areas. It tat (passed by the House last session Resources (ANR) were supposed to volved the Black River Rod & Gun was intended to protect the air, water in H233) and adding ‘energy effi- have implemented a LEAN program Club Inc. and wildlife, scenic resources and ciency’ to criterion 9F. to address the permit process, Keep the elevation threshold of ensure that developments do not Jurisdiction is what triggers the “maximize customer value while 2,500 feet and allow forest-based place an unreasonable burden on need for an Act 250 permit. Current minimizing waste.” Has this been operations flexibility in their hours of municipal services. It is a regionally thresholds for Act 250 are based on implemented, and what are the re- operation. organized (nine District Commis- the size of a parcel or the number of sults? Some information can be I’ve heard from planners and sions), citizen based, review of cer- units or sub-divided parcels being found in the 2017 report from the developers that it would be good to tain developments that provides a considered. The committee is look- VBA Young Lawyer Division: “Act take any final version back to the holistic assessment of development ing at different aspects of location- 250 The Good, Bad & the Ugly.” public through public hearings be- impacts. based jurisdiction, to reduce jurisdic- The Northern Vermont Develop- fore being passed by the legislature. Unfortunately, even with Act tion in our downtowns and to in- ment Association has stated “we do I’m not sure what they’re look- 250 in place, there is not a single crease jurisdiction in sensitive areas not hear from any of the 50 commu- ing for in draft 9.2 Sec.18 of the bill: public trust resource (air, water or like river corridors and ridgelines. nities (by legislative bodies) that we “Impact on Racial Equity and Diver- wildlife) that is in better shape today Finally, we are considering mak- work with any calls for more Act 250 sity Review. The Racial Equity Ad- than it was in 1970 and many are ing changes to the administration of oversight/regulation. There is little or visory Panel and the Human Rights worse. In fact, for the first time in Act 250 by strengthening the Natural no development pressure in the Commission shall conduct a compre- 100 years, we are seeing a loss of Resources Board (NRB) and moving Northeast Kingdom that would war- hensive review of the processes, pro- forestland. Add to that increased appeals back to it from the Environ- rant placing more land development cedures, and language of (Act 250) understanding of climate change and mental Court. Having appeals at the under Act 250 review.” The Addison to assess the extent to which Act 250 its effects on communities, and it court limits citizen participation and County Regional Planning Commis- has contributed to adverse impacts becomes apparent that how we relate separates the NRB from oversight of sion executive director agrees: on racial equity and diversity within to the land will dictate our ability to district commissions. “Growth large enough to trigger Act the State.” mitigate and adapt to climate By updating the criteria to in- 250 in Addison County has been Vermonters, except for a very change. clude climate change and ecosystem anemic for the last several years, we few, have always done well with the The House Natural Resources function, adding location-based ju- need less, not more regulation.” Re- responsibility of property ownership and Fish and Wildlife Committee risdiction to support dense develop- quiring municipal and regional plans and stewardship. Looking at new (Committee) has spent most of this ment in our downtowns while pro- to conform to new Act 250 require- criteria regarding Forest Fragmenta- session learning about Act 250, re- tecting sensitive natural areas and ments would reduce local control. tion, Wildlife Corridors, Climate viewing the report from the Com- improving the administration of Act Here are a few recommendations Change sub-criteria for net-zero mission on Act 250 and drafting a 250 we will support our quality of for the committee to consider other greenhouse gas emission from con- committee bill based on that report. life and improve our ability to adapt than adding new criteria: struction, operation, maintenance and With regard to the criteria (how to and mitigate climate change. If a development with exempt traffic is unrealistic and would result projects are evaluated once they are Sheldon (D-East Middlebury) is pre-existing status is required to ap- in even less economic development. under Act 250 jurisdiction), the an environmental consultant. She ply for a permit because of a sub- Higley, of Lowell, is a builder Committee is considering: revising chairs the House Natural Resources, stantial change, the applicant should and Republican House member. Criteria 1 to address greenhouse gas Fish & Wildlife Committee. April 18, 2019 / P-3

