Op-eds, pg. 3: S163 would Water Quality Involuntary school mergers House increase State role in Fuel Oil Tax Roll housing inspections, Smoking Age Calls register contractors Juv. Jurisdiction Pgs. 4-5 Lead in schools - Pg. 6 G. Honigford R. Szott

Volume 1, No. 3, May 15, 2019

Tuesday, May 14, 2019 – During what

may be the Vermont Legislature’s last full week, decisions are being made on major pieces of legislation that have been the focus of policymakers, lobby- ists and media all session. S23, minimum wage The version passed by House Appropriations yesterday by a 6-5 vote would get the minimum wage to $15/ hour by as soon as 2026 – two years later than the Senate version. The bill goes to the House floor today. It faces an amendment by Rep. Chip Troiano (D-Stannard) to return $15/hour time- line to 2024, as approved by the Sen- ate. H107, paid family leave A slimmed-down Senate version is on today’s calendar for a Senate floor vote. The Senate version eliminates personal paid leave for employees but still allows them to take paid time off for ailing family members. The House bill would require $76 million in pay- roll taxes; the Senate version, an esti- CANNON CAVORT - This is what it looks like when someone asks 10 State House pages to pose for a serious portrait! mated $27 million. From left to right: Skylar Foster, Jericho; Oliver Szott, Barnard; Zane Mawhinney, Lyndonville; Hayden Ross, Barre; S54, taxed and regulated marijuana Gavin Gray, Northfield; Cassidy Berry, Waterbury; Cyd Edge-Gerrol, Wallingford; Anja Wellspeak, Pownal; Anna Issel- As reported elsewhere in this issue, hardt, Elmore; Lindsey Bigelow, Warren. Missing from the April 9—May 17 group of pages: Grace Waryas, Bellows S54 is in the Ways and Means Com- Falls. Chronicle photo mittee. Although no further discussion has been scheduled, Chair Janet Ancel (according to several sources) is con- First law enacted in 2019: New state working group sidering moving forward with the bill but is concerned the fees will not cover regulatory set-up costs in the first year to oppose ethnic, social bias in local school districts or two. These expenses could possibly be paid with in anticipation of ex- By Guy Page Coalition for Ethnic and Social Equity New Working Group will pected excise tax receipts. It is unclear Act 1, the first Vermont Legislature in Schools. All 10 must be members of however which funding source would bill to become law this year, creates a an ethnic or social group, and two review district policies and supply this seeming “bridge loan”. 20-member advisory board to recom- must be high school students. Act 1 recommend new student S96, water quality mend to the Vermont State Board of defines ethnic groups as “nondominant Today, the Senate will also consider Education new student performance racial and ethnic groups in the United performance standards (continued on page 4) standards “to recognize fully the histo- States, including people who are ry, contributions, and perspectives of Abenaki, people from other indigenous Towns can’t get tough on plastic bags, straws ethnic groups and social groups.” groups, people of African, Asian, Pa- The law, approved March 29 by cific Island, Chicanx, Latinx, or Mid- A few hours before the full House gave containers, the House Natural Re- Gov. Phil Scott, is entitled “An act dle Eastern descent; and groups that preliminary approval to S113, the pro- sources, Fish & Wildlife Committee relating to ethnic and social equity have been historically subject to perse- posed ban on plastic carryout bags, and studies standards for public schools.” cution or genocide.” single-use straws and polystyrene (continued on page 6) The Ethnic and Social Equity Stand- It defines social groups as “women ards Advisory Working Group is and girls, people with disabilities, im- scheduled to meet for the first time migrants, refugees, and individuals September 1, 2019. who are lesbian, gay, bisexual,

