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Messages - Barbara

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31
Floor sessions in the House this week saw the action on nine bills messaged to the Senate to continue to  expedite the process to bring them to culmination. S. 339, an act relating to miscellaneous changes to laws related to vehicles was officially committed to the House Transportation committee Wednesday and testimony was taken during committee hearings throughout the week. The Floor presentation of the strike-all amendment to H. 942 the T-Bill, engendered debate but was accepted and the bill passed on a roll call vote of 147 yeas to 0 nays.
H. 955 an act relating to capital construction and State bonding budget adjustment, H. 947 an act relating to temporary municipal tax rate provisions in response to COVID-19, H. 958 an act relating to communications union districts and S. 345 an act relating to temporary municipal meeting provisions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak were taken up by the House Wednesday. They all passed and were messaged to the Senate, some with amendments and some in concurrence with the Senate proposal of amendment.
As a first order of business Friday H.R.20, House resolution extending the House Declaration of a State of Emergency was read and adopted. The Whereas’s of the resolution speak to the need for the House to continue using measures that permit the completion of business while minimizing transmission risk of COVID-19. With this resolution the House of Representatives extends the state of emergency which would have expired May 31, 2020 until June 30, 2020 for its Rules and procedures. H. 951 an act relating to the municipal emergency statewide education property tax borrowing program, H. 953 an act relating to fiscal year 2020 supplemental budget adjustments, H. 956 an act relating to miscellaneous amendments to alcoholic beverage laws and S. 283 an act relating to the Town of Hartford’s tax increment financing district all passed during Friday’s House floor session.
A roll call vote was requested on whether H. 959 an act relating to education property tax should be read a third time. After substantial debate on whether the setting of rates based on Town Meeting votes as opposed to current fiscal forecasts should be considered, third read was ordered on a vote of 127 yeas to 20 nays. Amendments may be offered before the bills third reading next week, in particular an amendment to limit the ability for the Education fund to incur a deficit, to the fiscal year 2021 and not for ‘any succeeding year’ as stated in the as introduced language.
As Vermonters return to their summer homes they are directed to read the COVID-19 guidelines at:  https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19
         
I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community.  I can be reached at  bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

32
Friday afternoon the House Transportation committee finalized a Strike-All amendment for H942, an act relating to the Transportation Program and miscellaneous changes to laws related to transportation. The committee bill had been voted out and placed on the Calendar for notice on March 24. The amendment allows the committee to offer changes required in response to the  COVID-19 crisis. On a 11-0-0 vote the committee support the new language. After a review by House Appropriations the amendment will be placed on the Calendar for action.
During House Floor sessions Wednesday and Friday action was taken on H673 an act relating to tree wardens, H953 an act relating to fiscal year 2020 supplemental budget adjustments, H954 an act relating to miscellaneous tax provisions, S255 an act relating to captive insurance and H 957 an act relating to extending the deadline to test for lead in the drinking water of school buildings. A motion was made and accepted by the members to message the action on several of these Bills to the Senate. This allows the statutory waiting periods to be overridden.
H955, an act relating to capital construction and State bonding budget adjustment was taken up by the House Friday for second read and was voted on to third read for next week. Section 22 clarifies the legal description of a Vermont owned parcel of land on the Monocacy National Battlefield Park which was transferred to the United States National Park Service by Act 42 of 2019. It seems appropriate this Memorial Day weekend to bring attention to the Monument on this parcel of land. It was dedicated in 1915 to honor the 10th Vermont Infantry Regiment. A tablet on the granite monolith is inscribed:
“This monument was erected by the STATE OF VERMONT to designate the position of the TENTH VERMONT INFANTRY during the battle fought here on the ninth day of July 1864 to save Washington, ‘and we saved it.’ Seven companies occupied the Washington Pike, while three companies occupied the Buckeystown Road opposite the Thomas House. 1915” Franklin county’s past Senator Carolyn Branagan was known to share just such items of Vermont history during her years as a Representative in the Vermont State House.
As Vermonters return to their summer homes they are directed to read the COVID-19 guidelines at:  https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19
I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community.  I can be reached at  bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

