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Messages - Carolyn Branagan
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346
« on: February 20, 2006, 09:11:03 AM »
This is an excellent program that reaches some of our area's neediest citizens. Please consider supporting it by bringing non-perishable food items on Town Meeting Day.
thanks!
Rep. Carolyn B.
347
« on: February 20, 2006, 06:37:16 AM »
The Franklin-Grand Isle Emergency Food Shelf will be holding it's fifth annual Food Drive on Town Meeting Day. Georgia voters are being encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items to Town Meeting. Does anyone know if this effort is going on inFairfax also? The food drive benefits the local food shelf, and others in Franklin/Grand Isle counties.
From, Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
348
« on: January 14, 2006, 09:29:04 PM »
Things are continuing to be busy in the statehouse. Last week my committee continued hearing testimony on the Fee Bill (which I'll be reporting on the floor in a couple of weeks) and the Misc. Tax bill. Also I testified in favor of the Abenaki Recognition bill and am hoping the bill will be sent to the floor in a couple of weeks. Without a doubt the hottest item for discussion this past week was the Judge Cashman decision. I saw Gov Douglas Thursday night and he told me he'd had over 20,000 e-mails on it! I have gotten about 200 messages and letters. Vermont is getting quite a bit of national press on it , too, unfortunately. Contact me if you'd like more info on this or any other matter regarding state government.
from, Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
349
« on: January 06, 2006, 11:03:59 PM »
The first week of the legislative session was a busy one! Legislators had done homework over the summer/fall and were anxious to get to work!
In Ways and Means, we've already passed out a bill to lower the school tax rate to .99 for homestead and $1.42 for non-resident. Both these will help to keep the property tax rate under control.
We've also started work on the fee bill" and I'll be reporting it on the floor in a couple of weeks.
I was glad to hear Governor Douglas talk of the importance of keeping Vermont's young people here in state. The plans to establish the Vermont Promise college scholarships and pay for them with tobacco settlement money will make sure we all get benefit from that money for years.
You can always contact me about concerns regarding state government at 527-7694.Have a good weekend.
Representstive Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
350
« on: November 04, 2005, 11:25:24 AM »
Hi Everyone,
I'm sponsoring an informational meeting on the new Medicare changes November 15 at 6:30pm at the Georgia Public Library on route 7 in Georgia, where the old regional library used to be.
These Medicare changes were made by the federal government and will involve anyone on Medicare, any of the state programs like Vsript, and anyone with a disability. I've invited officials from the State of Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living to speak to us about the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit and the State of Vermont pharmacy programs. They will be able to tell us about enrolling in a new plan.
There is another meeting on Medicare changes also on November 15. I did not arrange this meeting but it will be held at the Fairfax firehouse at 12:30pm. This meeting may be convenient for folks who don't like to drive after dark. I'm going to try to be at that one too.
Please try to attend one of these important meetings.
from, Carolyn
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georia
Vermont House of Representatives
351
« on: November 04, 2005, 11:10:08 AM »
Jackie,
How does this break down? What was the school tax rate? The municipal? Are there any voted exemptions in Fairfax?
Looks to me like the tax rate in Fairfax is about a dollar less than last year for both Homestead and Non-residential. Is the big factor the re-appraisal? The Grand List must have increased a lot. How much?
from, Carolyn
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
352
« on: June 19, 2005, 02:17:46 AM »
As you've read in the papers by now, the legislature met on Thursday and finished its work for 2005. Many bills remain to be discussed next year and new bills can be submitted. In Vermont our legislative terms are for 2 years, so we are only half done. We'll reconvene in January.
I'll be attending events in both towns during the summer and fall, as well as getting out to as many Select Board and School Board meetings as I can. Feel free to contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us or call me at home at 527-7694.
My job as State Representative for the towns of Georgia and Fairfax is the best job I've ever had, it is interesting, challenging work . My intent is to represent your ideas in Montpelier and to make sure your voice is heard. In order to do that , I have to know what you're thinking. We aren't going to win every battle, but I can at least make sure they hear us!
from,
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
PS: Thanks Henry!
353
« on: June 08, 2005, 01:09:03 PM »
The Vermont legislature adjourned at about 6pm last Saturday night. I left the statehouse at about 8pm. As you've read in the papers, Governor Douglas is going to veto at least one bil, the fiscal 2006 Appropriations bill, and may veto another, the Health Care bill.
Since we have to have a budget to run the functions of state government , we'll go back to Montpelier for a special session before the new fiscal year starts July 1. I'm still waiting for word on when the special session will be. In the meantime I getting back into real life by catching up on all the things I've let go while I was in Montpelier. I told my husband on Monday morning my goal for this week is to not leave the hill where we live!
I really appreciate all the input many of you have given. My job in Montpelier as your State Representative is not to further my own agenda, but to represent you. Thanks for everything.
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
354
« on: May 26, 2005, 05:51:40 PM »
Hi Everyone,
We lost the Civil Commitment fight. I worked hard on it this week, along with several other legislators, but the majority of members in the House thought the issue should be studied more before we established a system of treatment for sexually violent and violent offenders. We had tons of information, but were unable to presuade them. I really gave this my all, as did several others, but we were in the minority.
I got a chance to work closely with Public Safety Commissioner Kerry Sleeper and members of his staff as well as the Deputy Secretary for Human Services. They were extremely helpful, and I was impressed with the competence and drive Commissioner Sleeper has for keeping Vermont a safe place to live.