Its 20 members will include 10

members appointed by the Vermont (continued on page 7) CUSTOMER POSTAL

Waiting period won’t reduce suicides

As I understand it: The suggested It is not unrealistic to believe that need for a Waiting Period is as a way some of those Vermonters under the to help reduce impulsive acts done threat of violence may choose to im- with firearms, specifically suicides or mediately obtain the means for their murders, with this being referred to as defense. Beyond those Vermonters is "reducing access to lethal means". any Vermonter who understands that Regarding suicide by firearm: Ac- the defensive use of firearms is a cording to the Vermont Department of "Common Occurrence" and who also Mental Health, in 2016 there were wish to immediately prepare them- 1,141 suicide attempts. Of those, selves. 1,070 or 94% were attempts using How tragic will it be when a known something other than a firearm. For victim is killed by a known aggressor those suicides where a firearm was while the victim was in a Waiting Peri- used, the vast majority were done with od? These stories exist now, just not a firearm that was already owned. in Vermont. It is actually a pretty rare event What of the situation where the pur- when a person will go to a store, buy a chaser already owns a firearm? There firearm and then kill themselves with were 41,000 firearm transfers in Ver- it. mont for 2018, one of which we now Regarding the impulsive use of a hope was preventable. If the intent of firearm for murder, this is not a com- a Waiting Period is to reduce access to mon event in Vermont either. Per the lethal means, what is accomplished FBI: Vermont is consistently the first when a Vermonter already owns lethal or second safest state in the nation means? when it comes to violent crime. Im- While establishing a Waiting Period pulsively buying a firearm for immedi- might, possibly, maybe help reduce ate nefarious purposes is also a pretty what are already rare events, Waiting rare event. Periods will prove ineffective. Beyond A Waiting Period will be ineffective that, since Waiting Periods will not Little attention paid can't handle anymore of this. for the simple reason that people address 94% of overall suicide at- Jim Fitzgerald, St. Albans plan. When someone decides to hop in tempts, and will not address when le- to serious problems their car, go to a store, fake any dis- thal means are already owned: It tress, buy a firearm and then go home seems clear we need a solution that is When the Vermont Legislature Working harder and kill themselves with it: That's a better focused on the overall problem. opened their session in January, they plan. No matter what time limit is im- Establishing a Waiting Period WILL were faced with the task of at least ad- for the same lunch posed, if someone is determined they put Vermonters at risk who are under dressing several key issues/problems In 1955, 18 years old and straight out will simply plan around a Waiting Pe- the threat of violence by denying them that the citizens were faced with. of Iowa--but I was on my own, living riod. the ability to defend themselves in a Among these, the high cost of one the life in NYC and earning about There are other problems with a timely manner; it WILL inconvenience living in Vermont especially. Educa- $0.75 per hour. New experiences, one Waiting Period. tens of thousands of Vermonters annu- of which was the hot dog venders serv- To begin: Just what is the balance ally in lost time and money to make a tion costs needed work, the underfund- ing a delicious Nathan's hot dog with between the concept of a Waiting Peri- redundant trip; and it WILL financially ed pension problem, a review of act kraut and yellow mustard. 2 dogs and a od and the unalienable Right of Self hurt sporting organizations, businesses, 46, addressing our crumbling high- Pepsi, $0.25. Wow, I worked 20 Defense? According to the Judiciary and towns that host Sportsman's ways and bridges and of course many minutes for a great lunch. Annual Statistical Report, there were Shows, Banquets and Auctions. It also more serious problems. To our amaze- Fast forward to Springfield, 2019 3,380 Relief From Abuse (RFA) fil- invites yet another court challenge. ment very little if any attention has when I was sitting in a local conven- ings in 2018, an increase of 8% over The benefits of a Waiting Period are been paid to our more serious state ience store killing time until my next 2017. Temporary Restraining Orders questionable - the negatives are real. problems. appointment. A stranger stopped by were granted for 2,636 cases. Final I respectfully ask the Legislature to They did however have time to work my booth, steaming because 2 hotdogs, orders were granted for 1,589. vote down any Waiting Period on pos- on the smoking age legislation, they certainly not Nathan's, and a cup of There can be no question that there sessing a firearm. had time to add more taxes to our heat- coffee cost him $5. Assuming current are Vermonters who are in fear of vio- ing fuel, they spent a considerable minimum wage, he worked 30 minutes lence as it is clear there are thou- Chris Bradley, amount of time on the $ 15 per hour for his lunch. Or he had to work 50% sands. Likewise there should be no Northfield wage in Vermont, they had time to longer and pay 20 times as much. question that Vermonters have a Right President, Vermont Federation of tackle gun legislation, they worked So let's raise the minimum wage to to Self Defense. Sportsmen’s Clubs real hard on the abortion issue and on $15. My lunch will escalate to $10 and and on it went, all winter long. They I will work 40 minutes to pay for even had time to work on vehicle in- it. And the hot dog maker will get $15 spection issues. Their work on the act per hour and the clerk at the store 46 issue has us all in a state of "what and ... but our legislators will be so did they do?" tickled that they pulled another fast May I please ask the Legislature one on their loyal supporters. return home as quickly as possible. I John Nunnikhoven, Chester P-2 / May 15, 2019

Citizenry that can’t be trusted with education are not really citizens No more school merger delays, By Rep. Randall Szott (D-Barnard) Proponents of school consolidation in Vermont are following a familiar path, one it’s time to move on from ugly, that seeks to centralize decision making into fewer and fewer hands. They speak of modernizing, of expertise, of metrics, but they fail to acknowledge that a citi- divisive process zenry that can’t be trusted to control its own educational decisions is not com- prised of citizens at all.

