Read John's work here: https://thevpo.org

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Writer and educator, Susan Clark, has studied town-meeting styles of government across New England and in Europe. She returns to the show to discuss why Annual Town Meeting still matters, brain research, and Brattleboro's Representative Town Meeting. 

Clark is co-author of "Slow Democracy" with Woden Teachout, and "All Those In Favor," with University of Vermont Professor Frank Bryan. Both books are available for free download.

Slow Democracy: http://slowdemocracy.org/

All Those In Favor: https://vtinstituteforgovt.weebly.com/

Annual Town Meeting from the Vermont Secretary of State: https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/election-info-resources/town-meeting-local-elections/

Voice LIVE: Who Governs Brattleboro and How panel on Brattleboro's Representative Town Meeting (voters will consider doing away with the meeting structure): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ct8p0xb2Yk

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As mentioned:

PAI's 2019 State of Working Vermont Report, looking at underinvestment in public needs: https://publicassets.org/research-publications/state-of-working-vermont-2019

And, in comparison, PAI's 2022 State of Working Vermont Report, looking at how more money is better for households and the economy: https://publicassets.org/research-publications/state-of-working-vermont-2022

Read John's work: https://thevpo.org/

View Artist Kent Monkman's work: https://www.kentmonkman.com/

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The Vermont League of Cities and Towns: https://www.vlct.org/

VLCT's testimony on Housing, including Act 181: https://www.vlct.org/news/testimony-house-general-affairs-and-housing-committee-regarding-housing-1726

S.255 - proposed legislation establishing a pilot Law Enforcement Governance Council in Windham County: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.255

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Read the full SWVT report here: https://publicassets.org/research-publications/state-of-working-vermont-2025

Check out the Joint Fiscal Office's Basic Needs Budget reports: https://ljfo.vermont.gov/publications/report/basic-needs-budget-reports

Julie mentioned Voices for Vermont's Children - here's their website: https://www.voicesforvtkids.org/

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Journalist John Walters joins the conversation this week to reflect on the opening of the session. He shares his thoughts on campaign announcements by Molly Gray for Lieutenant Governor and Tim Ashe for State Auditor. 

Read Gov. Scott's State of the State Address: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-2026-state-state-address

Check out the State Auditor's reports and audits in progress: https://auditor.vermont.gov/

Read John's work at The Vermont Political Observer: https://thevpo.org/

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NOTE: The number, however, is not set in stone and may change by the end of the the Legislative session. 

Find the December 1st letter here: https://tax.vermont.gov/press-release/commissioner-taxes-releases-fy2027-education-tax-rate-letter

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Read the Task Force's report here: https://aoa.vermont.gov/school-district-redistricting-task-force

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View the Agency of Commerce and Community Development's Canadian visitation data: https://accd.vermont.gov/canada-research

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The Commons: https://www.commonsnews.org/

The Deerfield Valley News: https://www.deerfieldvalleynews.org/

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This week's episode features a reading of the bill as it passed the Vermont Legislature and is one piece of multiple conversations exploring the thoughts and decisions that go into developing legislation. Why a full read? While this bill was discussed in the press, not all its details were printed, and we wanted audience members to receive a fuller picture. Many thanks go to Journalist Leah McGrath Goodman for helping read through the bill. 

To view H.91: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.91

Gov. Scott's veto letter: https://governor.vermont.gov/document/h91-veto-letter

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Read S.27 (Act 21): https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.27

Read H. 71: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.71

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Being journalists, we must also discuss the state of Vermont's newsrooms. That there are positives and challenges will surprise no one. But what about the use of AI-generated articles? 

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H.98: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.98

H.118: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.118

S.44: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.44

Find more information about filing paperwork with the Vermont Judiciary: https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/self-help

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Listen to Zon and Ian's Podcast THE ZIP: https://www.brattleborotv.org/the-zip/

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Follow the representatives' work at Vermont's legislative website: https://legislature.vermont.gov

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Read H.167: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.167

Read S.60: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.60

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This year was about "holding the line," said Burke, against several funding gaps and proposals designed to roll back climate policy.

