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Topics - Carolyn Branagan
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181
« 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
182
« 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.
183
« 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
184
« 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
185
« 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
186
« 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
187
« 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
188
« 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
189
« on: June 10, 2007, 01:53:57 PM »
The Georgia Community Food Shelf is located in back of the Georgia Public Library on Route 7 near the I-89 interstate ramps. All area families that are in need of food are welcome to come to the Food Shelf. It is open on Saturday mornings from 9:30am until 11am and also the last 2 Wednesdays of the month from 4pm to 5pm. If you would like to donate non-perishables to the food shelf, each of the following churches in town have donation boxes: Georgia United Methodist, Georgia Plain Baptist and Ascension Roman Catholic Parish. Cash donations are also accepted. For more information call me at 527-7694.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
190
« on: May 23, 2007, 10:14:33 AM »
The Georgia Memorial Day Parade starts at 9:30 on Saturday May 26 at 9:30am. The parade route will be along Route 7 from the school to the Methodist Church. Then at 11am there will be a dedication of the new Veteran's Monument in front of the municipal building. The weather prediction is for perfect parade weather! Hope to see you there.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
191
« on: May 17, 2007, 07:25:43 AM »
The legislative session is over. As many know by now, we adjourned on Saturday night at about 11pm. When the Governor came in to the chamber to give his end of the year address, he praised some of the work accomplished, but definitely made it known there is room for more when we re-convene in January.
I am especially pleased with the agriculture bill, which made several small changes in the ways farmers do business and has opened the doors for small farmers to enter the industry. The sex offender bill, H148, was a good step forward too. It brings into law many of the issues I worked on, especially during the civil confinement effort last session. I'm very glad to see these finally become law. The energy bill, H540, had many good parts, but unfortunately the Senate plunked on the Entergy tax, which I could not support. The Education bill H 526, is a start, but much work remains. For more detailed information on these or any other legislation just give me a call at home 527-7694 or e-mail at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
My committee (Ways and Means) plans to meet through the summer to work on a fair, less costly way to raise money needed to fund our schools. The new plan will probably include some form of an income tax..........remember that about 70% of taxpayers in the Fairfax/Georgia district already pay on income using the income sensitivity method, so this will not be a big change for us. I'm hoping the committee can reduce the overall statewide tax burden.
It is good to be home. I'm tackling housework and trying to get outside in the gardens. Keep in touch.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
192
« on: May 07, 2007, 07:05:55 AM »
This is the week we've been waiting for in Montpelier. It's the last week of the session (probably). Several conference committees are in full swing, legislators are closely following the bills most important to their constituents and the Governor's staff is everywhere. We often find ourselves waiting on the floor in 'recess' for long periods of time, but when we are in session things move quickly.
I have been asked by the Speaker to chair the House side of the Fee Bill conference committee. For the most part we came to agreement with the Senate conferees on the bill on Friday, but there are a few ends I need to tie up today (Monday), so I’ll be heading to Montpelier shortly. The Education Bill H526 is also in conference committee and I'm following it closely because that's where the caps are. As I've said before the caps will hurt every school in Franklin County, including the 2 schools in our legislative district, Georgia and Fairfax. I am encouraging the House conferees to hold tight to the House position of 'no caps' but I realize anything can happen. Conference Committees bring out the best in many legislators. It is tense negotiation that takes patience, steady nerves,knowledge of the issues and an understanding of what it is that the other side really wants. A poker face helps too. I love it.
When my husband left for work this morning, I told him that I would probably not see him again until the weekend. The days will be long, but I expect we'll be able to move the major bills through by week's end.
As always you can contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or leave a message on the phone at my home 527-7694. I want to hear from you.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
193
« on: April 22, 2007, 04:55:10 PM »
This past week was extremely busy as the last few weeks of the session kick in.
I continue to fight for local control whenever possible. On Friday I spoke in favor of allowing local school board to decide for themselves whether or not a school bus should be able to idle in the school yard. This goes along with all the concern about global warming and pollution and is an issue of great concern to many. My position was that we should have confidence in our local officials to make this kind of decision regrading regulating school bus use.
Please feel free to contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or call 527-7694.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
194
« on: April 13, 2007, 02:48:34 PM »
Usually when I get home on Friday night there are a dozen or so phone messages mostly from constituents regarding happenings in Montpelier. But tonight when I walked in the door, to my surprise there were none! Not one. Upon investigation I discovered that my husband turned off the answering machine at some point, probably Tuesday night. I'm sure it was a mistake. Probably not meant to be a political statement! I'll deal with him later!
In the meantime, if you called and wanted to leave a message, try again. I'll be home all weekend.
from Rep.Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
195
« on: April 07, 2007, 03:32:07 PM »
Whew! What a week! Preschools, Governor's veto, Wind tower taxes, the Education bill, understanding high public safety costs,the 2008 Fiscal Appropriations bill and others all came up for action on the House floor this past week. Work on these bills kept us in session very late 3 nights and into the middle of the afternoon on Good Friday. Very interesting debates on the House floor added information to what legislators heard from committee reports. I participated with comments, amendments and additional data where needed.
I would like to thank those who contacted me via phone message or e-mail or in person. The issues before the House are never easy. As many of you know, as your State Representative I want to know what you are thinking about issues inorder to represent you properly. Contact me anytime at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us Thanks.
Don't forget the Legislative Breakfast at the American Legion in St. Albans on Easter Monday, April 9, starting at 8am.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
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