News from Montpelier 2021 Session week 2

The first full week of the 2021 Session saw 33 more bills introduced on the House floor and assigned to committees as well as a few recommitted for transfer to other committees. H.48 https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/Docs/BILLS/H-0048/H-0048%20As%20Passed%20by%20Both%20House%20and%20Senate%20Official.pdf an act relating to authorizing alternative procedures for 2021 annual municipal meetings in response to the COVID-19 crisis was passed by the House on Tuesday and the Senate on Thursday, allowing it to reach the Governor’s desk Friday. The fast passage of this legislation gives municipalities the opportunity and authority to make timely decisions for Town Meeting hearings and votes. The House received two Executive Orders from Governor Scott and they were referred to committees of jurisdiction. Throughout the week the House was given harassment training, tax overview and security information. Special interest caucuses are getting to work on specific areas of interest and focus on legislation agendas. A few include the Rural, Social Equity, National Guard and Women’s caucuses which all met with members identifying shared goals and specific bills that are being offered. The political party caucuses meet regularly after the Floor on Tuesday.
General housing and Military Affairs Committee lived up to its reputation of having an eclectic body of subject matter to cover. Throughout the week testimony was taken up on the CRF dollars dedicated to programs for homeless individuals focusing on how to meet the restrictions on the new funds while meeting the needs of Vermonters. Much of the help needed is to maintain home ownership or weatherization and repairs of fragile housing but the new program is more narrowly targeted to meet rent deficiencies. Tenant/Landlord issues were highlighted by the Vermont Apartment Owners Association director and attorneys from Vermont Legal Aid. Witnesses also gave testimony on bills regarding statewide public school employee health benefits, Vermont’s unemployed data and Major General Knight of the Vermont National Guard spoke to responsibilities and readiness for local and national security. Two joint committee hearings were held due to cross committee interest on topics; one hearing was with House Education and the other with House Commerce and Economic Development.
The Legislative website is a source of many links to information and the action of the General Assembly.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/
Representative Barbara S Murphy bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us 802-849-6545