MONTPELIER – Some community members have reached out to me for updates on the new redistricting task force that is responsible for creating the maps that will be presented to the legislature in the upcoming legislative session, and it seems like a good time to make that information available to[Read More…]
Legislative Report
Act 73 Redistricting Task Force Update
MONTPELIER – The Redistricting Task Force had its second meeting last week. A rubric was developed to evaluate map proposals and I will be working on a map with Dave Wolk (Governor’s Appointment) that is based off of existing Career and Technical Education centers CTE). The co-chairs are attempting to[Read More…]
Welch Amendments to Tax Bill Aim to Protect Health Care, Support Rural Hospitals, Food Assistance Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – I have proposed changes to President Trump and Senate Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which will pay for tax cuts for billionaires by kicking millions of Americans off Medicaid and closing rural hospitals, cutting food assistance programs and tanking the economy. My changes to the Republican tax[Read More…]
Final Bill Passes Legislature
MONTPELIER – H.454 was the final bill that passed Vermont’s legislature this year after an unusual and difficult conference committee that had to rectify two versions of a bill, neither of which had majority support in the House or Senate. The Governor intends to sign H.454 and begin a long[Read More…]
Session Ends Like Roller Coaster
MONTPELIER – The legislative session came to an end a bit like a roller coaster. We wrapped up most of our work on Friday, May 30, working until 11 p.m., as votes passed back and forth between the House and Senate. I was pleased to see that Governor Scott signed[Read More…]
Final 2025 Legislative Session Update
MONTPELIER – This will be my final newsletter of the 2025 session, though I may be in touch throughout the summer and certainly again in fall as the new session shapes up. Please feel free to reach out to me as well if you have legislative questions. I have written[Read More…]
When Schools Close it Will Be Our Doing
MONTPELIER – June 16 was a really big day in the State House. We adjourned around 8:30 p.m. after finally passing the big H. 454 education bill that was the main reason we had to adjourn for two weeks and then come back. I voted No, one of only a[Read More…]
Housing, Healthcare, Education Legislation Passed
MONTPELIER – Vermont’s 2025 legislative session ended on Monday evening, normally the session ends around Mother’s Day. November’s election demonstrated that Vermonters wanted change and that work took longer than is customary. Significant changes were made to healthcare, housing, and education. Going into the session everyone knew that healthcare was[Read More…]
Immigration Bans Weaken National Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the Trump administration escalated its attack on immigrants by issuing a new travel ban. The proclamation bans immigrants and visitors from 12 countries and severely restricts immigrants from seven more. This move does nothing to make us safer or lower costs for working people in[Read More…]
Now in Limbo Waiting for Conferees
MONTPELIER – Last week as I left Montpelier on Friday night, the Senate had adjourned till 2 p.m., Saturday. Then, an hour later, The House of Representatives adjourned until June 17. We all got told then that both the House and Senate wouldn’t be coming back until then. Now we’re[Read More…]
Late Night in the House
MONTPELIER – I am writing to provide an update to the end of the 2025 legislative session. Friday, May 30, shortly before midnight, the House gavelled out without receiving a final bill on H. 454, the education transformation plan. The Committee of Conference, made up of members appointed from both[Read More…]
Session Runs Later Than Normal
MONTPELIER – The legislative session is nearing the end, although it is running later than normal. The budget bill has passed the House and Senate and has been sent to the Governor for signature. The budget shows approximately a 4% increase in spending. Although it is an increase, it is[Read More…]
