MONTPELIER –– I have served on the Governor’s Commission on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders since 2017. The mission of this commission is to guide state policy, raise public awareness, and support the agencies that work every day to provide services to those affected by these complex conditions.
The commission is composed of a diverse group of 16 members. This includes the Commissioner of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (or their designee), one senator (currently Sen. Brock) and one representative from the Legislature, along with 13 members appointed by the governor. Appointed members serve three-year terms and represent a broad range of professions and perspectives, including physicians, social workers, clergy, mental health providers, legal professionals and family caregivers. Voices from nursing homes, adult day centers, home health agencies and the business community also play an important role at the table.
Key responsibilities include identifying the number of Vermonters living with Alzheimer’s and related disorders; assessing what services they and their families need; reviewing the resources currently available across the state; recommending strategies to ease the emotional and financial burden on caregivers and promoting public understanding and awareness to improve early diagnosis and reduce stigma.
As Vermont’s population continues to age, the work of the Alzheimer’s Commission is more important than ever. Its leadership helps ensure that the needs of individuals and families facing dementia remain a priority in statewide planning and policy.
Last Thursday was Alzheimer’s Awareness Day at the State House, where over 70 individuals participated. They met with members of the Legislature, unveiled an art exhibit in the State House cafeteria, hosted an ice cream social and attended a ceremonial reading of an all-House resolution. I was honored to introduce those in attendance on the House floor.
Last week, I joined 87 of my colleagues in voting yes to advance H.454, the Education Funding Bill to the Senate. The bill was opposed by 55 representatives, and seven were absent. This was a tripartisan effort, with support and decent coming from members of all political parties.
There are parts of this bill I support, and, as with any bill of this size and scope, there are also elements I do not. But it’s important to remember: this is not the final version. This vote marks the beginning of a negotiation between the House, the Senate, and ultimately the Governor. The bill already reflects many compromises, including some proposed by the Governor. If this were the final version of the bill I probably would have voted no.
Creating a fair and equitable education funding system that aligns with the Brigham decision is complex work and will take years to get right. This bill is over 200 pages. But one thing is clear: Vermonters are calling for change. They want a system that protects against steep property tax increases and provides a quality education to our children, all while still valuing small schools and rural communities. This will not be an easy task.
The final compromise, between the House, Senate, Republicans, Democrats and the Governor, must happen.
Right now, I see this House-passed bill as our opening position, with some input from the Governor. Now, we wait for the Senate to bring forward its version.
As we move ahead, I’ll be looking for a final bill that reduces property taxes in the short term, stabilizes property taxes in the long term, aligns supervisory unions with technical and career centers and creates a tax structure that is clear and understandable to Vermonters
There’s still work to do, but this is a step forward in an important and ongoing conversation about the future of education in Vermont.
It remains a privilege to serve my community in this capacity, and I welcome your input and engagement. If you are planning to visit the State House, please let me know. I would be happy to meet with you. You can reach me at [email protected] or (802) 730-7171.
Daniel Noyes represents Lamoille-2 in the Vermont Legislature. The district includes the towns of Wolcott, Hyde Park, Johnson and Belvidere.