‘Reproductive liberty’ constitutional amendment in House (Continued from page one) health care services. wish. Apart from opposition on princi- wide ballot by November, 2022. late a legal market for cannabis, is un- Act 250 gets committee scrutiny ple to forced school mergers, some Also, H57, the unrestricted abortion der review by the House Government As reported elsewhere in this issue, districts want more time for an orderly bill approved Feb. 21 by the House, is Operations Committee. Supporters say the proposed reform of Act 250, the transition. now in Senate Health & Welfare Com- it will improve product reliability and state’s land use and development law, “Reproductive liberty” constitu- mittee. Chair Ginny Lyons (D- reduce the black market. Opponents is the subject of almost daily scrutiny tional amendment in House Chittenden) said she wants the bill to say youth consumption, ER visits, and by the House Natural Resources, Fish Prop 5, the constitutional amend- proceed to a full Senate vote. the black market are likely to increase. & Wildlife Committee. Its work will ment to protect “reproductive liberty,” Cannabis bill in House - Editor require review by other House com- passed the Senate April 4 28-2 after S54, the Senate bill to tax and regu- mittees. A full House vote is not ex- three roll call votes. (Rutland County pected this year. senators Brian Collamore and James Key to House Roll Calls Votes Below McNeil were the two no votes.) H97—2019 budget adjustments School merger bill to conference Prop 5 was discussed in House Hu- H107 – paid family medical leave (passed) A Senate-House committee to re- man Services Tuesday, April 16, and a (passed) H57—preserving right to abortion solve the two houses’ version of H39, at a well-attended public hearing 5-7 H541 – revenue bill 3rd reading (passed) (third reading, passed) H524 – Health insurance, individual man- revisions to the school merger process, pm Wednesday April 17 in the Hall of H39 #1—school merger deadline com- date (passed) has been meeting weekly for three the House of Representatives. Consti- promise amendment (failed) H439 – Fuel Tax Increase w/farm, for- weeks. The House bill allows some tutional amendments must be approved H39#2—school merger deadline estry exemption (passed) districts to postpone merger deadlines, by two bienniums, then by a majority (passed) Senate Roll Calls to be published while the Senate version allows all of the voters in a statewide referen- H47 – taxing electronic cigarettes in next issue districts to postpone deadlines if they dum. The vote could appear on a state- (passed)

House of representatives ROLL Calls

House Member House Member H97 H57 H39 #1 H39 #2 H47 H.107 H.541 H.524 H.439 H97 H57 H39 #1 H39 #2 H47 H.107 H.541 H.524 H.439

House Roll Calls by member Cina of Burlington Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N

Ancel of Calais Coffey of Guilford Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y N

Anthony of Barre City Colburn of Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Abs Y Y N

Austin of Colchester Colston of Winooski Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Bancroft of Westford Conlon of Cornwall Y N Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Bartholomew of Hartland Conquest of Newbury Abs Y Y Y Abs Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y For more information go to: Batchelor of Derby Y N Y Y Y N N N Y www.legislature.vermont.gov

Bates of Bennington Copeland-Hanzas of Bradford Y Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Beck of St. Johnsbury Corcoran of Bennington Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N

Birong of Vergennes Cordes of Lincoln Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Abs Abs Y

Bock of Chester Cupoli of Rutland City Abs Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y N N N Y

Brennan of Colchester Demrow of Corinth Y N Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Abs Y Y Y

Briglin of Thetford Dickinson of St. Albans Town Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Abs N N Y Abs N N N Y

Brownell of Pownal Dolan of Waitsfield Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y* N

Browning of Arlington Donahue of Northfield Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N* Y N Y Y Y N* Y Y Y

Brumsted of Shelburne Donovan of Burlington Y Y N Y Abs Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Abs Y Y Y abs

Burditt of West Rutland Durfee of Shaftsbury Y N Y Y N N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Burke of Brattleboro Elder of Starksboro Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Campbell of St. Johnsbury Emmons of Springfield Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Canfield of Fair Haven Fagan of Rutland City Y N N Y Y N Y N Y Y N N Y Y N Y N Y

Carroll of Bennington Fegard of Berkshire Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Abs Y Y Y* Y Y Y Y Y