Burke also outlines her reasons for voting "no" on the education reform bill.

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June 20, 2025: Vermont State Senator Wendy Harrison shares her take on the Legislative Session. She updates listeners on bills that received less media attention, such as Act 63, or the "Kids Code," which aims to protect young people online. 

Read Act 63 "Kids Code: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.69

FBI warning parents about online violent groups targeting young people: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250306

RCMP warning parents about violent online groups targeting young people: https://rcmp.ca/en/news/2024/08/rcmp-reminds-canadians-about-violent-online-groups-targeting-youth

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And, for all your journalism nerds out there, John shares his experience at the Institute for Nonprofit News Conference.

Learn more about H.91: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.91

Read Governor Scott's H.91 Veto message: https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/H.91%20Veto%20Letter.pdf

The Institute for Nonprofit News: https://inn.org/

The Vermont Political Observer: https://thevpo.org/

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Analysts at the Public Assets Institute say the proposals may have unintended consequences. Executive Director Steph Yu and Senior Policy Analyst Jack Hoffman join today's discussion. They say Vermont's education spending and staff ratios have remained relatively flat. The deeper issue is that low- and moderate-income households feel the squeeze. 

Follow H.454's path through the Legislature: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.454

Read Jack Hoffman's 4/15/25 blog post on the issue: https://publicassets.org/research-publications/education-reform-redux

PAI staff's 4/18/25 a FAQ-style blog on school tax fairness: https://publicassets.org/research-publications/how-to-make-school-taxes-fairer-this-year-and-beyond

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No, this isn't the start of a joke. But this conversation on the 2025 Legislative session is a reminder that what happens in Montpelier is seriously fun. Investigative Journalist Leah McGrath Goodman and Political Journalist John Walters share their insights on the state of the State of Vermont. 

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Learn more about Public Assets Institute's three-part plan for property tax relief: https://publicassets.org/research-publications/property-tax-relief-for-vermonters

Follow the work of the Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont: https://education.vermont.gov/state-board-councils/commission-on-the-future-of-public-education

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Read Davis' 1973 farewell address here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/guclccwd/davis1973.pdf

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Follow the representatives' work at Vermont's legislative website: https://legislature.vermont.gov

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For FY26, the department projects a 5.9% increase in the average property tax bill.

The Montpelier Happy Hour's Regular Contributor and resident tax expert, Representative Emilie Kornheiser, explains what all this means.

To read the letter in full: https://tax.vermont.gov/press-release/commissioner-taxes-releases-fy2026-education-tax-rate-letter

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This episode is the first episode of Civic Yarn, a short-lived project by John Hagen and Olga Peters. The episode was filmed on July 28, 2021 at ORCA Media in Montpelier. Brattleboro's BCTV provided editing and music. 

Episode description: Senate Pro Tem Sen. Becca Balint and Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski share funny and poignant stories about serving in the state legislature. The leaders discuss how the January 6 riots in DC cast a long shadow over the 2021 session. Balint describes how a high school history class sparked her desire to run for office. Krowinski outlines the life experiences that prepared her for the role of Speaker.

Watch the video at BCTV's website: https://www.brattleborotv.org/montpelier-happy-hour/civic-yarn-ep1-rep-jill-krowinski-and-sen-becca-balint/

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October 30, 2020 - For many, the pandemic and next week's presidential election are only the tip of the emotional iceberg that is 2020. On today's show, Olga and Emilie speak with therapist, activist, dancer, and mom, Emily Megas-Russell.