(Editor’s note: the Chronicle asked several legislative leaders but was unable to acquire an op-ed supporting involuntary school mergers. As an alternative, we The model of education the state is attempting to impose might produce tremen- have selected this testimony submitted during Education Committee discussion of dous gains for some, but will relegate many to the margins. School consolidation H39, which addresses the question of school merger postponement. As of May 12, driven by a market mentality simply reproduces for students and communities the the House and Senate have been unable inequality that the market produces else- to reconcile their versions of H39 in con- where. School consolidation in the name ference committee.) of increased administrative efficiencies has been instituted throughout the United By Geo Honigford States, yet economic inequality has sky- Eight years ago, I first sat down in the rocketed and disparity of student out- House Education Committee working comes continues. It should thus be clear toward having private schools that take that any talk of educational equity while public dollars play by the same rules as being committed to market-like ap- the public schools. My early efforts went proaches is misguided. nowhere, as the small private school lob- by was quick and deafening in its opposi- Unfortunately, mandated school district tion. consolidation in Vermont has demon- strated that we are losing the battle to It took eight years of work for the legis- preserve the unique community resource embodied in our small schools. A perni- lature to understand the issues and begin to pass legislation that equaled the play- cious vocabulary is being imported from other parts of the country – performance, ing field. Legislators are no longer only listening to that small determined group value, efficiency, choice, accountability – are among the most common terms. of people. These words have their origin in an equally pernicious worldview that sees eco- nomic questions at the center of human society, rather than questions of ethics or A delay will insure that your committee will be talking democratic governance. The civic virtue of education conceived broadly, is being sacrificed for the narrow goal of improving individual student performance in the about this again next year. classroom.

H39 reminds me of eight years ago, as it is a legislative effort lead by a small de- Education entails much more than what happens inside schools. As Vermonter termined group of people. This small group of people, that are demanding a de- John Dewey said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” lay, are the ones that “created the crisis” by suing the state over the implementa- Thus, the resistance in Vermont to Act 46 is educational. Communities standing tion of the law. Any delay in Act 46 will not serve to allow them time to comply up for their right of self-governance is educational. These are not mere philosoph- with a law that they oppose, rather it will give them time to gather strength and ical disagreements, they are fundamental philosophical disagreements. fight to water down the law till it is meaningless.

A delay now will insure that your committee will be talking about this again next It is an argument about whether education ought to be a vehicle for individual year. Time to respect the law and all those who followed it. The merger process in accomplishment, or a community asset. It is an argument about whether education my community was ugly at best. Our first merger plan was defeated 65% against is meant to train future participants in the global economy or to nurture civic life. 35% for. Because I was the face of the merger plan, I had to listen and read about Of course it can be all those things, but the worldview of economic rationality so how I was dishonest, and stealing money from the school, and that I didn’t like permeates the discussion, that one is considered a fool to argue against such hal- my own school. I was sickened by what happened but knew that a defeated mer- lowed concepts as “increased choice,” “flexibility,” or “economies of scale.” Sad- ger vote in no way exempted my town from the law and so I went back to work. ly, many of our democratic institutions have been eroded by this consumerist mentality that privileges convenience, standardization and cost efficiency over We finally ended up getting an 82% for and 18% against vote on a plan to merge. complexity, diversity and intrinsic value. Act 46 said forced mergers might happen and that is how we convinced many in my community to comply with the Act. As a school board member, I was depend- No one wants to deny Vermont students an excellent and equitable education. ing on state board and legislature to have my back when I was facing my commu- And no one wants to increase the financial strain on an already heavily taxed pop- nity. ulace. However, human life and human values must always be at the center of the discussion, rather than the operational needs of administrators. Now to hear that the legislature might not have my back after all is disheartening and no way to run a government. There is no reason to delay Act 46. If the legis- My fellow lawmakers and my fellow Vermonters have to look into their hearts in lature held up every piece of legislation because of a pending lawsuit, suing to addition to their wallets to decide if the mere proposition of short term savings is delay would become normalized by opponents. No new information has come to enough to sell our collective souls. Democracy is inherently connected to educa- light, no unauthorized changes that state board has made to the law, nothing but a tion, and education to community. If we take democracy, education, and commu- small vocal group of people that are against the act. Let’s put Act 46 to rest in the nity seriously, we owe it to ourselves to nurture the things that make Vermont legislature, let it play its course and give the vast amount of communities in Ver- special rather than importing the false promise of consolidation. mont that supported the law closure.

Mr. Honigford is an organic farmer in Royalton, a member of the Royal- A professional chef, author, and educator, Rep. Szott lives in Barnard with his ton School Board and Past President of the Vermont School Board Association. wife, UVM Professor Pamela Fraser, and their son, who is a State House page.