Chase of Colchester Feltus of Lyndon Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y N* Y N Y

Chesnut-Tangerman, Middletown Sprgs Forguites of Springfield Y Y N Y Y Y* Y Y* Y Y Abs N Y Y Y Abs Abs Y

Christensen of Weathersfield Gamache of Swanton Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y N N N Y

Christie of Hartford Gannon of Wilmington Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y P-4 / April 18, 2019

House of representatives ROLL Calls

House Member House Member H97 H57 H39 #1 H39 #2 H47 H.107 H.541 H.524 H.439 H97 H57 H39 #1 H39 #2 H47 H.107 H.541 H.524 H.439

Gardner of Richmond Nicoll of Ludlow Y Y N Y Y Y Abs Abs N* Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Giambatista of Essex Norris of Shoreham Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Abs N Y Y Y N Y N Y

Gonzalez of Winooski Notte of Rutland City Y Y* Abs Abs Y Abs Abs Abs Abs Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Goslant of Northfield Noyes of Wolcott Y N Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y* Y Y Y

Grad of Moretown O'Brien of Tunbridge Y Y N Y Y Y Abs Abs N Abs Y Abs Abs Y Y Y Y Y

Graham of Williamstown O'Sullivan of Burlington Abs N Y N Y N N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Gregoire of Fairfield Y N Y Y Y N Abs Abs Y Ode of Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y* Y Y N

Haas of Rochester Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Page of Newport City Y Abs Y Y Y N Y N Y

Hango of Berkshire N N Y N N N N N Y Pajala of Londonderry Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Harrison of Chittenden Y N N Y Y N N N Y Palasik of Milton Y N N Y Y N N N Y

Hashim of Dummerston Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y* Partridge of Windham Abs Y Y N Abs Y Y Y N

Helm of Fair Haven Y N N Y N N Y N Y Patt of Worcester Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N

Higley of Lowell Y N Y Y Abs N N N Y Potter of Clarendon Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y

Hill of Wolcott Y Abs Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Pugh of S. Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Hooper of Burlington Y Abs N Y Y Y Y Y N Quimby of Concord Y N Y Y N N N N Y

Hooper of Montpelier Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Rachelson of Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y* Y Abs N

Hooper of Randolph Y Y Y Y Y Y* Abs Abs Y Ralph of Hartland Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Houghton of Essex Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Redmond of Essex Y Y N Y Y Y* Y Y N

Howard of Rutland City Y Y Abs Abs Y Y Abs Abs Abs Rogers of Waterville Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

James of Manchester Y Y N Y Y Y Abs Abs N Rosenquist of Georgia Y N Y Y N* N N N Y

Jerome of Brandon Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Savage of Swanton Y N Y Y Y N N N abs

Jessup of Middlesex Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Seymour of Sutton Y N Y N N Y Y N Y

Jickling of Randolph Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Scheu of Middlebury Y Y N Y Y N Y* Y N

Johnson of S. Hero NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV NV Shaw of Pittsford Y N N Y Y N Y N Y

Killacky of S. Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Sheldon of Middlebury Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N

Kimbell of Woodstock Y Y N Y Y Abs Y N Y Scheuermann of Stowe Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

Krowinski of Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Sibilia of Dover Y Y N Y Y N* Y Y Y

Kitzmiller of Montpelier Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Smith of Derby Y N Y N Y N Y N Y

Kornheiser of Brattleboro Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y N Smith of New Haven Abs Abs Y Y Abs N N N Y

LaClair of Barre Town Y N N Y Y N N N Y Squirrell of Underhill Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

LaLonde of S. Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Stevens of Waterbury Y Y N Y Y Y* Y Y N

Lanpher of Vergennes Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Strong of Albany Abs N Y Y Y N N N Y

Lefebvre of Newark Y N Y Y Y N N N Abs Sullivan of Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Leffler of Enosburgh Y N Y Y Y* N* N N Y Sullivan of Dorset Y Y N Y Y N* Y Y Y

Lippert of Hinesburg Y Y N Y Y Y Abs Abs Abs Szott of Barnard Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y

Long of Newfane Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Taylor of Colchester Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Macaig of Williston Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Terenzini of Rutland Town Y Abs N Y Y N N N Y