To learn more about EMR's work visit With Great Heart: http://www.wgreatheart.com

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A 2023 presentation to the Green Mountain Care Board on RBP by Marilyn Bartlett: https://gmcboard.vermont.gov/sites/gmcb/files/documents/Referenced%20Based%20Pricing%20presentation%20-%2005.03.2023%20-%20Marilyn%20Bartlett%2C%20Chris%20Deacon%2C%20Mark%20Hage.pdf

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John Walters' blog The Vermont Political Observer: https://thevpo.org

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The Office of the Health Care Advocate is available to all Vermonters free of charge. To ask questions, get support, or learn more visit: https://vtlawhelp.org/health

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To follow the House Health Care committee's work: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/detail/2024/15

Read the full Act 167 Engagement report: https://gmcboard.vermont.gov/sites/gmcb/files/documents/20240911_Act%20167%20Community%20Engagement_OW%20Exec%20Summary%20Report_v01.pdf

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From the December 15, 2023 episode: Vermont Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher discusses the cost of health care. What options do we have to lower costs? This conversation builds off of last week's discussion about education taxes.

The Vermont Office of the Health Care Advocate: https://vtlawhelp.org/health

Bills* H.118 and S.61 which Mike Fisher discussed: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.118

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.61

*Note: H.118 and S.61 are the House and Senate versions of the same bill. They may not move through the chambers at the same time, however, so keep an eye on both. 

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Read full audit here: https://auditor.vermont.gov/sites/auditor/files/documents/StateHazardMitigationPlan-FinalReport_0.pdf

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Leslie is the Research and Communications Relations Director at VHFA and helped put together the Vermont Statewide Housing Needs Assessment 2025-2029 on behalf of the VT Department of Housing and Community Development.

The assessment's key findings outline how the state's housing shortage is pinching communities now and possibly into the future.

HUD requires the assessment for state that receive federal housing dollars.

Leslie summarizes the report in this post: https://vhfa.org/news/blog/vermonts-2025-2029-housing-needs-assessment-completed

Read the full Housing Needs Assessment here: https://accd.vermont.gov/housing/plans-data-rules/needs-assessment

HousingData.org is a useful source for housing information: https://www.housingdata.org

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Investigative Journalist Leah McGrath Goodman shares her views on the data and what it could mean for the town.

For more information, check out coverage from Journalist Kevin O'Connor at VTDigger:

Brattleboro seeks to boost police presence to address rising crime: https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/21/brattleboro-seeks-to-boost-police-presence-to-address-rising-crime/

Many police calls require social services. What if providers have no-trespass orders on those in need? https://vtdigger.org/2024/09/04/many-police-calls-require-social-services-what-if-providers-have-no-trespass-orders-on-those-in-need/

In other news... Public safety has been a growing concern for some in Vermont. Governor Phil Scott has issued a 10-point public safety enhancement and violence prevention plan. Learn more here: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-issues-10-point-public-safety-enhancement-and-violence-prevention

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Learn more about Kevin and his work: https://www.kevinkellis.com/

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Esther's campaign website: https://www.estherforvt.com/

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The Vermont Political Observer: https://thevpo.org

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Zon's website: https://zoneastesvt.com/

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Or, there's C) From guest Amanda Kay Gustin: "History is more interesting when it's more complicated."

In this week's episode, we're going with "C" (as if regular listeners would be surprised). This week's guest, Amanda Kay Gustin, director of Collections and Access at the Vermont Historical Society, helps us dig into the stories around Vermont in the 1970s, the Counter Culture movement, and the myth of 50,000 hippies.

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Books and articles referenced in this episode include:

Jamestown Seventy by James F. Blumstein and James Phelan: https://openyls.law.yale.edu/bitstream/handle/20.500.13051/17840/09_1YaleRevL_SocAction55_1970_1971_.pdf?sequence=2

Taking Over Vermont by Richard Pollak: https://stevehickey.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/taking-over-vermont.pdf

Repeopling Vermont: The Paradox of Development in the Twentieth Century by Paul M. Searls: https://vermonthistory.org/repeopling-vermont

The Star that Set: The Vermont Republican Party 1854 - 1974 by Samuel B. Hand: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780739106006/The-Star-That-Set-The-Vermont-Republican-Party-1854-1974

Emilie's website: https://www.emiliekornheiser.org/

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In this conversation, Amanda discusses why she chose to run, how Vermont could help small businesses and her concerns about affordability.

