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Messages - Carolyn Branagan
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31
« on: April 10, 2012, 04:56:45 PM »
The Vermont House Committee on Agriculture plans to have a public hearing on Thursday, April 12th, from 6:30-8:30 PM in the House Chamber at the State House in Montpelier. The committee wishes to hear comments from the public on H.722, a bill that would require the labeling of food produced with genetic engineering.
There will be a sign up sheet beginning at 6 PM Thursday just outside of the House Chamber for those who wish to testify. Due to the number of people expected, those testifying will have a limited amount of time, not more than 2 minutes and possibly shorter, for their testimony. Anyone may submit written testimony to the committee with extended comments.
For further information you can contact the committee assistant Linda Leehman, (802)828-1628, or contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
32
« on: April 05, 2012, 11:25:03 AM »
The revenue from March looks better than I thought it would. Gains were made in personal income tax and corporate income tax, so it is possible that the state might end up in the black by the end of the fiscal year.
I’ve been worried because even though legislative estimates for fiscal year 2012 revenue were quite conservative, actual revenues were even lower. State revenues still are $6 million below estimates but that’s better than the $14 million below last month!
If you want more detail on this, e-mail me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or leave a message here on Henry's site. I'll try to find the answer for you.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
33
« on: April 03, 2012, 05:08:06 PM »
Don Pigeon leaves big shoes to fill. He has worked tirelessly for the town of Fairfax. And he has helped me many times as I tried to help the town's transportation issues. Happy retirement, Don.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
34
« on: April 03, 2012, 05:04:05 PM »
Hi Henry,
Here’s what I have found so far. Blaming the state in this article in unfair since both federal and state laws regulate gift cards. The state of Vermont laws reflect the federal laws. From what I read, it appears that recent federal legislation was passed to protect consumers. The new law establishes a minimum expiration date and prohibits some fees.
The Vermont Legislative Fiscal Office explains the federal change by saying ‘the Credit CARD Act of 2009 prohibits gift cards (store issued or bank issued “gift cards”) from expiring before 5 years from the date of purchase or when money was last loaded onto a card, and prohibits fees for the first 12 months. These consumer protections will go into effect next summer. Stronger state laws will remain valid.’
Current Vermont law is explicit that:
• No expiration for three years.
• No fees, except that a licensed money transmitter, financial institution or credit union may charge a one-time issuance fee of either $10 or 10%, whichever is smaller.
• If remaining value is $1.00 or less, may redeem remainder for cash.
• Consumer may redeem unused portion after expiration date if requested.
• Does not cover access device such as a debit card or other access means to a consumer’s account regularly maintained at a bank to access funds or to initiate an electronic funds transfer from the account.
Now, there is a bill, H.730, which has passed the House and is now in the Senate. It is not law and may not pass at all, but this bill extends the expiration in Vermont law to five years, among other changes, just like the federal law. I believe this news article is complaining about the federal changes which go into effect this summer. If the Vermont law, H.730 passes, it will make our state the same as federal law, and I think the merchants in the news article don’t like having to honor cards for that long. I'm not an expert in this area, so I’ll continuing looking for information on this.
Carolyn
35
« on: April 01, 2012, 11:21:38 AM »
Hummmm......I don't know, Henry. I'll try to find out what they're talking about. There was some recent concern about too many fee charges to holders of credit cards, but nothing about gift cards. I'll get back to you on this.
C.
36
« on: March 25, 2012, 04:50:05 PM »
Everybody loves you, Ed. You're the best plummer I know!
C.
37
« on: March 23, 2012, 03:41:22 PM »
Thanks Rev.,that's exactly the point. I'm seeing that it is time legislators found a way to be part of the solution, not the problem. These issues are extremely difficult and no budget is ever perfect. This one solved some of our state's troubles and paid the bills without raising taxes. So I voted yes.
C.