May 15, 2019 / P-3

Budget, capital construction bill, weatherization bills hit floor this week (Continued from page one) the House-amended version of the ral Resources Committee Chair Chris $3 million for 108 Cherry Street park- emonial Office, Cedar Creek Room, comprehensive water quality bill. The Bray (D-Addison) amended S63, a ing garage repairs in 2020, and $7.5 and the Card Room; House and Senate differ on funding bottle redemption bill, to pay for million in 2021; $900,000 each year 2020 and 2021 for sources for the extensive, state-wide weatherization from Efficiency Ver- $3.5 million for 120 State Street, HVAC control system in Newport water quality work. mont fund balances. Montpelier stair towers and rear entry; prison; H439/S63, weatherization The bill also establishes a statewide $45,000 for carpet repair and new car- $1.45 million for door control project The Senate also has proposed a new voluntary program for rating and label- pets in State House in Governor’s Cer- Southern State Correctional. funding mechanism for low-income ing energy performance of buildings, - ROLL CALL DETAILS, OUTCOMES - home weatherization. The House last and asks the Public Utilities Commis- month approved H439 despite much sion to create an all-fuels energy effi- S133, juvenile jurisdiction. Roll call passed 135-1. controversy over paying for increased ciency program. vote to return bill to Judiciary Commit- H439, Fuel Tax. Increase. #1 farm, for- weatherization by doubling the home H543, capital construction tee failed 61-81. Bill passed. estry exemption (passed 74-66). #2 Browning amendment failed 16-122. Bill heating fuel tax. Critics called it a de- Senate amendments to H543, capital S40, lead in schools. Third reading passed. facto carbon tax that forces poor Ver- construction and state bonding bill, passed 138-3. Bill passed. S96, water quality. 3rd reading passed monters to pay more to keep warm. will come to the House floor today. S86, smoking age raised to 21. #1 - 126-14. Bill passed. After Senate leadership called this tax Items of interest in the $123 million second reading approved 109-33. #2— 3rd reading amendment failed 33-109. S113, plastic product ban. Second read- “regressive,” Senate Energy and Natu- state construction budget include: S49, polyfl in water. Second reading ing vote passed 120-24. Bill passed.

House of representatives ROLL Calls

S.86 S.86 H.439 H.439 S.86 S.86 H.439 H.439 House Member House Member S.133 S.40 (1) (2) S.49 (1) (2) S.96 S.113 S.133 S.40 (1) (2) S.49 (1) (2) S.96 S.113 Ancel of Calais Copeland-Hanzas of Bradford N Y Y N Y N N ABS Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Anthony of Barre City Corcoran of Bennington N* Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Austin of Colchester Cordes of Lincoln N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Bancroft of Westford Cupoli of Rutland City Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Bartholomew of Hartland Demrow of Corinth N Y Y N Y N* N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Batchelor of Derby Dickinson of St. Albans Town Y Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y Y Y ABS Y Y N Y N Bates of Bennington Dolan of Waitsfield Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y* Y Beck of St. Johnsbury Donahue of Northfield Y Y Y N N Y* N Y Y Y Y N Y ABS Y Y Y Y Birong of Vergennes Donovan of Burlington Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y ABS N ABS ABS ABS Y Y Bock of Chester Durfee of Shaftsbury Y Y ABS N Y Y N Y Y N Y ABS N Y N N Y Y Brennan of Colchester Elder of Starksboro Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Briglin of Thetford Emmons of Springfield N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y ABS N Y N N Y Y Brownell of Pownal Fagan of Rutland City Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N Y N Browning of Arlington Fegard of Berkshire Y Y Y N ABS N Y* Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Brumsted of Shelburne Feltus of Lyndon N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Burditt of West Rutland Forguites of Springfield N Y ABS Y Y Y* N Y N Y N Burke of Brattleboro Gamache of Swanton N Y Y N ABS N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N* N Campbell of St. Johnsbury Gannon of Wilmington N Y Y N Y Y* N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Canfield of Fair Haven Gardner of Richmond Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y* N Y N N Y Y Carroll of Bennington Giambatista of Essex Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y ABS N Y N N Y Y Chase of Colchester Gonzalez of Winooski N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS ABS Chesnut-Tangerman, Middletown Sprgs Goslant of Northfield Y Y Y ABS ABS Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N ABS ABS Christensen of Weathersfield Grad of Moretown N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N ABS N N ABS Y Christie of Hartford Graham of Williamstown N Y Y N Y N N Y Y ABS Y Y Y Y Y N N N Cina of Burlington Gregoire of Fairfield N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y* Y* Y Y N N* N Coffey of Guilford Haas of Rochester N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y Colburn of Burlington Hango of Berkshire N Y Y N ABS N N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Colston of Winooski Harrison of Chittenden N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y* Conlon of Cornwall Hashim of Dummerston N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Conquest of Newbury Helm of Fair Haven N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y N N N