Amanda's website: https://www.thurber4vermont.com

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She is an artist and educator who has returned to her home state after living in Philadelphia. In this conversation, she shares her thoughts on supporting a creative economy, what makes the Windham-6 towns unique, and her thoughts on where our systems need mending.

Emily's website: https://www.ecarrisduncan.com

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Ian's campaign page: https://iangoodnow.com/

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David's campaign site: https://www.davidgartenstein.org

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Read a detailed list of action taken by Governor Phil Scott during the 2024 session: https://governor.vermont.gov/governor-scotts-blog/action-taken-governor-scott-bills-during-2024-legislative-session

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To learn more about VHFA: https://vhfa.org

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To follow Tristan at Quill Nook Farm: https://www.quillnookfarm.com/home

The Vermont Political Observer (Walter's website): https://thevpo.org

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To follow the action taken by Gov. Phil Scott on recent bills: https://governor.vermont.gov/governor-scotts-blog/action-taken-governor-scott-bills-during-2024-legislative-session

VTDigger education article referenced by Emilie: https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/15/even-vermonts-low-spending-school-districts-are-struggling-to-pass-budgets/

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As the WFC commemorates its 50th anniversary, Shari and Charity also reflect on what the last 50 years has meant for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

To read S.120: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.120

View AG Clark's testimony on S.120: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjRciMx9AZ0

We referenced the memoir, "Know My Name" by Chanel Miller: https://bookshop.org/p/books/know-my-name-a-memoir-chanel-miller/15735340?ean=9780735223721

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To listen to the episode on Education Taxes from December we mentioned: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/understanding-vermonts-potential-18-5-education-tax-increase-hint-it-might-be-less

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To learn more about Groundworks Collaborative: https://groundworksvt.org/

Do you know your state's housing wage? Learn more from the National Low Income Housing Coalition: https://nlihc.org/oor

To learn more about VLCT: https://www.vlct.org

Some of the bills discussed:

S.159 - Regional Governance: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.159

H.629 - Tax sales and tax abatement: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.629

H.875 - State Code of Ethics: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.875

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To read the report: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/sites/humanresources/files/documents/DHR-Workforce_Report_0.pdf

Additional information and notes from Tristan Toleno:

Vacancy Savings Notes

Governor is using 57m of anticipated workforce vacancies across all budgets and funding sources (including global commitment) to mask the pressure of his revenue and fee contractions and the negative impacts of the workforce crisis. They assert they are using “historical” data to determine the allocations, but there are several fundamental reasons to doubt that claim. The data suggests they took an overall level of savings to keep their top line budget close to the Governor’s guidance of 3% increases and to ensure more is available for carry forward reversions in Jan 2025. 

How and why the line by line determinations were made is unclear and raises questions. Among them:

1. Why would they budget a vacancy savings rate of nearly 30% for the budget for the Governor’s office, when they have only one open position? 
2. Why would they budget no vacancy savings for DOL, which has been dealing with significant staffing problems for years?
3. Why would they direct (24,862) in savings to the Human Rights Commission, who are fully staffed, forcing them to possibly cut staff hours?
4. What history is most predictive of how to budget well now? The Governors budgeted vacancy savings of 57m as applied by the Gov Rec against the personal services lines of these same dept and agencies = 3.3%. Personal services is a pretty good proxy for state workforce costs, though it does include some non-state workforce costs. The two year vacancy rate has been closer to 11% and the DHR data does not support the theory that we can return to a pre-pandemic “normal” history any time soon.

Budgeting slightly more now in vacancy savings is defensible, and we are also doing it in a way which doesn’t lead to the kind of distortions being experienced by the HRC, since we direct the Governor to find the additional savings across all of the budgets.

