News from Montpelier 2020 COVID-19 recess week 5

Members of the House of Representatives participated in ‘test run’ training sessions in groups and a full House information session over the Zoom platform. Security measures are in place to limit participants to permitted individuals but maintain the ability for public viewing by live streaming on YouTube. The meetings are announced on the General Assembly website and Committee agendas and links are accessible there as well. https://legislature.vermont.gov
The House Transportation committee held meetings Wednesday. Agency personnel and Joint Fiscal Office staff presented testimony on the implementation plan for the Federal CARES Act Public Transit Funding. The State is expecting to receive approximately $7.6M for the Burlington (urban) area and approximately $13.3 to be shared by all Vermont public transit providers. The Agency will use the COVID-19 funds strategically in place of State T funds which will then be used to offset revenue losses elsewhere in the budget. There are risks ahead for how public transit will survive and operate but for now the service providers are following guidelines in cleaning the equipment and maintaining social distancing for passengers as it continues to be an essential need.
The all House briefing on Friday provided an opportunity for the members to receive detailed information from the President of the Vermont Bankers Association on the Federal programs that have been set up to provide funds to individuals and businesses for support in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The direct deposits for individuals has begun to be received and will continue to roll out over the next few weeks, or few months for those who will receive a check in the mail. The loan and grant programs were overwhelmed and have exhausted the original allocation of funds but Congress is expected to provide more funding and the programs are now in place for disbursing them. The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) website offers a COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19 for businesses, individuals and communities.
The Governor’s address Friday outlined the principles and safety measures that will be used to phase in the restart of the Vermont economy. Outdoor businesses and construction operations with crews of two or less and some single-person low contact professional services will be authorized to operate if they meet specific safety requirements. The ACCD has been directed to issue guidance available here https://accd.vermont.gov/news/update-new-work-safe-additions-stay-home-stay-safe-order
The most accurate public health information on COVID -19 related issues can be found here https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19
I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community. I can be contacted at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545