38
« on: March 23, 2012, 07:19:18 AM »
Yesterday the Vermont House of Representatives voted on the fiscal 2013 state budget. The budget did not raise any new taxes. It provides facilities for Vermont’s mental patients. The budget takes large steps to repair and replace infrastructure damaged by Irene. Transportation money included in the budget will provide an increase to town highway aid, much needed by our Franklin county communities. It also gets rid of the ‘waterfall’.
This budget provides a way to make positive improvements in our state and pays the bills. I voted yes.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1 Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
39
« on: March 21, 2012, 04:59:07 PM »
I’ve never liked the part of the Vermont state budget bill called ‘the waterfall’. Regular readers will recognize this name for the part of the state budget bill that directs where extra money should go when revenue estimates fall under the actual inflow of money. To my frustration, the extra money often goes to fund some additional project for state government or fund some special one time effort for which the initial revenue estimates did not cover. I’ve always thought if we had extra money, it should be used to reduce expenditures for the following year, or kept as cash on hand to reduce tax. I’ve never been able to convince my colleagues to do either of these things.
However, maybe they were listening after all. I’m very pleased to report that this year there is a plan to eliminate the waterfall forever and save unexpected revenue, reducing expenditures and creating stronger financial footings for the state.
Here’s what will happen. In a year when there is more revenue than expected at the end of the fiscal year:
* First, the statutory reserves will be filled. That’s going to take an amount equal to 5% of the previous year’s budget. It’s called the ‘float’, about which I’ve written before. This money is needed keep state accounts level as revenue inflow varies.
*Second- Revenues will be added to the Education Fund to replace the money shorted in last year’s general fund transfer, approximately $280 million. Obviously replacing this large amount will take a while. This revenue will lower property taxes.
*Third- To offset federal budget cuts and soften impact on Vermont’s most needy populations, a fund will be set up and filled with an amount close to the estimate of federal cuts. It would be used to supplement programs like LIHEAP, Medicaid, Global Commitment etc.
*Fourth-A rainy day fund will be created to be used when there is a REAL emergency. Lots of Vermonters were calling for a rainy day fund during the worst of the recession, and this answers those concerns.
I like this plan because it sets money aside for use in hard times, has the potential to lower property tax and maintains the ‘float’ needed to keep state accounts viable, all without raising taxes. This plan can work for a number of years because we are still in difficult financial times and it will be several years before we return to normal times. The uses are wise and will create a more solid financial footing for the state.
Sometimes, I have a really good day here at the statehouse.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
40
« on: March 21, 2012, 04:00:15 PM »
As our Franklin County high school students and their parents get ready to sign up for next year's courses, it is important for them to know that Vermont high school students can take one 3-credit college class free of tuition and more classes at 50% off the regular in-state tuition rate at UVM. This is a great way for local students to be ahead of the game and comfortable in the college setting before they leave high school. It can lighten their load the first year of college, and possibly even put them on a path to graduate early. UVM credits are highly transferable at other institutions in and out of the state. Visit www.experienceuvm.com for more information or contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us.
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
41
« on: March 17, 2012, 11:37:57 PM »
That's amazing. Please give her my best wishes and my thanks for her willingness to serve our country.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1,Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
42
« on: March 17, 2012, 05:18:08 AM »
The death with dignity bill did not make it out of committee for crossover last night. It will not go to the Senate floor for debate. Game over for this bill this session .
Carolyn
43
« on: March 16, 2012, 08:43:06 PM »
Sure. But I honestly don't think there are the votes to bring the bill to the floor. Senators Campbell and Sears are bravely refusing to bend to this powerful lobby. Thank them.
C.
44
« on: March 16, 2012, 06:39:15 AM »
No, but I'm in charge of the refreshments. I hope you come.
C.
45
« on: March 16, 2012, 06:37:13 AM »
Either them or the soothsayers. Doesn't really matter as long as once in a while I can say, 'I told ya so!'
C.
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