Happy New Year, everyone!
The beginning of the year means the
beginning of another session of the Vermont Legislature, and in
particular this year, the reorganization of the Legislature after the
election. The first week, starting January 9th, will be
devoted to seating the 40 new members recently elected as well as the
returning 110 members re-elected to the House. Governor Scott will be
sworn into office for his second term, and we will elect the Speaker
of the House. Our current Speaker, Representative Mitzi Johnson of
North Hero, is expected to resume her role. One of the first tasks
she will perform will be to assign House members to the 14 standing
committees of the House, including naming the Chairs, Vice-Chairs and
Clerks of the committees. Then we will begin working on the many
issues facing Vermont.
There’s no shortage of issues to
address as we work to make sure every Vermonter can get a great
education, earn a livable wage, receive high-quality affordable
health care, and retire with security. We still must deal with the
opioid crisis, funding water quality programs and our growing
greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change. We have
to be all-in on these issues because it will take a concerted effort
by all Vermonters to implement viable solutions.
Vermont’s legislative sessions
typically run 18 weeks, concluding in May. As things move along, a
number of bills and topics will end up in the headlines. Less flashy,
but equally important, bills will also make their way through
committees as they head for votes on the floor. If you have any
questions about any topic under consideration at the State House,
please reach out to me via phone or email. During this session I will
also try to make myself available in person at local venues like the
Charlotte Senior Center and the Charlotte Library. I will be at the
library on Saturday, January 19, from 10 a.m. to noon, and at the
Senior Center on Monday, January 21, for the noon lunch. I will
publish subsequent “office hours” via Front Porch Forum and my
legislative updates in our local newspapers.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and
prosperous 2019 and look forward once again to keeping you informed
about the legislature while we are in session. I encourage you to let
me know your concerns and opinions. I can be reached by phone
(802-233-5238) or by email (myantachka.dfa@gmail.com).