State Workforce Crisis Data

From DHR

Unique Applications for state jobs 2019 18,778 to 2023 12,690

Down to 10.8 Apps per Opening

“Even more striking is that nearly 70% of all job openings posted had 10 or fewer applicants.”

“The offer acceptance rate was 75.8%, which is low by most standards.”

Turnover Rate: 13%

Net gain of only 256 from last year

Higher rate than any year since 1998, even counting years with retirement incentives.

“For Fiscal Year 2023 nearly 75% (74.4%) of voluntary terminations occurred in the first five years of service. Nearly 40% occurred in the first year of employment. A startling 10% of hires didn't make it beyond 30 days. And over 26% did not complete six months.”

“Over that past five fiscal years the entire salary distribution has “shifted.” The number of employees decreased in the lower pay ranges and increased in the higher pay ranges.”

https://humanresources.vermont.gov/data/workforce-reporting

For watch Toleno's interrogations related to this issue: links are cued to the right point

DOL - https://www.youtube.com/live/z-Hf_Jjbjek?si=dR47w5gIAhTn5tVt&t=4524

DHR - https://www.youtube.com/live/sJ4q-0diCFA?si=35ZtGWBJPachyK5b&t=1681

Budget and Finance - https://www.youtube.com/live/pOOUTKoasWw?si=qqs4TGAKPZlgCrQL&t=1621

Record RFRs and Market Factor -Two years of record requests

69 days to hire from requisition to hire

https://humanresources.vermont.gov/data/workforce-reporting

Jan 2020 Labor Force 352193 Employed 344,899  Unemp 7294

Nov 2021 Labor Force 337,824 Employed 327,678  Unemp 10,146

Dec 2023 Labor Force 352,076 Employed 344,337  Unemp 7739

Data Source: http://www.vtlmi.info/laus.cfm

Toleno quoted older numbers about the Labor Force at one point. He looked again and they adjusted the old numbers up. Bottom line - we are at the same point we were pre-pandemic.

https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/DFM/Shared%20Documents/FY25%20Executive%20Budget%20Book/All%20Sate%20-%20Gov%20Rec%20Budget%20Detail%20Report.pdf

To read The Auditor's Report: https://auditor.vermont.gov/sites/auditor/files/documents/EB-5%20Final%20Report.pdf

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We also discuss potential legislation to support CUDs and Governor Phil Scott's latest pick for Secretary of Education.

To read John's work: https://thevpo.org

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Read the report here: https://publicassets.org/library/publications/reports/state-of-working-vermont-2023/

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To follow Leah's work: https://leahmcgrathgoodman.com/

Or, to read Leah's Column C on Substack: https://columnc.substack.com/

To listen to the Brave Little State episode mentioned in our conversation: https://www.vermontpublic.org/programs/2016-09-02/does-vermont-really-have-an-embezzlement-problem

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The book Meg mentioned: All those in Favor: Rediscovering the Secrets of Town Meeting and Community, by Susan Clark and Frank Bryan. Find it here: https://vtinstituteforgovt.weebly.com/all-those-in-favor.html

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The December episode on School Spending referenced: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/understanding-vermonts-potential-18-5-education-tax-increase-hint-it-might-be-less

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To read H.850: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.850

Governor Scott's press release on H.850: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/action-taken-governor-phil-scott-h850

Keys to the Valley bi-state housing study: https://www.keystothevalley.com/

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To learn more about the Women's Freedom Center's work: https://womensfreedomcenter.net/

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To read H.27: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.27

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Transcript of Gov. Phil Scott's 2024 State of the State address: https://governor.vermont.gov/state-state-2024

Our reading of Gov. John E. Week's 1929 State of the State address: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/our-political-ancestor-gov-john-e-weeks

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Previous episodes referenced in this show:

Seeking the (many) single solution to housing: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/seeking-the-many-single-solution-to-housing

Opiates and moving past approaches that don't help: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/opiates-and-moving-past-approaches-that-dont-help

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More information about Fair Share Vermont and the coalition: https://fairsharevt.org/

Read economic reports from The Public Assets Institute: https://publicassets.org/

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The Vermont Office of the Health Care Advocate: https://vtlawhelp.org/health

Bills* H.118 and S.61 which Mike Fisher discussed: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.118

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.61

*Note: H.118 and S.61 are the House and Senate versions of the same bill. They may not move through the chambers at the same time, however, so keep an eye on both.