Marcotte of Coventry Y N Y Y Y N Y N Y Till of Jericho Y Y N Y Y Y Y* Y N

Martel of Waterford Y Abs Y Y Y N Y N Y Toleno of Brattleboro Abs Y Abs Y Abs Y Y Y N

Masland of Thetford Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Toll of Danville Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y abs

Mattos of Milton Y N Y Y Y N Abs Abs Y Toof of St. Albans Town Y N Y Y Y N N N Y

McCarthy of St. Albans City Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Townsend of S. Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

McCormack of Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Trieber of Rockingham Y Y Abs Abs N Y Y Abs N

McCoy of Poultney Y* N N Y Y N* Y* N Y Troiano of Stannard Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N

McCullough of Williston Y* Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Walz of Barre City Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

McFaun of Barre Town Y Y N Y Y N N* N Y Webb of Shelburne Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Morgan of Milton Y N N Y Y N N N Y White of Hartford Y Y N Y Y Abs Y Y Abs

Morrissey of Bennington Y N Y Y Y N N N Y Wood of Waterbury Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N

Mrowicki of Putney Y Y Y* N Y Y* Y Y N Yacovone of Morristown Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Murphy of Fairfax Y Y* Y Y Y N Y Y Y Yantachka of Charlotte Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N

Myers of Essex Young of Greensboro

Y N Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y abs April 18, 2019 / P-5

Services set for lawmaker recalled how, after Hurri- predeceased him on January 21, tary Penny Sales and Christmas Par- cane Irene, as Springfield town 2011. ties. He was serving his third term as Wednesday for manager he called up officials of a He had over 20 years banking ex- State Representative for Windsor Dis- nearby hard-hit town and volun- perience, with positions ranging trict 3-2 and was a longtime member Springfield teered, “I’ve sending you three re- from bookkeeper to Chairman of the of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where pair trucks, and you’ve got ‘em for Board with the First National Bank, he served as a member of the finance Legislator two weeks.” and 20 years municipal government committee for several years. He was born November 24, 1938 experience in Springfield, four years He is survived by his son Adam (continued from page one) in Forest Dale, Vermont the son of as Comptroller from 1994 to 1998 Forguites of Essex Jct., VT; three sis- Leslie "Bill" and Janice (King) and 16 years as Town Manager retir- ters; Judith Goodspeed of Brandon, grieve with the many other friends Forguites. He attended schools in ing in 2014. Jaska DeForge of Sudbury, and and loved ones of Rep. Robert J. Brandon, graduating from Brandon Mr. Forguites served as a member Marcia Brown also of Sudbury; Aunt Forguites 80, of Springfield, who High School class of 1956, and at- of the Town of Brandon Board of Nancy Forguites of Burlington; and passed away unexpectedly at home tended the University of Vermont. Selectmen, the Otter Valley Union many nieces, nephews and cousins. on Tuesday morning April 9. He served in the United States High School Board of Directors, A funeral mass was celebrated at He is remembered as a thoughtful, Army from 1961 to 1963. He was Connecticut River Transit Board of 11 AM Wednesday April 17, at St. experienced, independent lawmaker. serving as a Secretary at the Penta- Directors, and Southern Windsor/ Mary's Catholic Church in Spring- One colleague said, “he didn’t often gon during the Cuban Missile Cri- Windham Counties Solid Waste field, Reverend Peter Williams, Pas- speak out, but when he did, the room sis in 1962. Management District. He was a long- tor, officiating. would get quiet and people would On October 14, 1978 he married time member of Rotary International, Most committee hearings were can- listen.” A fellow Windsor County Barbara J. Hanna in Brandon. She and enjoyed volunteering at the Ro- celled for attendance of the service.

IN COMMITTEE: Scheduled Bill Activity in VT House Committees Week of Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Bills numbered when available. Most items without numbers are reports, discussion. House Committee Agendas Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Agriculture & Forestry S160 agricultural development Funeral for Rep. Bob Forguites TBD TBD

Appropriations Tourism Benchmark Study H334 Temporary State Employees

Commerce & Economic Dev. S162 economic development S131 Insurance & Securities. S131 State-owned airports.

