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Messages - Carolyn Branagan
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316
« 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
317
« 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
318
« 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
319
« 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
320
« 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
321
« 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
322
« 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
323
« on: September 28, 2007, 07:34:07 AM »
October 1 is the date when applications for Green Mountain Health Care will start to be processed. The toll free number for access to Catamount Health and other health care options for uninsured Vermonters is 1-800-250-8427. More information can be found on the website www.GreenMountainCare.org
You can qualify for Catamount Health if you are:
* at least 18 years old
* not eligible for other state sponsored health insurance programs like Medicaid, Medicare or VHAP
* have not had health insurance for 12 months or more, there are some exceptions
* income is less than $1,277 per month, this figure increases for parents and larger households
* do not have access to health insurance through your employer
Contact me for more information. 527-7694
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
324
« on: September 20, 2007, 09:45:42 AM »
The Georgia Plain Baptist Church invites all to attend the Annual Turkey Dinner on Saturday October 6, 2007. The meal will be served at the Georgia Elementary School on route 7 at 5pm and at 7pm.
Tickets are by donation and are available by calling 802-524-4232 or at the door.
The dinner includes turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, cabbage salad, cranberry relish, rolls and many desserts including maple pie and cake. A food sale is held in the lobby and table decorations are for sale.
For more info call Carolyn Branagan 527-7694.
325
« on: September 17, 2007, 06:37:35 AM »
The Department of Public Service has set up five public workshops to hear from Vermonters on how the state should proceed into the future regarding energy sources. As many of you know about 2/3 of the energy sources now used in Vermont will expire by about 2012. The workshops will be held in locations throughout the state this fall and the aim is to allow citizens and ratepayers input as the state and utilities make decisions on how and where Vermont will obtain energy in the coming decades.
The workshops begin at 5:30pm with a light meal and the discussion is from 6pm until about 10pm. There will be time for an informational presentation, small group discussion, question and answer session with a panel of experts, a polling to collect preferences and opinions and an open mike to record additional thoughts.
Oct. 3, 2007 St. Johnsbury Elementary School
Oct.17, 2007 South Burlington High School
Oct.18, 2007 Montpelier Elks Club, Montpelier
Oct. 29, 2007 Dean Technical Center, Springfield
Oct.30, 2007 Rutland Intermediate Schl., Rutland
As you can see the closest workshop for Franklin County residents is the Oct 17 session at the South Burlington High School, but you can attend any of the sessions. They are free, but registration is required and an individual can attend only one workshop.
To register go to www.vermontsenergyfuture.info or call the Department of Public Service at 1-800-622-4496. If you are unable to attend any of the workshops but would still like to have some input, e-mail me a statement at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us and I'll pass it along to Commissioner O'Brien.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
326
« on: August 18, 2007, 10:35:15 PM »
It was fun to see our own Henry Raymond on the Channel 3 News tonight. Henry, Senator Leahy, Gov. and Mrs. Douglas and many others were celebrating 50 years of IBM in Vermont. Since Henry was one of the original 400 employed at the Chittenden County plant, his comments were interesting and showed how far Vermont's workforce has come.
IBM has certainly been a strong economic contributor to our state in the last several decades. What do companies like IBM look for in choosing a location? Some of the most important factors include an educated and motivated workforce, good transportation system, access to an airport, smooth permitting process and reasonable taxes. I try to keep these economic development factors in mind at the legislature.
Congratulations, Henry!
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Georgia/Fairfax
Vermont House of Representatives
327
« on: August 05, 2007, 07:12:37 AM »
It was great to see so many people from Franklin-1 (Fairfax & Georgia) at the Franklin County Field Days this weekend. Several of our local 4-Hers took ribbons in the calf/cattle show on Friday. On Saturday there was a wonderful parade through the fairgrounds with kids and animals in costume! I thought the Homemakers Building was showing exceptionally fine handcrafts this year.
from, Carolyn
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
328
« on: July 29, 2007, 11:10:37 AM »
Through the Ladies First program, Vermont women are able to get free screenings for mammograms, cervical pap tests, cholesterol checks, blood pressure tests and other basic medical screening procedures. Eligibility for these free services is based on residency, age, number in the household and income. Call 1-800-508-2222 for an appointment and for more information
from, Carolyn
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
329
« on: July 25, 2007, 10:17:37 AM »
I continue to go to the statehouse one or two days a week to get work completed during the off-season.
District residents with expired orphan storm water permits will get a letter from me soon that may be helpful in acquiring a new permit.
And I was really glad to hear the Fairfax select board has submitted an application for a Transportation Enhancement Grant for sidewalks in the center of Fairfax village. These sidewalks are long overdue and are not only going to add convenience, but are a real safety 'must have'. The project was ranked number one by the local TAC, (thanks, Colleen!) so I think it has a good shot at getting some money. I'm doing what I can at the legislative level to try to move the grant along. I contacted a number of legislators who sit on the grant committee and put in a good word. The grant committee meets in October, so it'll be a few weeks before we hear anything more.
You can e-mail me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or call me at home at 527-7694.
Carolyn
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
330
« on: July 10, 2007, 08:38:19 PM »
I've been in Montpelier for the past two days trying to do what I can to move along a compromise agreement on H520, the energy bill vetoed by Governor Douglas last month. There seem to be enough votes to sustain the veto, but then what? There are several parts of the bill which are very much needed and I really hate to see the entire bill thrown out. Several legislators have been meeting in the statehouse to try to come up with an agreement the House, Senate and Governor's office can all approve. Discussions are searching for what I call the 'common ground', the aspects of the bill everyone agrees are should be approved. It is evident the tax on the nuclear plant has to go, but there may be hope for other parts of the bill. The final decision is for the entire General Assembly.
I'm going to bed now. Tomorrow will be a long day and I'll need to be up early. I am hopeful that heads will remain cool and sensible solutions will be reached. Be assured that my main concern will be what's best for the people in this district.
Thanks very much to those who have taken the time to contact me. Watch the news tomorrow for the latest.
from, Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Georgia/Fairfax
Vermont House of Representatives
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