33
The end date of any Legislative session is never firmly set but the Budget appropriation is based on supporting 18 weeks. As of today that date has been reached and the session continues. An additional allocation is in H953, an act relating to Supplemental Budget Adjustments; fiscal year 2020, for expenses of the legislature to continue through June 19th and legislative staff expenses related to COVID-19 in FY20. H953 was taken up for Second Reading by the House on Friday and addresses COVID-19 impacts on the current budget year which closes June 30th. A summary provided by the House Appropriations committee listed three issues that this bill addresses. “First; makes reductions/changes to FY 2020 Appropriations in order to address the estimated $52 million in revenue erosion and other general fund loss. Second; adds borrowing authority to use inter fund borrowing from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, or if necessary, the use of reserves to cover the estimated $143 million in FY 2020 revenue moving to FY 2021. Repayment would occur when payments are made in FY 2021. Any extra funds will be available for FY 2021 expenses. Third; appropriates Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) for expenses incurred in FY 2020.”
H.673, an act relating to tree wardens was amended on Second Reading Friday. The amendment was a strike all presented by the House Agriculture and Forestry committee that reflected changes they made in response to concerns raised through testimony. The bill addresses the critical need for expertise in infestation control that the Emerald Ash borer has presented across the state as well as making other adjustments to a very old statute. A change made in the first section of the bill removes the requirement that the select board choose the individual from among the registered voters and adds that the tree warden need not be a resident of the municipality.
Friday session included three other bills that were passed and under suspension of rules, action on them was messaged to the Senate. H951, an act relating to the municipal emergency statewide education property tax borrowing program allows the state to reimburse municipalities the interest and borrowing costs that might be incurred to meet their June 1st payment. H656, an act relating to miscellaneous agricultural subjects included an amendment to clarify the authority and requirements for the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp during the 2020 growing season. S343, an act relating to delaying special education changes due to the COVID-19 state of emergency proposes the change from a reimbursement to a census-based model and the requirement that certain approved independent schools enroll students on an IEP both be delayed a year.
On Wednesday the House passed H948, an act relating to temporary proceedings provisions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Concern had been raised on the Second reading that the bill removed the requirement that a board of civil authority physically inspect a property that is the subject of an appeal. An amendment was agreed to that allows a request be made and facilitated to allow an inspection through electronic means. This statute change, as are many being made by the COVID-19 response bills, is only authorized during a declared state of emergency. 
I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community. My contact information is bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

34
The Friday House session closed with remarks by the Representative of Williamstown which the Body voted to be Journalized. Representative Graham, the last Seated dairy farmer stated, “ The end of a very long-standing tradition probably dating back to the creation of the House of Representatives as on May 2, 2020 there is no longer an active Dairy Farmer serving in State legislature.”  A moment to be acknowledged in the history of the government of Vermont.
H.947 an act relating to temporary municipal tax rate provisions in response to COVID-19, H.948 an act relating to temporary municipal proceedings provisions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and H.950 an act relating to allowing remote witnesses for advance directives for a limited period of time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were all taken up for action. H. 947 and H.950 were moved through all stages of passage and messaged to the Senate. Concerns brought up in debate and a member’s intent to have an amendment to H.948 drafted were reasons to not request Rules be suspended to move it more rapidly through the process. The third reading was ordered and it has been placed on the Action calendar.
The House Transportation committee met for three Zoom sessions this week. Documents on the website support the recommendations by the Agency for the Supplemental Budget Amendment and the potential adjustments to make to fill the forecasted FY20 budget deficit for the Transportation and Transportation Infrastructure Bond funds. There are still many variables and unknowns as to the amount of Federal Funding and F.E.M.A. dollars that may be used to cover Transportation costs incurred by the COVID-19 response. Testimony was taken from the Chief Engineer for the AOT Highway division that the annual district leveling is likely to be a casualty to the crisis. The plan is to get out and perform ‘enhanced pothole patching’ but there is no funding for the traditional program. Other programs that are funded by state funds solely, as opposed to drawing down Federal matching dollars are also at risk of being put on hold this year. It was clarified that commitments that have been made to a municipality’s projects in prior years but not yet complete will be honored.
Addendum 13 to Executive Order 01-20 from Governor Scott was issued Wednesday and loosens up some of the earlier guidelines of Stay Home Stay Safe. Outdoor recreation activities that offer low or no direct physical contact may begin, subject to compliance with health and safety guidelines.  https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/ADDENDUM%2013%20TO%20EXECUTIVE%20ORDER%2001-20.pdf  At his press conference on Friday information for the opening of childcare and summer camps was introduced. More details will be forthcoming next week. For the most current guidelines and information on the COVID-19 crisis visit:    https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19