Corrections & Institutions H209 suspension of state aide. S112 earned Medication Assisted Treatment TBA

Education H164 misc. education changes. Universal Pre-K TBA Special Education Update

Energy & Technology Fossil fuel infrastructure executive orders by Fossil Fuel Infrastructure. Eminent

Gen., Housing, & Military S111 VA Open pit burn registry, S163 housing, S23 S23 S23 minimum wage

Government Operations Town charters. S54 cannabis S54 cannabis 9 AM S54 cannabis S54 cannabis

Health Care S73 licensure of ambulatory surgical centers, S73 ambulatory surgical

Human Services S146 substance abuse prevention, Prop 5 con- Prop 5 public hearing 5-7 pm PreK study, S40, S146 stitutional amendment reproductive rights, House chambers S40 lead in schools, S23 minimum wage

Judiciary S105 misc judiciary, S133 juvenile jurisdiction S54 cannabis

Natural Resources, Fish, & S96 water quality, Act 250 bill S96, Act 250 Act 250 Wildlife

Transportation S149 misc changes. H316 automotive work- H193, H316, S149 TBA force training, H193 Americorps funding, H364 railroads

Ways & Means H546 S. Burlington Charter Change, Corporate Taxpayer migration, VT/NH TBA Tax P-6 / April 18, 2019

Senate bill creates path

to more local control

(continued from page one) Local, State taxes hard to track for businesses truly local needs.” (continued from page two) S106 proposes a pathway to more local control, “establishing a pilot pro- gram that authorizes a limited number of cities and towns to engage in self- th – New Hampshire was voted 6 in neighbors in New Hampshire. governance within defined parameters will: (A) allow the State to determine the country for tax efficiency. Ver- Tracey John the current gaps in municipal power and agency; (B) provide a laboratory for mont was rated 41st. Perhaps we Board President, Brattleboro Cham- cities and towns to develop local solutions to particularized issues; and (C) should try and learn something from ber of Commerce. General Manager, allow cities and towns within the program to more efficiently respond to the our much more business friendly The Vermont Country Deli needs of their residents.” Here’s how the pilot program process would work: with consent from voters given at a Special Meeting, municipalities would prepare a self- governance proposal. For example, they could propose expanded self- governance in housing availability, affordability, and habitability - all matters Former judge says advertising, of immediate interest to municipalities. Municipalities would propose this lo- cally-run program to a 12-member Municipal Self-Governance Commission. sale of marijuana will lead to The Commission would provide criteria and advice, and recommend to the Legislature which community proposals to accept - no more than 10. Municipalities could not propose ordinances conflicting with state law more abuse, highway deaths governing: firearms; the environment, conservation and development, for- estry, or fish and wildlife; crimes and criminal procedure; cannabis; the State Lottery and games of chance; alcoholic beverages, except that a municipality The legalization of the advertising fatal accidents. Since legalization may propose to increase local license fees; health insurance; banking, securi- and sale of recreational marijuana in was approved in other states, like ties, and insurance; electric utilities; workers’ compensation, minimum wage, Vermont will kill people. Washington and Colorado, there benefits, and employment protections; elections, except that a municipality Last year there were five people have been increases in consumption may propose to regulate local elections; State highways; State sign law re- killed on our highways by people of marijuana and with it, an in- quirements; some aspects of town highways; some motor vehicle require- driving under the influence of alco- crease in the number of people ments; aviation; or railroads. hol. In the same year, 2018, there killed on their roads by drivers op- The five-year pilot program would require participating municipalities to were nine people killed by drivers erating under the influence of