P-4 / May 15, 2019

House of representatives ROLL Calls

House Member S.86 S.86 H.439 H.439 House Member S.86 H.439 H.439 S.133 S.40 (1) (2) S.49 (1) (2) S.96 S.113 S.133 S.40 S.86 -1 (2) S.49 (1) (2) S.96 S.113 Higley of Lowell Ode of Burlington Y Y N Y Y Y Y N N N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Hill of Wolcott Page of Newport City N ABS ABS Y Y Y N ABS ABS Y Y ABS ABS Y Y N Y Y* Hooper of Burlington Pajala of Londonderry N Y Y N ABS N N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Hooper of Montpelier Palasik of Milton N Y ABS N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y ABS Hooper of Randolph Partridge of Windham N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N ABS Y N Y N N ABS Y Houghton of Essex Patt of Worcester N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Howard of Rutland City Potter of Clarendon Y Y Y N Y ABS ABS Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y James of Manchester Pugh of S. Burlington Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y N ABS Y N Y N N Y Y Jerome of Brandon Quimby of Concord N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y ABS ABS N Y Y Y N N N Jessup of Middlesex Rachelson of Burlington N Y Y N ABS Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y N N Y* Y* Jickling of Randolph Ralph of Hartland Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y Johnson of S. Hero Redmond of Essex NV ABS NV NV NV NV NV NV NV N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Killacky of S. Burlington Rogers of Waterville N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Kimbell of Woodstock Rosenquist of Georgia N Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Kitzmiller of Montpelier Savage of Swanton N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ABS ABS Y N Kornheiser of Brattleboro Scheu of Middlebury N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Krowinski of Burlington Scheuermann of Stowe N NV Y N ABS N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y LaClair of Barre Town Seymour of Sutton Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N N* Y Y Y N* Y Y LaLonde of S. Burlington Shaw of Pittsford N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Lanpher of Vergennes Sheldon of Middlebury N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N Y N N Y* Y Lefebvre of Newark Sibilia of Dover Y Y N N Y ABS ABS Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N N* Y Leffler of Enosburgh Smith of Derby Y Y N* N Y Y N N* N ABS Y Y Y* Y Y N Y N Lippert of Hinesburg Smith of New Haven N Y Y N Y ABS ABS Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ABS Y Y Long of Newfane Squirrell of Underhill N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y Macaig of Williston Stevens of Waterbury N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Marcotte of Coventry Strong of Albany Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y ABS N N Martel of Waterford Sullivan of Burlington ABS ABS N Y Y Y Y N N N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Masland of Thetford Sullivan of Dorset N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y* Y Mattos of Milton Szott of Barnard Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y McCarthy of St. Albans City Taylor of Colchester N Y Y N Y N N Y Y N N Y N Y N N Y Y McCormack of Burlington Terenzini of Rutland Town N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y N Y ABS Y N N N McCoy of Poultney Till of Jericho Y Y N Y Y Y N Y* N* N Y Y* N Y N N Y Y McCullough of Williston Toleno of Brattleboro Y Y Y* N Y N N Y Y N Y Y N Y N N ABS Y McFaun of Barre Town Toll of Danville Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y N Y ABS N Y Y Morgan of Milton Toof of St. Albans Town Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N Morrissey of Bennington Townsend of S. Burlington Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y Mrowicki of Putney Trieber of Rockingham N Y Y N Y N ABS Y Y* N N* N ABS Y N N Y Y Murphy of Fairfax Troiano of Stannard Y* Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Myers of Essex Walz of Barre City Y Y Y ABS Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y Nicoll of Ludlow Webb of Shelburne N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y* Y N Y N N Y Y Norris of Shoreham White of Hartford Y Y Y Y Y Y ABS Y Y N Y Y N Y ABS ABS ABS Y Notte of Rutland City Wood of Waterbury N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y ABS Y Y* N Y N N Y Y Noyes of Wolcott Yacovone of Morristown N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y* Y O'Brien of Tunbridge Yantachka of Charlotte N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y* O'Sullivan of Burlington Young of Greensboro N Y Y N Y N N Y* Y N Y N N Y ABS Y Y* Y

May 15, 2019 / P-5

State says no to letting towns make plastic bag, straw ban more stringent than law

(continued from page 1)