I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community. My contact information is bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

35
The House was called to order Monday for a Token session and was adjourned after the lack of quorum was noted. An all House Caucus on Wednesday morning presented information to the members as well as an opportunity to ask questions on legislation that would come to the Floor at 1 PM and again at 10 AM on Friday. Scheduled meeting times can be found here:  https://legislature.vermont.gov
In the two Floor sessions the following bills;  S.182 an act relating to government operations regarding emergency medical services and public safety in response to COVID-19, S.333 an act relating to establishing a moratorium on ejectment and foreclosure actions during the COVID-19 emergency and S. 344 an act relating to temporary municipal tax rate provisions in response to COVID-19 were taken up and acted upon. H.R. 19 the House resolution extending the House declaring a state of emergency was adopted. The Resolution extends until May 31, 2020 the House declaration of a state of emergency for its rules and procedures. This only affects the ability for the House to operate under the temporary rules such as those that allow remote participation and voting that are in place during a state of emergency.

The House Transportation committee met Thursday to take testimony on three instances of pending sunsets in Title 23 (Motor Vehicles) of the Vermont Statutes. Legislation to respond or allow the sunset to go forward may be offered by a different House committee but the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles informed Transportation on all  instances. The affected areas of law include regulation pertaining to 23 V.S.A. § 1607 Automated License Plate Recognition systems, 23 V.S.A. § 754 Transportation Network Companies (Lyft and Uber) and 23 V.S.A. § 1222 Inspection of Registered Vehicles (USPS right-hand drive). If action is not taken on these sections of law they will automatically be removed on July 1, 2020.

The Governor offered guidelines for incremental steps forward in re-opening businesses in his press conferences this week. The Agency of Commerce and Community Development website offers links to the mandatory health and safety requirements for all business operations https://accd.vermont.gov  The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets also has links for the opening of Farmers Markets and Greenhouses which are effective May 1. https://agriculture.vermont.gov 

Unemployment Insurance issues and Childcare challenges continue to be a source of need for assistance by many. The Agencies and General Assembly are working to provide help in these areas. The Department for Children and Families https://dcf.vermont.gov and Department of Labor https://labor.vermont.gov websites offer links for up to date information. This link provides the most current information on the crisis  https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19

I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community. I can be contacted at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

36
An All-House meeting Wednesday provided the opportunity to gain an understanding of the bills that were coming similar to caucus meetings that allow informal question and answer on the points of legislation being considered. This meeting was/is on YouTube as are the Committee and House sessions and found through links posted https://legislature.vermont.gov/home/noteworthy/announcements/

The House was called to order by the Speaker Thursday. With only a few staff present in the chamber very few ‘seats’ were empty thanks to the electronic communication tools that permit remote attendance. Bills sent over from the Senate and formally referred to committees were S.114 an act relating to the emergency judicial response to COVID-19, S.182 an act relating to Government Operations regarding the emergency medical services and public safety in response to COVID-19, S.333 an act relating to establishing a moratorium on ejectment and foreclosure actions during the COVID-19 emergency, S340 an act relating to FY 2020 interfund borrowing authority and S.341 an act relating to disclosure of tax information to facilitate the provision of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits.

The first vote by the House was to approve remote voting pursuant to temporary House Rule 9A. The Rule permits remote voting and debate and expires at the convening of the 2021 biennial session or the expiration of the House’s Declaration of Emergency and any extensions of same, whichever comes first. To take effect the Rule required three quarters of those voting to ratify it remotely. Even members who felt there was a flaw in using an action to permit that action’s use voted in the affirmative with a Roll Call of 148 yeas and 0 nays. H.741 had been posted on the House calendar and did not require suspension of rules to be presented for the House to vote on the Senate’s proposal of amendment. The members responded by the first Everbridge Vermont House floor vote and concurred to allow it to be sent to the Governor. The Senate bills all required several votes to suspend procedural rules and move them through several steps of passage that would normally require 24 hour delays. After some floor debate and an amendment which removed one controversial section of S.114 the votes all were taken and the Bills returned to the Senate.