mari- inform the Commission about fiscal impacts and legal challenges. operating under the influence of juana. Other bills with significant “local control” ramifications include: marijuana alone. In the same year, No amount of tax revenue can Commercial marijuana legalization. S54, ‘tax and regulate’ legalization, seven more people were killed by justify the increases in mental ill- creates a state cannabis control board and allows the marijuana industry to drivers operating under the influence ness and death that this proposed locate a cultivation, production or retail sales facility within a municipal- of marijuana plus some other drug. legislation will cause. ity unless a majority of voters at a Special Meeting decide to “opt out.” Legalization of the advertising and Some legislators think municipalities would have more leverage if mari- sale of recreational marijuana will North Hero juana facilities could be permitted only if a municipality has “opted-in.” cause an increase in the use of mari- Retired Superior Court judge, For- S54 may soon be voted out by the House Government Operations Com- juana and, with that increase, there mer Grand Isle member of the Ver- mittee for a vote by the full House. A gubernatorial veto is considered a will be an increase in the number of mont House of Representatives legitimate possibility, due to road safety and youth education concerns. School mergers. In H39 passed earlier this year, the House refused to post- pone all Act 46 school merger decisions but did allow selected school dis- Fossil fuel infrastructure bills tricts to choose postponement. The Senate version permits a delay but em- phasizes that all school districts are subject to Act 46 and the State Board public hearing set for 4/23; of Education. A conference committee is attempting to reconcile the two versions. Act 250 Reform. This issue has consumed most of the time of the House Trump executive order of concern Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife Committee this year, and may take much of next year as well. In draft form it would require municipal plans, Both Senate and House are considering bills to limit construction of maps and zoning bylaws to conform with Act 250, including revisions new fossil fuel infrastructure, especially natural gas pipelines. The House which some critics consider restrictive to local planning and development. Committee on Energy and Technology will hold a public hearing Tuesday, 16-17 year-old voting. H418, sponsored by Rep. April 23 5-7 pm on H51, H175, and H214. The Senate bill is S66. (D-Burlington), would allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in all municipal elections. (They could not vote in school district elections in merged dis- Supporters are concerned that extending natural gas pipelines will en- tricts.) The bill does not feature a “local option” to which towns could opt sure that climate change-inducing fossil fuels heat Vermont buildings for the out, but would require all municipalities to allow voting by resident legal next 80 years. Opponents say natural gas is more affordable and has lower voters ages 16-17. At Town Meeting this year, Brattleboro opted to allow emissions than other heating fuels. 16-17 year-olds the vote. The Brattleboro vote came within days of a An executive order signed April 10 by Pres. Donald Trump will put similar vote in the U.S. Congress, which failed (although it was supported fossil fuel pipeline projects on a “fast track” permitting process and could— by Vermont Rep. Peter Welch). The House Government Operations some state legislators fear—make it more difficult for states to ban natural Committee discussed H418 before the Crossover deadline, but no vote gas pipeline projects. was taken. Yesterday Gov Ops approved H207, non-citizen municipal Tuesday April 16, Legislative Council Director Luke Martland told the voting charter change in Montpelier. committee the executive orders will not affect state decision-making on pipe- line bans, at least in the near future. Longterm, it’s hard to say, he said. For more information, go to www.legislature.vermont.gov.