Thursday morning May 9 rejected an amendment to allow municipalities to pass ordinances tougher than the new state standards. Any legislator may propose an amendment to a bill after it is voted out of committee but before it goes to the Floor for a House vote. This pro- cess allows committees of jurisdiction to weigh in before the vote goes to the Floor. Rep. Zachariah Ralph (P-Hartland) wanted to allow towns to impose tougher restrictions than those im- posed by the bill. Rep. Jim Legislature honors Rutland Humane Society—the House approved HCR 149 Friday May 10, honoring the Rutlland County Humane McCullough (D-Williston), who hours Society on its 60th anniversary. With RCHS Executive Director Beth Saradarian (holding resolution) on behalf of the entire county del- later reported the bill out to the House egation are Reps. Tom Terenzini, Lawrence Cupoli, Kitty Jerome, and Butch Shaw. The Chronicle is happy as time permits to photo- floor for the committee, said his oppo- graph legislators with visitors from their districts, text 802-505-0448. sition “is born out of the Vermont Grocers’ Association comments that “unfriendly” to Ralph’s amendment. charge for paper bags reduced from 10 Vermont Grocers’ Association, noted this kind of legislation - because the Rep. Mollie Burke (P-Brattleboro) cents to five cents per bag. during floor discussion later than after- landscape that is developing around wanted to ‘grandfather’ stores with McCullough: “A fee helps change be- noon that it takes seven tractor trailers the state of this municipality doing large existing inventories of plastic havior. In some jurisdictions if you to transport the same number of paper this, and that municipality doing that - bags. McCullough: “It is about one didn’t have a fee on paper bags, paper bags as one tractor trailer can carry would make it very difficult for them store. We seldom do things for one bag use went up 800%. If 10 cents is plastic bags. The bill received final and their suppliers.” person around the state, in legislation. more of a deterrent than five…...it House approval Friday May 10 and is Consumers, too, might be confused And this appears to be a carveout for helps people understand they need to not believed to face opposition from by different bag rules in different one store.” The committee agreed. change their habits and bring their own Gov. Phil Scott. towns. The committee agreed with Rep. Jim Harrison (R-Killington, bags.” Again the committee agreed. - Editor McCullough and pronounced itself Mendon) wanted the optional, store Harrison, former president of the S163 seeks ‘professional’ State enforcement of rental housing health & safety laws By Guy Page forcement of state rental housing minimum energy efficiency legally effective immediately A bill to give the State of Ver- safety and health laws, including standards for new and exist- and the person whose record mont comprehensive oversight over an option for a State government- ing buildings. A similar ordi- is expunged shall be treated in rental housing and register home con- run system.” nance recently passed by the all respects as if he or she had tractors is on a fast track in what • Require every municipality to City of New York has been never been arrested, convict- could be the final week of the 2019 provide the State with a year’s praised by climate activists ed, or sentenced for the of- Vermont Legislature. worth of inspection information. and criticized by advocates fense,” the bill says. Housing inspections to enforce • Require home construction and for affordable housing and One bill not scheduled for com- state safety and health laws have tra- remodeling contractors to register homeless people. mittee or floor review as of Monday ditionally been the responsibility of (for a fee) with the state office of S37 expands medical monitoring afternoon is S54, retail marijuana. municipalities. S163 was reviewed Professional Regulation and of- and liability for possible ex- Now in Ways & Means, major ques- Monday by two House committees, fers “voluntary” certification in posure to toxic substances. tions of taxation and spending remain Commerce and Economic Develop- areas of expertise. Under certain conditions, “a S54 could reach the floor. In particu- ment and Appropriations. As submit- • Outline required proposal, con- person with or without a pre- lar, members of Ways and Means are ted to those two committees, S163 tract and billing practices for con- sent injury or disease shall concerned that start-up revenue would would: tractors to use with customers. have a cause of action for the be insufficient to pay for the regulato- • Create a state rental housing data The following were among the remedy of medical monitoring ry apparatus, requiring the committee base, including all inspections bills on Monday’s House calendar: against a person who released to identify another funding source. conducted by local health officers. H13 allows non-citizens pos- a toxic substance.” S54 champion Rep. Sarah Copeland- These reports will be public rec- sessing E-2 visas to acquire a H460 expunges criminal records Hanzas (D-Bradford) told WDEV’s ord. Fines for violations of hous- Vermont liquor license. It also of arrest or conviction of re- Lee Kittell on the Dave Gram Show ing codes will double, and unpaid would increase penalties for tail theft, burglary, receiving Friday, "I'm not throwing in the towel, violations will be pursued in supe- alcohol and tobacco sale vio- stolen property, and most but it is looking harder to get to." rior court. lations. drug possession charges. Still, prospects for high-interest • Initiate study of a “comprehensive H547 gives the City of Montpelier “Upon entry of an expunge- bills like S54 can change quickly as system for the professional en- power to enact and enforce ment order, the order shall be the session nears adjournment. P-6 / May 15, 2019