The Transportation committee met Wednesday and heard a report on the CARES act for the State and Burlington airports as well as for Vermont’s Amtrak routes. The information for Amtrak is not complete but information suggests the annual amount Vermont provides for service will be capped at 80% in FY20 which could provide a savings of $1.9M to Rail. The CARES act support to Aviation will allow airports to use 100% of Federal dollars to fund capital projects which could free substantial State dollars. The Agency is still working to confirm which projects may benefit from this. The State will also receive about $300,000 for Operations expenses and BTV is expected to receive $8.7M. The Commissioner of the DMV informed the Committee of a proposal to wave the 6 hour driving-with-instructor requirement for current enrollees of Driver’s Ed impacted by the pandemic. The requirement is a rule so would not require legislation to suspend. The Committee also took testimony from the Stormwater Program Manager on the consideration being given to municipalities for missed deadlines. The Department has discretion in how it uses its authority and it was stated that enforcement is a tool of last resort. The link to the Agency of Natural Resources website was provided and offers information to assist municipalities https://anr.vermont.gov/sites/anr/files/emergencyinfo/stormwater-program-enforcement-discretion-guidance.pdf

I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community. I can be contacted at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545
For up to date information https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19

37
Members of the House of Representatives participated in ‘test run’ training sessions in groups and a full House information session over the Zoom platform. Security measures are in place to limit participants to permitted individuals but maintain the ability for public viewing by live streaming on YouTube. The meetings are announced on the General Assembly website and Committee agendas and links are accessible there as well.    https://legislature.vermont.gov 
The House Transportation committee held meetings Wednesday. Agency personnel and Joint Fiscal Office staff presented testimony on the implementation plan for the Federal CARES Act Public Transit Funding. The State is expecting to receive approximately $7.6M for the Burlington (urban) area and approximately $13.3 to be shared by all Vermont public transit providers. The Agency will use the COVID-19 funds strategically in place of State T funds which will then be used to offset revenue losses elsewhere in the budget.  There are risks ahead for how public transit will survive and operate but for now the service providers are following guidelines in cleaning the equipment and maintaining social distancing for passengers as it continues to be an essential need.
The all House briefing on Friday provided an opportunity for the members to receive detailed information from the President of the Vermont Bankers Association on the Federal programs that have been set up to provide funds to individuals and businesses for support in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The direct deposits for individuals has begun to be received and will continue to roll out over the next few weeks, or few months for those who will receive a check in the mail. The loan and grant programs were overwhelmed and have exhausted the original allocation of funds but Congress is expected to provide more funding and the programs are now in place for disbursing them. The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) website offers a COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19 for businesses, individuals and communities.
The Governor’s address Friday outlined the principles and safety measures that will be used to phase in the restart of the Vermont economy. Outdoor businesses and construction operations with crews of two or less and some single-person low contact professional services will be authorized to operate if they meet specific safety requirements.  The ACCD has been directed to issue guidance available here https://accd.vermont.gov/news/update-new-work-safe-additions-stay-home-stay-safe-order
The most accurate public health information on COVID -19 related issues can be found here https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19
I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community. I can be contacted at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

