Past Policy Updates

The VBSR legislative reception this past Wednesday was a great success! The room was full the entire time, there was a great balance of members and legislators, and the conversation was interesting and lively. Special thanks again to  Washington Electric Cooperative and The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund who sponsored this event.

Wanted to mention that WCAX ran a special 2-part series this week on the accessibility and affordability of childcare in Vermont (see the text versions of Part 1 and Part 2). VBSR will be working more on this issue at the statehouse over the next couple of months so please be in touch with me if this is an issue you would be able to assist with.

Energy

Senate Natural Resources focused on buildings energy efficiency this past week and House Natural Resources focused on renewable energy and electricity rate setting. Both committees are likely to start moving on individual and committee bills in the next week or two. VBSR will more actively promote the goals identified in our energy and transportation policy statement to help move legislation that focuses on efficiency and renewables.

Health Care

House Health took testimony most of this week on primary care issues. Senate Health and Welfare took testimony on S.39 - Naturopathic Insurance Coverage and S.7 - Medical Marijuana. They also spent Wednesday afternoon hearing testimony on the "Cost shift from Human Services to School Budgets" which is important for people to understand in light of the pressure to reduce school costs/property taxes.

A universal health care bill was finally introduced in the House this week! H. 264 establishes a "Vermont health care plan" which is a "universally accessible, comprehensive, publicly administered health benefit plan offering care and treatment to all Vermont residents". The Representatives who signed on to this bill include Obuchowski of Rockingham, Botzow of Pownal, Brooks of Montpelier, Clarkson of Woodstock, Davis of Washington, Deen of Westminster, Edwards of Brattleboro, Emmons of Springfield, Fisher of Lincoln, Haas of Rochester, Jewett of Ripton, Kitzmiller of Montpelier, Klein of East Montpelier, Marek of Newfane, Moran of Wardsboro, Mrowicki of Putney, Pearson of Burlington, Pellett of Chester, Pillsbury of Brattleboro, Shand of Weathersfield, Smith of Morristown, Stevens of Shoreham and Zuckerman of Burlington. The Bill is in House Health and we will request to have members in to testify.

Have a good weekend...thanks for your continued interest and support!

Check out the Legislature's web site to see copies of bills or to track bills.

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