New anti-bias working group to target student performance, curriculum in school districts When poorly-laid plans go sour, (continued from page one) transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, or nonbinary.” The other 10 members will include a “Vermont-based, college-level faculty ex- VT government just moves on pert in ethnic studies, Secretary of Education (or designee), the Executive Direc- tor of the Vermont-National Education Association, Executive Director of Racial Burlington Electric Department in ism. I do not suggest that this insidi- Equity, Executive Director of the Vermont School Boards Association, repre- 2017 initiated a plan to provide re- ous wealth transfer is deliberate -- I’m sentative for Vermont Principals’ Association with expertise in curriculum, rep- bates to be used by low- or moderate- demonstrating that it is insidious. The resentative for the Vermont Curriculum Leaders Association, Executive Director income customers to purchase elec- wealth transfer from the poorest of the Vermont Superintendents Association, Executive Director of the Vermont tric vehicles. What sounds like a through the State Lottery to the state Independent Schools Association, and Executive Director of Vermont Human great idea -- benefitting the less-well- coffers is accomplished under the Rights Commission. off while stewarding the environment guise of “education.” There are inher- All members will be paid a per-diem and expenses. Total annual budget will be -- is instead an example of the prob- ent inefficiencies in tax and monetary $15,860. By June 2021 the group must recommend additional standards designed lems of connecting a policy’s inten- policy, and there are always unintend- to [verbatim from Act 1]: tions with its effects. ed consequences. increase cultural competency of students in prekindergarten through grade The $1,800 rebates were to As the Vermont legislature em- 12; “incentivize” these poor Vermonters barks with unprecedented zeal on its to purchase more eco-friendly vehi- utopian dream to transfer all the citi- increase attention to and promote critical thinking about the history, contribu- cles; higher income earners were of- zens’ wealth around (carbon tax, tions, and perspectives of ethnic groups and social groups; fered a lower sum. The result? Three school systems, minimum wage, wa- commit the school to eradicating any racial bias in its curriculum; low- or moderate-income customers ter cleanup tax, family leave, daycare, provide, across its curriculum, content and methods that enable students to “took advantage” of the program heating oil tax), it will always do so explore safely questions of identity, race equality, and racism; and (that’s $5,400). Another 77 higher in the name of benefiting the greater ensure basic curriculum and extracurricular programs are welcoming to all earners used the lower rebate, bene- good. And when its best-intended but students and take into account parental concerns about religion or cul- fiting about $85,000. poorly-laid plans go sour (like the Had the water company withheld universal healthcare computer system, ture. money from ratepayers (many of in the morally-cloaked fiasco called Act 1 says “The Working Group may review State statutes, State Board rules, whom are low- or moderate-income), “Green Mountain Care”), the govern- and school district and supervisory union policies that concern or impact stand- and then incentivized in-ground ment just moves on. The “greater ards for student performance or curriculum used in schools” and “shall include in swimming pools in similar structure, good” in this way becomes a greater its report to the General Assembly… any statute, State Board rule, or school dis- the result would be similar: wealthier bad, with zero accountability. trict or supervisory union policy that it has identified as needing review or people who could take advantage of Better to have foresight than hind- amendment.” the offer would do so; the poor who sight. Now would be a good time. The law cites a 2017 U.S. Department of Justice report that of the 35 hate could not afford a swimming pool John Klar, Brookfield would not. But all the poorer people crimes reported in Vermont that year, “51 percent were based on a motivation would have subsidized the in-ground Editor’s note: a May VT Public Radio involving racial bias, 23 percent were based on a motivation involving sexual pools. news report corroborates Mr. Klar’s orientation bias, 17 percent were based on a motivation involving religious bias, The difference is the “moral justifi- claim about the number of rebates and 9 percent were based on a motivation involving disability bias.” cation” employed for this wealth going to low and middle-income Bur- Other new laws limit senate districts to three members, prohibit sexual exploi- transfer: in this case, environmental- lingtonians. tation of people in police custody, support lead poisoning prevention, provide for disposition of veterans’ remains, and extend the moratorium for home health agency certificates of need. are both economically and environ-

McKibben’s influence strong Budget, revenue, lead in drinking water bills In 2019 Legislature go to conference committees

(continued from page eight) Eight bills with significant differences between House and Senate versions were scheduled for House/Senate conference committees as of Tuesday morning:

• H.541 – changes that affect the revenue of the State, including changes in mentally stable. We can acknowledge that New England cut its electricity- capital gains taxation on the sale of timber. related carbon emissions in half this century when it chose natural gas over coal and oil. • H.533 – workforce development.

• S.40 – testing and remediation of lead in the drinking water of schools and In “Falter,” McKibben calls for a national mobilization of money and self- sacrifice similar to how our parents and grandparents fought World War II. child care facilities. House negotiators are concerned that the Senate version A note of caution: Germany could lose this war, too. creates an underfunded mandate. • H.542 – making appropriations for the support of government. This is the - Editor state budget bill.

For conference committee updates, go to www.legislature.vermont.gov and Please email comments, story ideas, and letters to the editor to: click on Committees of Conference.

May 15, 2019 / P-7

Analysis: Influence of Bill McKibben seen in 2019 Legislature

Never underestimate the influence of through-fuel taxation bill, is a climate Bill McKibben on the Vermont Legis- change bill, supporters said during lature. House floor debate. Clarkson’s S173, mitigation of climate change, and a Case in point: last Wednesday after- companion bill in the House would noon, Sen. Jane Kitchel (D-Caledonia) give Agency of Natural Resources was expressing her concern to the rest broad authority to evaluate virtually of the Senate Democratic Caucus every decision of state government for about the fast-growing number of Ver- its climate change impact. S66 would mont children in foster care. The rea- ban most new construction of natural sons are uncertain – other states with gas pipelines and some other fossil worse opioid addiction crises aren’t fuel infrastructure. All of these bills seeing the same growth. A UVM-led could move forward, this year or next. study will be completed in November. And as Clarkson notes, the proposed But here’s the reality: there are a lot budget does indeed reflect climate more children in foster care than there change values, including more funding used to be, and the state must pay for for rail travel and EV charging sta- their care. tions.