38
The work of the House continues to be conducted through the electronic platforms of ZOOM and streamed live over YouTube. The Committee agendas are available on the Legislature’s website https://legislature.vermont.gov and provide a link to the live stream or recorded meetings. The fiscal forecasts that were used to generate the FY21 budget have been downgraded and the crisis has compounded critical need. Every committee is adjusting and amending their legislation from earlier in the session to respond to the current crisis climate.   
Information provided to the Transportation Committee from a member of the Joint Fiscal Office highlighted the FY20 revenue impact due to COVID-19 which is currently projected to be $45M less than anticipated. This is the impact on the current year. The revenues for FY21 are expected to be lower than originally forecast as well. In response the Agency of Transportation has provided recommended changes to H.492, the T-Bill. The Senate Transportation committee is doing similar work on S.339, the DMV Bill. The Department of Motor Vehicles has opened a program to offer online license renewal and with House and Senate approval will offer a 60 day extension on vehicle inspections.
The State Treasurer testified to the Ways and Means committee Friday morning. Vermont will receive $1.25B for increased expenditures related to COVID-19 but these monies are not to replace lost revenue. Language was drafted that would grant authority for interfund borrowing within a window of time that extends 45 business days either side of the end of  FY2020. Interfund borrowing is the most efficient and easiest to implement fiscal tool and is at no additional cost to the taxpayer. Like any loan this must be paid back.
A press release from the Department of Labor offers instructions for accessing the Unemployment Insurance center. The details are available on their website https://labor.vermont.gov.  They contain guidelines for an alphabetized system for applicants calls with  Mon A-E, Tues F-L, Wed M-R, Thurs S-Z and open to all on Friday and Saturday. The intent is to make it easier to reach the office. 
Earlier this week Governor Scott’s request for federal disaster funds to provide assistance to Vermont in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic was approved by the President. This will provide 75% reimbursement to state and local governments and some non-profits for emergency measures. More detail is available at the official website  https://vem.vermont.gov/covid19/disaster In his press conference Friday the Governor extended Vermont’s State of Emergency and the ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order to May 15th.
I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community. I can be contacted at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

39
House leadership and the Rules Committees continue to determine a path forward for the use of remote voting on legislation deemed necessary in this crisis. Daily updates from the Speaker keep members informed of that progress.

The Transportation Committee held several remote meetings this week. Through those sessions the Committee was able to have the Agency’s redrafted H.942 (the Transportation bill) and S.339 (the miscellaneous DMV bill) presented. The Administration’s expertise was offered through testimony from Agency personnel and fiscal analysts. Legislative staff also testified to and answered questions on the language and financial details of the remaining and retooled sections. The biggest challenge for everyone in this COVID-19 crisis is how to plan when many of the tools used in the planning process are non-functional. The problem is evolving into two areas for response. The first is to mitigate the effect of the crisis on FY20 which ends June 30, 2020. This is being done by relaxing renewal deadlines and offering online application for services as well as other actions by the Agency and making amendments to state statute as necessary to permit these. The second is to revisit the legislations that were drafted for FY21 (H.942 and S.339) and determine what must be included and how the funding sources will support what is deemed necessary. The impact of the crisis on the fiscal forecast is grim.

Information on what members of the public can do to stay well and contribute to the COVID-19 response is best accessed through the websites posted on the Legislative www.legislature.vermont.gov   and State www.vermont.gov homepages. The Legislative link provides information and links to the various committee meetings as well as documents referenced during the meetings. The State link provides access to the separate Agencies as well as current updates from the Administration. The Governor has asked for anyone willing to volunteer in this crisis, to register using the link on the State website www.vermont.gov/volunteer .

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development has resources available to provide financial assistance and guidance for businesses, individuals and communities on their website www.accd.vermont.gov . A recommendation of the Health department is to make sure to get outdoors for vitamin D and exercise as well as the mental balm it can provide. The Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources has requested physical distancing guidelines be used even when outdoors and to respect areas that are designated closed for maintenance or the annual mud season. Use during this time can cause serious harm to the trails. Information on park and trail status is available at www.fpr.vermont.gov. It is also requested that the advantage of living in a beautiful state be exercised and travel to any area be restricted to about a ten minute drive from home.

I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community. I can be contacted at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

