GRAND ISLE COUNTY Legislature News

Committees are working long hours to try and finish the session. There was bad news on the fiscal year 2009 appropriation bill. The economic down turn has knocked about 24 million out of next years projected tax revenue. This will result in a FY’09 budget being reduced about 24 million. Many feel the cuts have already been painful. These cuts will be worse. Members of the House, Senate and Executive Branch have held meetings to formulate a plan. The bill is currently in the Senate. If we all work together the Senate may be able to send the House a bill we can pass.

My General, Housing and Military Affairs committee held a hearing on the need for emergency and transitional housing for Veterans. It was reported that at least 25% of the homeless in Vermont are veterans. Everyday there are at least 140 homeless Vermont veterans seeking shelter. Representatives of our congressional delegation have been very helpful in promoting federal legislation.

The Senate will have 2^nd reading on H.764 Vermont Veterans Medals and S369 Recognition of Tribes & Bands of Native Americans on 4/15.

The Senate sent the House Education Committee S371 Creation of an Education Agency and Elimination of the State Board of Education on 4/09. This bill would change the title of the Department of Education to the Agency of Education and would have it run by a Secretary appointed directly by the Governor. Currently the Governor appoints the State Board of Education and then the State Board selects the Education Commissioner. I talked with members of the House Education Committee. They will take testimony. This seems to be a major change in the top management of education in Vermont. The Education Committee may not have enough time to take all the testimony they need before the session ends.

H616 Farm Fresh Milk and S146 Advertising and Producing Musical Performance have passed both the House and Senate and go to the Governor.

The Speaker has made it clear that she will not hold up adjournment for any one bill. As soon as the budget bills are passed, transportation, appropriations and capital spending, we will adjourn. At this point that looks like the end of April or first week in May. Since this is the second year of the biennium any bill which is not passed will die. It may be reintroduced in January of 2009.

I have talked to Ways and Means committee members about the Tax Increment Finance Districts. They are considering some changes to the TIF legislation which would benefit Milton.

Please do not hesitate to call your Representatives for West Milton and Grand Isle County, Ira, 372-4030, 94 Pearl Street, Grand Isle, VT 05458 itrombley@leg.state.vt.us and Rep. Mitzi 363-4448, PO 144 Box South Hero, VT 05486, mjohnson@leg.state.vt.us. When we are in session you can leave a message through the Sgt. at Arms at 828-2228

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