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This year's letter highlighted a potential 18.5 percent increase. On this show, we try to help Vermonters recover from their collective sticker shock by breaking down the commission's letter and education spending. 

Read the Commissioner's letter and access other resources: http://tax.vermont.gov/press-release/FY2025-Education-Yield-Letter

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Follow the Cannabis Control Board's work: http://ccb.vermont.gov/

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Read H.105: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.105

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To learn more about the Drug Policy Alliance visit: https://drugpolicy.org/

More housing data available through the VHFA's Housing Data site: https://housingdata.org/

Information on Barre City and the recovery of North End: https://www.barrecity.org/north-end-recovery-and-resiliency.html

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Read the state's complaint here: https://ago.vermont.gov/sites/ago/files/2023-10/Complaint%20-%20Redacted.pdf

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October 29, 2021 (prerecorded 10/28): A conversation about issues facing rural communities is a nuanced one in Vermont that is... well... rural. But are some communities more rural than others? And if so, do their economic challenges differ from the less rural - or is it more urban? - communities?

Member Rep. Charles Kimbell (D-Woodstock)of the Rural Economic Development Working Group (REDWnG) joins the conversation to share what issues the caucus has been working.

As food for thought on our recent conversations around tourism, below are links to two videos about Vermont made by visitors. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can email themontpelierhappyhour@gmail.com:

"VERMONT: Exploring Woodstock & More!" by James and Meg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk7slCS8Rmo

"How is Life in Rural Vermont?" by Jon Wason: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioah69_EGCk&t=25s

REBROADCAST 9.22.23 - Feb. 8, 2019: In this first episode, a Lemon, Lime, and Bitters meets a Bourbon Negroni. Guest Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and host Olga Peters discuss what happened in Montpelier this week.

Kornheiser shares about taking testimony on Act H.57, economic development, and raising wages.

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The process has proved complex and raised questions about accountability. Chair of the special committee, Martin LaLonde, and Vice-Chair Michael McCarthy discuss impeachment on today's episode.

The Special Committee on Impeachment Inquiry's memos, agendas, and other reports are here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/detail/2024/381

These documents are a good starting point...

Memorandum - Information regarding impeachment: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Government%20Operations/Bills/H.R.11/Drafts,%20Amendments,%20and%20Legal%20Documents/H.R.11~BetsyAnn%20Wrask~Memo%20to%20Speaker%20re%20Impeachment~5-5-2023.pdf

H.R. 11 (House Resolution): https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/RESOLUTN/HR0011/HR0011%20As%20adopted%20by%20the%20House%20Official.pdf

Special Committee's Rules and Procedures (don't worry, it's short): https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Impeachment/Documents%20and%20Testimony/Legislative%20Counsel/W~Jen%20Carbee~Special%20Committee%20on%20Impeachment%20Rules%20and%20Procedures~5-23-2023.pdf

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The Auditor Office's Dam Safety Report: https://auditor.vermont.gov/sites/auditor/files/documents/Final%20Report%20DEC%20Dam%20Safety%20Program.pdf

Doug Hoffer's memo to the VDOL: https://auditor.vermont.gov/sites/auditor/files/documents/UI%20memo%208-18-23.pdf

The Auditor's Office produces newsletters. They're here: https://auditor.vermont.gov/content/newsletter

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Read the 1967 speech here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/hlsbga0p/hoff1967.pdf

We debated about reading the 1965 speech. Here it is if you're curious: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/ldxpfkvo/hoff1965.pdf

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Read the full speech here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/s0bj1emk/wills1941.pdf

Read the full speech: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/posnwasb/weeks1929.pdf

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Read the full speech: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/v2gl1h43/holbrook1862.pdf

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So, let's hear from some of our political ancestors. On today's show, we'll read two speeches from Vermont's first governor, Thomas Chittenden.