40
The teleconferences of last week continued to be held allowing Committees to be informed on the Administration’s actions and needs in facing the COVID-19 crisis. Both the House Rules and Joint Rules committees worked to find common language for the emergency legislation that was needed to allow the State Agencies to respond in a quickly changing atmosphere. An understanding was in place to provide this first response legislatively in a way that minimized the number of people who needed to convene on Wednesday. Unfortunately this process was derailed by a single Legislator using House Rules to request a quorum. After a few hours delay to permit enough members to get to the State House the quorum was affirmed and the legislation was passed. The Sergeant at Arms, Chief of Capitol Police, Clerk of the House and the Clerk’s Assistant provided critical assistance. With the legislation and resolutions that were passed, the House is now able to use electronic means to move forward.
These are posted in the House Journal of March 25th and available at the following link:  https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2020/Docs/JOURNAL/hj200325.pdf
Committees began holding meetings on an electronic platform. To access the live stream of these meetings a link is posted on each Committees page from the Legislature’s main page : https://Legislature.vermont.gov . Friday morning House Transportation held its first such meeting. A member of Legislative Council gave the committee a refresher on the sections of the COVID-19 emergency bill as it came back from the Senate and passed Wednesday. The committee began a walk through of S339, an act relating to miscellaneous changes to law related to vehicles, also known as the DMV Bill. The bill has yet to be voted out of the Senate.
Director Boomhower and Commissioner Minoli both were available to speak to the committee on actions the Agency has taken as well as areas of critical concern that the Legislature is requested to address. Financial updates were provided by a Senior Fiscal Analyst from the Joint Fiscal Office and the  Finance and Administration Auditor on the potential impacts of the crisis on the FY20 budget as well as the FY21 budget that H.942 has been drafted for. Information was also given on the portions of the Federal crisis response budget that is currently being proposed and would provide assistance to Vermont’s Transportation sector.
I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community. I can be contacted at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

41
The Joint Rules committee has held daily phone conferences at 4 PM. The public as well as any member of the General Assembly is welcome to listen in by using the number and instructions provided on the Vermont Legislator’s webpage. The link to this and other legislative announcements is: https://legislature.vermont.gov/home/noteworthy/announcements/#a220
There has also been two teleconferences for the whole House that were at 1 PM on Tuesday and Thursday. House members used their Party Leadership and an Independent representative as  contact points for getting questions in to be answered. The Senate has operated in a similar manner and will be testing the ability to hold select Committee meetings next week. The Senate is also making arrangements to bring a quorum together to take action on the bills that were voted out by the House at the end of last week to provide aid for combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
For current information on  COVID-19 updates use:  https://www.healthvermont.gov 
Other state agencies have information specific to them on their official websites and are accessible at: https://www.vermont.gov
 Governor Scott and the General Assembly are working together to take any actions necessary to remove obstacles that prevent support for vital aspects of our society during this state of emergency. Vermont and our small corner of it here in Fairfax is well populated by everyday heroes. I offer my deep gratitude to each and every one of you who are being cautious in contact but taking care of and serving our community.
I can be contacted at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

42
Political Issues/Comments / News from Montpelier 2020 week 9
« on: March 14, 2020, 12:24:51 PM »
This week was predicted to cause pressure on Committees to finish work on bills as Friday was the deadline for any bills to cross over to the other chamber and continue to be addressed this session. The exceptions to this rule are the “money bills” which include the key bills from Appropriations, Ways and Means and Transportation. With dedicated support from AOT personnel and the General Assembly staff offices, House Transportation was able to vote out the Transportation bill before heading to the Floor Friday for an extended floor session. Pressure also came from the developing COVID-19 crisis. A response was drafted by leadership and includes Friday’s passage of legislation that can be vehicles for support when the true impact is known. H. 681 and H. 742 are both lined up to provide financial and medical aid respectively. The House originates all revenue bills but the Senate may now propose or concur in amendments so the passage of these bills allows action to be taken by the Senate. House Resolution 15 was passed and contains language urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue an official statement that employees of its Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agencies will not arrest any person based on immigration status at a hospital, health care facility, or Coronavirus testing site for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. The goal is to mitigate any fears that prevent an individual from being tested and treated.
www.healthvermont.gov  is the official website for information from Vermont Department of Health.

