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Topics - Carolyn Branagan
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166
« on: May 15, 2008, 07:41:30 AM »
The legislative session ended last Saturday. I am very pleased with several measures including the emphasis on improving our transportation infrastructure, the attention to our expanding and diversifying agricultural sector, health care and the energy bill. The Economic Stimulus package was a real success for all. The budget is balanced and taxes have not been raised.
There is still plenty to do, but I feel this was the most successful legislative session since I've been serving in Montpelier. I look forward to talking with you about it. Contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
167
« on: April 27, 2008, 05:41:35 PM »
This will be an incredibly busy week in Montpelier since we are bringing the 2007/08 session to a close. Important bills still to act upon include the fiscal appropriations for 2009 bill ($24 million in cuts still to be determined), transportation bill (bonding or not?), capital bill (corrections changes) and the fee bill. I expect long days. My committee will be busy most of the time along with the other 'money' committees. Feel free to contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
from, Carolyn
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
168
« on: April 19, 2008, 06:29:26 PM »
All money committees are extremely busy, including my committee, Ways and Means. Since the $40million shortfall was announced on Tuesday, efforts have been ongoing to make FY2009 budgeted expenditures meet revenue expectations. On Friday afternoon legislative and administrative leaders met to make decisions on program appropriations to be reduced and/or eliminated due to the revenue downgrades. Harsh words were exchanged over the Governor's Economic Stimulus package and the role it may play in legislative ability to predict revenue. A level of trust has been eroded. The fireworks continued for most of the brief meeting, but I am pleased to report the closing of the Northwest Correctional Center has been taken off the cut list. Also off the list is the reduction of Prescription Co pays and elimination of state Medicare Part D wrap for Vermont's low income elderly. I'll continue paying attention to these details as they develop and will report as needed. Feel free to contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.usRep. Carolyn Branagan Vermont House of Representatives
169
« on: March 24, 2008, 09:34:42 AM »
I hope to get to the Select Board meeting tonight. If I do, I’ll be sharing the following info:
Last week the Ways and Means Committee (on which I serve) approved the Miscellaneous Tax bill, which included a rate of $.87 for Homestead taxes and a rate of $1.36 for Non-resident taxes.
Also, word from the House Transportation Committee is that they have restored funding to local highway bridges (the governor's cut has been taken out) so that bridges are level funded with last year. Town highway money is increased 2.3%. Class 2 grants for paving (up to $175,000) is increased 2.3% and funding for structures under 20 feet (like culverts) is up 2.3%.
Both these money proposals still need to be voted on by the entire House and then sent to the Senate, so we have a long way to go. But we are making progress!
Feel free to contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or call me at home at 527-7694 and leave a message.
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
170
« on: March 22, 2008, 07:58:11 AM »
It was a busy week in Montpelier. In addition to lots of action on the House floor (Housing bill, Raw Milk bill, State Employee insurance bill, a Child Custody bill and others) my Committee was extremely busy. We finally approved the Miscellaneous Tax bill which does NOT include leasing the Lottery or and change in the Capital Gains exclusion. We're also talking about how to get state elevators inspected more frequently at the least cost, setting up e-commerce legislation and a proposal to set up electronic health records. Contact me by e-mailing cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or call me at 527-7694 and leave a message. Rep. Carolyn Branagan Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia Vermont House of Representatives
171
« on: March 10, 2008, 08:02:51 AM »
There will be a public hearing at the statehouse on Thursday this week, March 13 from 6pm until 8pm. Sponsored by the House Ways and Means Committee the purpose of the hearing is for the Committee to get public input on two issues: the plan to replace Homestead property tax with education adjusted gross income, H.866 and the Local Education Affordability Formula, H869. The hearing will be held in room 11. If you want more information please contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or call 802-828-2228. Rep. Carolyn Branagan Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia Vermont House of Representatives
172
« on: February 26, 2008, 07:07:56 AM »
Town Meeting is just around the corner. Check the Secretary of State's site http://www.sec.state.vt.us/TownMeeting/index.html for all kinds of information on Town Meeting procedures including how to make a motion, how to petition articles for the meeting and what to look for in the town report. I'll see you at Town Meeting on Saturday! Rep. Carolyn Branagan Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia Vermont House of Representatives
173
« on: February 18, 2008, 05:35:30 AM »
There will be a public hearing at the state house on Wednesday February 20th in room 11 on fuel costs. The hearing is sponsored jointly by House Natural Resources and Ways and Means. If you'd like to testify, contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or call the statehouse at 802-828-2228.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
174
« on: February 16, 2008, 08:14:20 AM »
Last week 2 other legislators and I presented details on a plan that will change the way Vermont funds our public schools. It has generated quite a bit of discussion. The plan isn't perfect but I am delighted to see the focus it has received. We wanted to get legislative attention focused on something that really matters to Vermonters: taxes.