To read Chittenden's 1779 speech here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/8d88cb74dddcc24/chittendent1779.pdf

Chittenden's 1796 speech is here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/8d88cbd021631ec/chittendent1796.pdf

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May 27, 2022 (prerecorded 5/19): Vermont's tourism economy. Yep, we're poking at it again. According to the state, Vermont welcomes more than 13 million visitors every year. This $3 billion industry supports 30,000 jobs. But how does this industry shape Vermont's jobs, incomes, policy, and personal identity? Journalist Anne Wallace Allen of SevenDays joins the conversation.

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But will either budget meet people's needs? And what happened to "The People's Budget"? Amy Schollenberger of the political strategy firm, Action Circles joins the conversation.

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February 26, 2021 (rebroadcast 6/30/23): Self described Constitution Wrangler Meg Mott is holding a series of events around civil debate. So why does debate matter? Why does Vermont need to practice these skills?

As if you can only choose the environment or the economy of equity, when really a throng future for Vermont includes all of those things." - Kevin Chu

May 19, 2023 (prerecorded 5/15): Kevin Chu, executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, shares with us a vision for an equitable, sustainable, and resilient economy. But does that vision, and the accompanying data, match the stories we tell about ourselves and Vermont? 

To learn more about the Vermont Futures Project: https://vtfuturesproject.org/

Follow S.5's progress through the State House: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.5

Connect with Rep. Kathleen James: https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/single/2024/30945

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March 24, 2023 (prerecorded 3/20): Today, we circle back to H.66, the Paid Family and Medical Insurance bill.

If passed, the insurance program would provide people with up to 12 weeks of leave to care for themselves or family members. Emilie fills us in on where the bill is in the legislative process. 

To read H.66: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.66

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March 17, 2023 (prerecorded 3/13): John Walters of The Vermont Political Observer is back to chat Town Meeting. What did communities vote on this year?

To read John Walters' blog: https://thevpo.org 

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Here is the text from the original broadcast:

Why do we need direct democracy? This is one of many questions host Olga Peters and contributor Emilie Kornheiser ask guest Susan Clark. Clark is a Vermont-based author, democracy wonk, and town moderator.

To learn more about Slow Democracy and its co-authors Clark and Woden Teachout: http://slowdemocracy.org

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• You can follow the progress of H.127 here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.127
• To read the 2022 Sports Betting Committee's report: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/Sports%20Betting/Reports%20and%20Resources/W~Tucker%20Anderson~Report%20and%20Recommendations%20of%20the%202022%20Sports%20Betting%20Study%20Committee~12-13-2022.pdf
• Remember "geofencing"? Here is GeoComply's data on Vermonters accessing mobile gambling apps: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Government%20Operations/Bills/H.127/Witness%20Documents/H.127~John%20Pappas~Vermont%20Data%20Analysis%20~2-9-2023.pdf

Unfortunately, folks in Vermont are struggling to find housing, so it's a topic that needs constant attention. And here's a fun twist: it seems the hunt is on for a SINGLE solution that with solve ALL of Vermont's housing problems. Maura Collins of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) helps us pick apart the housing crisis. 

The VHFA's website is here: https://www.vhfa.org

Here is the Housing Data site discussed: https://www.housingdata.org

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Read the commission's report here: https://ago.vermont.gov/sites/ago/files/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DVFRC%202022%20report%20FINAL.pdf

Learn more about the AG's office: https://ago.vermont.gov

Find out more about the work of the Vermont Network: https://www.vtnetwork.org

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• Amy Schollenberger

February 3, 2023: The budget process has begun in the State House. The House passed the Budget Adjustment Bill today. Gov. Phil Scott outlined his $8.37B budget last month. Lawmakers will soon present their version. But will either budget meet people's needs? And what happened to "The People's Budget"? Amy Schollenberger of the political strategy firm, Action Circles joins the discussion. 