Between Tuesday morning when the House reconvened from Town Meeting break and the fall of the gavel at 6:09 PM Friday thirty bills were messaged to the Senate. Starting with Tuesday they were; H.635 relating to regulation of long-term care facilities, H.741 relating to criminal record checks on contractors working in State-owned or -leased facilities also H550 relating to unclaimed property was read and adopted in concurrence with the Senate proposal of amendment. Wednesday’s action included; H.215 relating to the Office of Child Advocate, H.438 relating to the Board of Medical Practice and the licensure of physicians and podiatrists, H.552 relating to the Vermont EPA Pollution Control Revolving Fund, H.723 relating to health insurance coverage for store-and-forward telemedicine, H.728 relating to the miscellaneous changes affecting the duties of the Department of Vermont Health Access, H.754 relating to restructuring and reorganizing General Assembly staff offices and H.794 relating to limiting liability for agritourism. The bills messaged on Thursday were; H. 650 relating to boards and commissions and H.936 relating to sexual exploitation of children. Friday saw the bulk of the action as Rules were suspended multiple times to put bills through all stages of passage. The bills moved on Friday were; H.633 relating to expanding access to contraceptives, H.795 relating to increasing hospital price transparency, H.788 relating to technical corrections for the 2020 legislative session, H.562 relating to the definition of agricultural land for the purpose of use value appraisals, H.683 relating to prohibiting incidental take of migratory birds, H.837 relating to enhanced life estate deeds, H.901 relating to expanding access to adult technical education equipment funding, S.326 relating to the State Advisory Panel on Special Education, H.643 relating to banking and insurance, H.734 relating to prohibiting certain provisions in dental insurance contracts with dentists, H.424 relating to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, H.109 relating to designating October 12 as Dewey Day, H.588  relating to exempting the Victims Compensation Board from the Open Meeting Law, H.578 relating to operator’s license and privilege to operate suspensions and proof of financial responsibility, H.750 relating to creating a National Guard provost marshal, H.769 relating to veteran status enquiries on program and service intake forms, H.681 relating to employer registration for unemployment insurance and H.742  relating to grants for emergency medical personnel training.
J.R.S. 46 was taken up, read and adopted in concurrence, permitting adjournment until March 24th.
For more information contact me at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or 802-849-6545

43
Political Issues/Comments / News from Montpelier 2020 week 8
« on: February 28, 2020, 03:04:58 PM »
The week was marked by extended floor debate and roll call votes on high profile bills. Tuesday the vote on the Governor’s veto of S. 23, an act relating to increasing the minimum wage was held. The bill was voted to pass “the failure of the Governor to approve notwithstanding’ on a roll call vote of Yeas 100 to Nays 49. 
Wednesday H. 557, an act relating to municipal regulation of livestock running at large and S. 240, an act relating to recruiting new remote workers and new relocating workers were both read the third time and passed. Also, S.54, an act relating to the regulation of cannabis was brought to the floor for second read. After much debate a roll call of Yeas 90 to Nays 54 ordered it to third read.
Thursday brought H. 926,an act relating to changes to Act 250 to the floor for second read as well as the third read on S.54, H. 254, an act relating to adequate shelter for livestock and H.555, an act relating to rulemaking on food concessions, buildings within the jurisdiction of the Department of Buildings and General Services. The third reading of S.54 was punctuated by numerous amendments some agreed to and some not with a roll call vote taken on the inclusion of preliminary roadside testing of saliva failing on a vote of 27 Yeas and 117 Nays. H. 926 had several amendments that were debated, and some agreed to on voice votes. A motion was made to recommit the bill to the committee on Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife which was disagreed to on roll call vote of yeas 43 to nays 93.
The calendar for Friday included the third reading of H.580, establishing a classification system for criminal offenses; H.740, changes to the Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel; H.933, technical correction to municipal charters and H.934 renters rebate reform, which were all passed. H.926, Changes to Act 250 was also brought to the floor for third read and after amendments being voted before and on, procedural action, after, had a request to postpone denied on roll call yeas 45 to nays 96. The bill passed out of the House on roll call vote of yeas 88 to nays 52.
With so much time dedicated to Floor activity this week House Transportation had limited time to attend to testimony. Moving the T-Bill out of committee will be the focus when the session picks back up after Town Meeting break.
A bright spot to end the week was created by the inclusion of HCR 279 in the week’s Consent Calendar. HCR 279 is a resolution congratulating Ian Carpenter of Fairfax on being named the Special Olympics Vermont Unified Athlete of the Year (2019).

For more information or to contact me please email me at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or call 802-849-6545 or mail to 7 Lily Rd Fairfax VT 05454. The Sergeant at Arms at the State House will also relay messages.