Sen. Alison Clarkson (D-Windsor) McKibben’s critics fall mostly into acknowledged the financial problem two camps. One disputes the severity and added, “every line in our budget or even reality of climate change. The reflects our values. Bill McKibben’s other believes high-tech industry of- speech [in Montpelier the night before] fers better longterm solutions than reinforces it. I would not give up on government preference for low- our existential threat.” Clearly Sen. intensity energy generation. The latter Clarkson meant the threat of climate wonder why McKibben continues to change, the main topic of McKibben’s insist that what he calls the “miracle” A loveable and valuable state employee visited the Card Room of the State House last talk at the Sierra Club-sponsored gath- of solar power – and maybe wind and week: Crockett, a five-year-old Labrador retriever trained to find gunpowder, drugs, and ering at the Unitarian Church on Main hydro, but mostly solar, solar, solar – people while working with handler Senior Game Warden Robert Sterling, the F&W ca- Street. is the sole answer to the 21st century’s nine specialist. Chronicle photo carbon-free energy needs. Since the late 1980’s, the Ripton jour- Like his TV namesake, Crockett sniffs out crime nalist, Middlebury College teacher, As pro-nuclear climate change activist and founder of 350.org has been warn- Michael Shellenberger notes, early MAY 9, 2019 - Crockett, the five-year That’s when Crockett and his well- ing the world about climate change. supporters of solar and wind power -old labrador retriever with Vermont trained nose earn their keep. Our Legislature has listened in rapt like German philosopher Martin Fish & Wildlife, is sprawled on the Crockett does more than find shell attention. Both houses of the Legisla- Heidegger never thought renewables Card Room floor. He’s tuckered out casings. He can sniff out illegal ture gave the author of the global- would make enough juice to power a from long hours of training the day drugs. Sometimes he finds people. warming classic “The End of Nature” first-world industrial economy. The before. Handler and Senior Game War- Last year he and Sterling found a lengthy, memorable standing ovations looming collapse of Germany’s renew- den Bob Sterling is about to show an runaway child almost four miles from both before and after his January, 2013 able power revolution is proving these admiring crowd what Crockett does home. Sterling and another Fish & special address at the State House. predictions true, Shellenberger says. best: find things. Wildlife dog found an autistic child Meanwhile, he observes the obvious: Sterling pulls his keys from his half-dressed and shivering in the cold McKibben’s core message hasn’t people in developed First World econ- pocket and tosses them on the floor. rain a mile into the woods. “There’s changed, if his new book “Falter” is omies like the comfortable world that He gives the command: “find.” no better feeling than that,” he said. any guide: government must act now cheap power provides, and people in Immediately Crockett’s head pops Crockett responds to three com- to prevent global environmental disas- the developing economies of India and up. He scrambles to his feet and quick- mands: “Find” when he has been giv- ter later. The illustrations he uses are China have had a taste of that comfort ly finds the keys.He assumes the en a scent for a specific object or per- updated – he calls Pres. Trump a Koch and want more. Few people in any of Sphinx position, keys protected be- son; “search it out,” which means to -brother crony and blames the 2018 these countries want to go backward. tween his two outstretched front paws. generally scout the area for items of California forest fires on climate His vibe says that no-one - except Ster- interest; and, “powder” - for gunpow- change - but as always he concludes Vermont has responsible, economical- ling - may seize his prize. der (obviously). that only aggressively mobilized gov- ly-sound climate change solutions be- On the job, Crockett helps Sterling Despite his love of the outdoors, ernment (he hopefully cites the Green yond the McKibben paradigm. Our catch bad guys who unlawfully take Crockett is not named after famed New Deal) can stop the “creepy jun- utilities can buy more hydro power Vermont wildlife. A lone spent shell frontiersman Davey Crockett. Ster- gle” of neo-liberal, laissez-faire capi- from Canada. Our Legislature can en- casing with a few grains of residual ling explained that as a child he was a talism in which the fossil fuel industry courage New England’s remaining gunpower can tell Sterling what gun it big fan of Miami Vice and especially thrives. nuclear power plants to stay open came from and (by its location) where Don Johnson’s character, Sonny (Gov. Scott already has). We can sell its trigger was pulled. Any fan of CSI Crockett. Crockett lives with Ster- Clearly, many legislators agree. A carbon sequestration credits to Califor- television shows knows that a shell ling, Fish & Wildlife’s chief canine House committee is rewriting Act 250 nia to ensure our carbon-eating forests casing is crucial forensic evidence. In specialist, and his family in Fair Ha- with an eye to reducing carbon emis- the great outdoors, the tiny pieces of ven. sions. H439, the weatherization- (continued on page seven) metal are hard for humans to find. - Editor P-8 / May 15, 2019