The good news is that the study will progress through the summer and the commmittee plans to bring back recommendations when we reconvene next January. So there is hope!
Otherwise, we're hearing that adjournment may come next week. Speaker Symngton told us to plan on attending session Saturday, June 4th. Since we don't usually meet on Saturdays, I'm thinking we maybe getting ready to break for the summer and fall.
thanks,
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
355
« on: May 21, 2005, 05:52:08 PM »
I wanted to mention that on Friday I had two delightful BFA Fairfax 8th graders with me as part of their history class. They were job shadowing and we really had a nice time. Adam Benay and Kate Wells were extremely well prepared and I was impressed by what they already knew about the legislative process. I introduced them to Speaker of the House Gaye Symington and Governor Douglas along with other officials and many legislators. It was a pleasure to have them with me for the day.
from,
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
356
« on: May 21, 2005, 05:46:20 PM »
We are slowly winding our way to the end of the session. There are several interesting topics being discussed at the statehouse including water quality, whether people who raise their own products and then process them (like winemakers or cheese makers) should be called farmers for the Current Use program, should we change the Vermont Economic Progress Council, health care and fiscal 2006 appropriations.
Of course a major topic of interest this past week was Civil Commitment for violent offenders who have served their sentences in prison. I received many phone calls from constituents who remembered the Georgia shore murder about 20 years ago which resulted in Kent Hanson's 20 year sentence. Many breathed a sign of relief when news reports came through Friday that he'd been captured and the woman he was with was found still alive.
Fortunately Civil Commitment would not be needed for very many offenders in Vermont, only about 1 or 2 a year. But, I feel strongly that offenders who have a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes them likey to reoffend should be commiitted for mental health treatment until they are found to be no longer dangerous. This is done in 18 other states, it is constitutional and a place to house them can be found either by making it part of our new mental health system that will replace the Waterbury facility or by contracting out with another state.
Well, I could go on and on about this, but I'll spare Henry's space in the Forum! Watch the news this week, I'm preparing an amendment that will allow Civil Commitment here in Vermont.
thanks
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
357
« on: April 25, 2005, 12:35:47 PM »
Thanks to those who contacted me regarding last week's main topic: health care. The bill is now on to the Senate where it is expected to be referred to the Health and Welfare Committee. Your input helps me to really "represent" your ideas in Montpelier.
We are expecting to adjourn in 3-4 weeks, though I'm hoping it will be before that. The lack of willingness to compromise that I observed last week does not serve the people of this state well, and the sooner we adjourn the better for all.
Some BFA Fairfax highschoolers are coming to visit the statehouse this week. I am alway inmpressed with how well prepared Mr. Gilbert's students are! I'm looking forward to seeing them.
from,
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
358
« on: April 18, 2005, 08:46:10 PM »
This will be an extremely busy week in Montpelier. We'll be debating the Health Care bill on the House floor Wednesday and Thursday, possibly Friday too. Opinions run strong on all sides. While following the news reports this week, if anything comes to mind regarding health care that you'd like me to know about contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
Thanks for letting me know what's on your minds. I'm really trying to make sure your voices are heard in Montpelier
from,
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
359
« on: April 09, 2005, 08:22:32 AM »
Phew! What a week! Things are really humming in Montpelier!
This past week in the House of Representatives we worked through the Transportation Bill (it is now in the Senate) and began discussion on an Advance Directives bill. I'm serving on the Ways and Means Committee this session, and in committee we're talking about local option taxes. Seventy or so towns including Fairfax have the authority to levy a 1% local sales tax . We're also talking about tax incentives for businesses, and expect to receive a bill about VEPC from the Senate next week. Our Education funding bill is going to the floor of the House next week. It contains several things, but the most important in my view is a part that will set up much needed training for town listers.
I'm glad many of you saw the news conference I held last week with Rep. Kurt Wright from Burlington. I appreciate your calls. I am very concerned about the release from jail of offenders who are known to be sexual predators and violent. In addition to encouraging judges to sentence these people for longer sentences, Civil Committment is one way we can help get them treatment they need, especially if they have not receive the treatment in jail. And we keep the public safe in the meantime! Insuring the safety of its citizens is one of the primary obligations of government. The US Supreme Court has ruled Civil Committment constitutional, 18 other states use it. Law enforcement officials agree with us that it is effective. There is still time to pass a Civil Committment bill, and I continue to talk to as many peole as I can to get this going.
Contact me at the cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
Have a good weekend!
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
360
« on: March 19, 2005, 07:53:56 AM »
Hi Everyone,
There have been some problems recently with the computer system at the statehouse. I don't know all the details, but the computer folks were trying to filter out some offensive e-mails and ended up filtering out some that should have gotten through.
Just last night before I left Montpelier, I got a message from a Fairfax resident saying he had messaged me a few weeks ago and had not gotten a response.
For the record, I ALWAYS respond to messages from constituents. If you have tried to contact me and haven't heard back, please try again. Computers do fail from time to time. You can get in touch with me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us ,that's the e-mail at the statehouse, or you can call me at home at 802-527-7694.
I am very committeed to representing you and your views in Montpelier and absolutely understand that I cannot do that if I don't hear from you!
feel free to contact me.
from, Carolyn
Representative Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
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