44
Political Issues/Comments / News from Montpelier 2020 week 7
« on: February 21, 2020, 03:26:16 PM »

Tuesday’s public hearing on H. 610, an act relating to firearms and domestic violence brought many people to the State House including a few residents of Fairfax. Version 8.2 is available on the House Judiciary website for documents and handouts for February 21.
The House Transportation committee took testimony during the week from several witnesses on language to support the adoption of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) for Vermont’s large employers. The intent is to encourage measures that reduce vehicle trips through alternative transit options where available. Testimony was also taken on H. 854, an act relating to the modification of a motor vehicle’s exhaust system. The Chief Inspector, Department of Motor Vehicles testified to the current regulations and the challenge of enforcement. Equipment violations can be identified at the annual inspection but do not cause a failure of inspection, just notice of the violation.
As the session progresses more time will be spent on Floor debate as demonstrated by a late gavel fall on Thursday and extended discussion Friday. The topic of discussion for much of both these times was H. 688, an Act relating to addressing the climate change. The House Energy and Technology committee presented a strike-all amendment to the bill and two further amendments were proposed for consideration. The main points of contention focused around the “cause of action” language and the perception that the bill cedes Legislative authority to the Executive branch. The vote on Thursday to accept the amended language was taken by Roll and passed 105 yeas to 37 nays.
Other bills taken up, read a third time and passed this week are H. 922, an Act relating to miscellaneous amendments to the Vermont State Employees’ Retirement System,
H.674, an Act relating to clarifying the definition of development used for use value appraisals and H. 568, an Act relating to human trafficking and prostitution. H.674 allows more than one dwelling to share the same housesite, provided the dwellings are contained within a two-acre area, for the Agricultural and Managed Forest Land Use Value Program. H. 568 was divided in order to vote separately on sections of the bill and sec 3 which creates a sex work study committee to make recommendations to the legislature regarding the modernization of Vermont’s prostitution laws was passed on Roll Call 126 yeas to 19 nays.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department had a display in the Card Room Friday with information on the Green Mountain Conservation Camps whose program’s goal is to “cultivate a caring attitude among our youth for Vermont’s fish and wildlife resources”.  Visit https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/gmcc  for information and applications.

For more information or to contact me please email me at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or call 802-849-6545 or mail to 7 Lily Rd Fairfax VT 05454. The Sergeant at Arms at the State House will also relay messages.

45
Political Issues/Comments / News from Montpelier 2020 week 6
« on: February 14, 2020, 04:29:32 PM »
Friday the House celebrated and said goodbye to the first of the three groups of Pages who will serve in the State House this session. The Colors were presented, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by members of the 2019 class of Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scouts before Rep Christie sang the National Anthem for the day’s devotion. H.C.R.243 was read honoring the sixty-five Vermont Scouts who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2019.
 
Wednesday Floor saw several bills passed on third reading to the Senate. They included; H.1 an act relating to agreements not to compete, H.608 an act relating to incompatible local offices, H.722 an act relating to Department of Libraries and H.793 an act relating to the powers and duties of the Auditor of Accounts. There was floor discussion, and a few agreed to amendments during Tuesday’s second read of these bills, but they all passed on voice support without further dialogue.

The Transportation Committee took testimony on medium and long term AOT IT projects to better understand the masterplan of the separate projects in the budget. Testimony was also taken on language in the Transportation bill, supplemental guide signs to direct travelers to state airport and rail facilities, EVs and their infrastructure, work zone safety and TDM (Transportation Demand Management). TDM can be a benefit for both employers and employees as it reduces the single vehicle costs such as parking and infrastructure. The Go!Vermont website can be used to assist in transit planning.  https://www.connectingcommuters.org/

Thursday was the Vermont League of Cities and Towns municipal day in the State House and Transportation committees of both House and Senate hosted the annual public hearing that many municipal officials attended. Fairfax lister, and 2019 Lister of the Year Pat McNall attended and in an aside asked about the 104A bridge project scheduled for this summer. The road is expected to be closed for 45 days not to commence until the end of the school year.  The following link is for information on the project http://www.aot.state.vt.us/FactSheet/default.aspx?pin=18B265  Several municipal officials  took the opportunity to share their concerns on issues ranging from the impact of stormwater regulations, storm damage expenses, funding for the real cost of projects and road repair as well as offer support for the completion of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and the way VTrans partners with local government.

For more information or to contact me please email me at bmurphy@leg.state.vt.us or call 802-849-6545 or mail to 7 Lily Rd Fairfax VT 05454. The Sergeant at Arms at the State House will also relay messages.



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