April 18, 2019 / P-7

News & Notes: New Rep appreciates State House staff

Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes tax (two cents per gallon to four to fully appreciate the people who cents) to raise more revenue for car- make the Vermont State House work. bon emissions-reducing weatheriza- Rep. Lucy Rogers, a twenty- tion for low-income Vermonters. something first-term lawmaker repre- Critics like St. Albans Messenger senting Cambridge, Waterville and editor/publisher Emerson Lynn Belvidere, honored the staff at the State wrote, “Of all the ways to address House in her first column to her local the issue, legislators picked the most newspaper, the News & Citizen. offensive and least productive means.” Rep. Rogers (D) praised the State House curator and maintenance staff Gov. Phil Scott seemed to agree who care for “a beautiful, well- with the Messenger when he called maintained space that both connects us the bill “so regressive” because it to our history and creates an atmos- would impact low-income, rural, phere of decorum” and the Legislative energy-insecure Vermonters. Senate Council experts who “supply legislators Pro Tem Tim Ashe also has called with the tools to provide their best pol- the bill regressive. Meanwhile, St. icy arguments, therefore supporting Albans City representative Mike open debate and allowing for the McCarthy (D) was criticized for strongest possible outcomes.” being the only Franklin County leg- islator to vote against H439, includ- She added, “I spoke with the chief of ing an amendment exempting farm- Capitol Police, and he assured me that ers from the tax (roll call, pg. 5). half of the time he’s at a rally, he does- INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS CELEBRATE NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE n’t even know what the people are ral- A Vermont GOP press release WEEK at State House more than 100 students from several independent schools lying for. He simply cares that every- criticized Rep. (D gathered in Montpelier March 20 as part of the celebration of National School one stays safe and that he can protect -Charlotte) for asking fellow De- Choice Week. They participated in a press conference held by school choice the citizens’ right to peacefully express mocrats before the H524 floor vote attorney David Kelley (top photo, front row, fourth from right), received cash themselves.” to put climate change principle over prizes and scholarships for contest entries, and enjoyed a banquet at Capitol constituents’ wishes. Plaza Hotel. Lyndon Institute student Abigail Ham (above) and others ad- * * * * * dressed the House Education Committee about independent schooling. Listening Lawmakers struggle all the time are Reps. Lynn Batchelor (R-Orleans) and Casey Toof (R-S. Albans.) While some newcomers are wide- with choosing what they think is eyed during the day, one veteran law- best vs. what their constituents seem maker wants to get more shut-eye at to want. But it may be unfair to sug- Devotional exercises for the pendent candidate for State Senate. night. Earlier this year, Rep. Patty gest that Yantachka – a longtime, House March 27 were conducted by And there was some confusion that McCoy (R-Poultney) told the Council outspoken climate change warrior Rev. Rosaire Bisson of Christ the Vermont Association for Justice is of State Governments magazine for its who has been re-elected four times – Community Alliance Church in the new name for the Vermont Trial story about New Year’s resolutions that was voting against his district, one Barre. This is notable because Rev. Lawyers Association. Who knew? “I resolve to listen more and truly un- of the weathiest and most energy- Bisson was effectively banned from * * * * * giving devotions to the Vermont derstand what the other person is say- secure in Vermont. April 5, House Speaker Mitzi Senate for a year after his January ing. By doing so, I can then best formu- According to the U.S. Census, Johnson recognized the following 30 reading in which he stated that late questions and concerns, which will Charlotte has a median household pages for their six weeks of delivering the Declaration of Independence lead, hopefully, to compromise and income of $117,000 and a median messages to lawmakers (among other affirms the “Right to Life.” Several consensus. Oh, and a good night’s sleep home value of $497,000. Less than duties) and presented them with com- senators objected to what they said would help as well.” one percent of Charlotte residents memorative pins: Isabella Bevins of was an expression of public policy live under the poverty level. For the Plainfield, Ella Byers of Shelburne, Recently Rep. McCoy, the House opinion – a real no-no for the devo- 38% of Charlotte homeowners who Jazmyn Dix of Whitingham, Maya minority leader, gave the Chronicle a tions. Rev. Bisson avoided this pay no mortgage, cumulative hous- Elliott of Middlesex, Eli Ferro, of progress report: “I believe I have done seemingly controversial subject ing expenses are about $1000/month Tunbridge, Maximilian Fontana of much better at listening and trying to during his House devotions. – about eight percent of the house- South Burlington, Gabriel Hall of understand what the other person is hold income. In such affluence, an * * * * * Montpelier, Hannah Keith of Kirby, saying. I also believe I have reached increase in the fuel bill is unlikely to Maverick Murphy of Woodbury, consensus on a few issues. Now...... if I Sometimes it’s hard to interpret stir strong opposition. and Jessica Pierce of Chester. can only get a good night’s sleep!” from the weekly committee sched- - The Editor In short, Yantachka is represent- ule who is scheduled to testify, and ** * * * ing his constituents. It’s just that his why. For example, an Essex Junc- Every year, a bill comes seemingly tion man testifying about H444, the constituents are wealthier and more Please email comments, story ideas, out of nowhere to catch the attention of ranked choice voting bill popular energy-secure than most other Ver- and letters to the editor to: lawmakers, media, and political parties. monters. with independent candidates, was The “sleeper” candidate this year is listed as “a Vermont teacher.” He [email protected] * * * * * H.439, which doubles the heating fuel was also an unsuccessful 2018 inde-

P-8 / April 18, 2019