Under the plan the Homestead tax rate in Fairfax would be zero and in Georgia would be 17 cents. Non-resident tax rates in both towns would not change. Though there are some important outstanding issues with the Local Education Funding Formula, it is a solid plan and gives us a positive focus for real change. I'm feeling like we have turned a corner. There’s real potential with this plan.
Hope! It feels great!
Contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or call me at home 527-7694 and leave a message.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
175
« on: February 11, 2008, 07:18:36 AM »
It was a busy week for the Ways and Means Committee. The energy bill zoomed in and out on its way to the Appropriations Committee. That's a bill I was very glad to see take shape in a way that most legislators could support. It even has the support of the Governor!
In addition to the energy bill, our Committee spent a lot of time working on the Miscellaneous Tax Bill, which includes the Capital Gains plan. The bill came to us with several other components too, including some policy issues on things like TIF districts and the ever concerning Vermont Economic Progress Council. The TIF districts section was set aside to be placed into another bill, and Capital Gains will probably go into another bill also.
At the end of the week we spend some time discussing our old favorite, the income tax for schools.
Watch for more info on a public hearing being planned the week after Town Meeting. The purpose of the hearing is for the Committee to get public input on the income tax proposal and LEAF, the new school funding plan.
Contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
from Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
176
« on: February 11, 2008, 07:08:13 AM »
On Wednesday, I participated in a news conference here at the statehouse with 2 other legislators. We presented our new plan for school funding: the Vermont Local Education Affordability Formula.
The LEAF proposal will reduce the property tax burden, restore local control and empower local communities to better manage their schools so we can have the best education for our children that communities can afford. It is tax neutral, not raising or lowering our school taxes.
Briefly, this is how it would work:
Each school district would receive a per-pupil grant equal to 85% of the average statewide per-pupil spending for the prior year. This would be about $8500 using current spending figures. The grant would be funded through existing broad-based taxes and the existing non-residential education property tax. The plan eliminates the statewide property tax on residential property and the CLA for residential properties. Spending in excess of the $8500 per pupil grant would be raised at the local level on the local residential grand list. Towns that spend less than the grant receive a credit for 20% of the savings for use against the municipal tax liability. Non residential property continues to be taxed under the existing structure. Local voters would decide how much to spend on school budgets and if they want to spend more than the $8500 grant, the excess is raised at the local level. There would be a direct correlation between the decisions of voters and the impact on their tax bills. The plan eliminates excess spending penalties and the 2 acre limitation. Special Education and Early Essential Education are moved into the General Fund and administered by the Department of Education.
We are planning to do a 'road show’ and I’ll let you know when we have a schedule. There is more information on the LEAF plan at www.vermontleaf.com. Contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or 527-7694.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
177
« on: December 20, 2007, 08:19:10 AM »
Eligible senior citizens should be sure to enroll in the federal Medicare prescription drug program. Many Vermont senior citizens have already taken advantage of the federal prescription drug benefit program which started in January 2006, but there are still several thousand who are eligible but not yet enrolled. Any Vermonter receiving Medicare benefits can apply for help paying for prescription drugs.
To find out more information, you can call 1-800-Medicare, visit www.Medicare.gov or call the Vermont State Health Insurance Assistance program at 800-642-5119. Also, feel free to call me at 527-7694.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
178
« on: December 17, 2007, 09:45:05 AM »
I'd like to thank those who sent cards or phoned during the illness and death of my father-in-law. He lived a long, full life and will be missed by many. I appreciate the care and understanding expressed by many folks from Fairfax.
Fairfax is a wonderful, caring community. Thanks!
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
179
« on: November 13, 2007, 09:02:51 PM »
On Friday, November 30th at the Sheraton Hotel in Burlington a program entitled ‘Symposium on the future of Vermont’s Economy’ and is being presented by Vermont Tiger (www.vermonttiger.com). It is going to be a great symposium, not just interesting, but exceptionally informative. Topics will put into focus the economic issues most important for Vermont’s future. There will be nationally recognized speakers and panel discussions – everything we could want for a “Future of Vermont’s Economy” symposium. Although I am not an organizer of this, I am writing to make sure you are aware of it, and to encourage you to come. For more information go to Rep. Carolyn Branagan Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia Vermont House of Representatives
180
« on: November 09, 2007, 09:07:18 AM »
I've set 2 dates for people who want to stop by and have a one on one talk about issues concerning state government. I'll be at the Georgia Public Library on route 7 by the interstate exchange on Saturday November 17 from 10am until noon and on Teusday night November 27 from 6pm until 8pm. Students are especially welcomed!
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
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