Vermont State Statute - Title 32: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/32/005/00306a

Action Circles: https://www.action-circles.com

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Guest Anne N. Sosin, is a policy fellow at Dartmouth's Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and the Social Sciences and interim director of the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC).

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To read H.66: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.66

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To read the full text of Governor Scott's inaugural address: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-fourth-inaugural-address

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To read the State of Working Vermont 2022 report: https://publicassets.org/library/publications/reports/state-of-working-vermont-2022/

Here is the supplemental jobs and wages report Stephanie referenced: https://publicassets.org/library/publications/monthly-jobs-report/blame-wages-not-inflation-if-vermont-is-unaffordable/

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Learn more about the Human Services Committee here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/detail/2022/16

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Former State Senator Debbie Ingram was one of the early lawmakers to bring the Constitutional revision to the State House. She did this after conversations with last week's guest, Rev. Mark Hughes of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance.

Today, Debbie, is also the executive director of the Vermont Interfaith Alliance which is one of the lead organizations supporting Proposition 2.

To listen to our conversation with Rev. Hughes: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/abolishing-slavery-in-vermont

To read Proposition 2: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/PR.2

To learn more about the VIA: https://viavt.org

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In so doing, the amendment would close a loophole that currently exists. Rev. Mark Hughes, Executive Director of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, joins the show to discuss the Proposition. 

To read Proposition 2 in full: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/PR.2

Vermont Racial Justice Alliance: https://www.vtracialjusticealliance.org/

Abolish Slavery Vermont campaign: https://abolishslaveryvt.org/

To locate the book mentioned in this episode, "The Problem of Slavery in Early Vermont, 1777 - 1810" by Harvey Amani Whitfield: https://vermonthistory.org/problem-of-slavery

To learn more about Brenda visit: https://www.brendaforvermont.com

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Article 22 (Prop 5) as passed: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/Docs/BILLS/PR0005/PR0005%20As%20adopted%20by%20the%20Senate%20and%20the%20House%20Official.pdf

Richard "Rick" Morton's candidate website: morton4vtsenate.com or email him at: morton4vtsenate22@comcast.net

Rick also shared information on Article 22 he felt listeners might find useful:

Vermonters for Good Government : https://vermontersforgoodgovernment.org/

Vermont Family Alliance : https://www.vermontfamilyalliance.com

Vermont Right to Life : https://www.vrlc.net/

Previous episode "Protecting reproductive freedom" about Article 22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKppWSHJHdc

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To read Act 45: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.171

Find the Vermont Child Care and Early Childhood Education Systems Analysis report here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/Legislative-Reports/Vermont-Child-Care-and-Early-Childhood-Education-Systems-Analysis-Final-Report_July-2022.pdf

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Charlie's candidate website: https://charliekimbell.com

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To learn more about Charity: https://www.charityforvermont.com/

H.570 is the data privacy bill under consideration in 2022. Here is a copy of the bill with comments: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/House%20Commerce/Bills/H.570/Witness%20Documents/H.570~Ryan%20Kriger~Consumer%20Privacy%20Language~3-16-2022.pdf

The AG's office wrote a memo to the Legislature, January 2022, with recommendations for data privacy legislation H.570. Check out the memo here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/House%20Commerce/Bills/H.570/Witness%20Documents/H.570~Charity%20Clark~Report%20to%20General%20Assembly%20on%20Privacy~3-16-2022.pdf

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Mike's campaign website: https://www.mikeforvermont.com

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Read more of Walter's work at his blog, The Vermont Political Observer: https://thevpo.org/

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Please enjoy this rebroadcast of our reading of the Vermont Constitution.

Part 2: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/reading-and-reflecting-on-the-vermont-constitution

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-Judge Thomas Durkin-

April 15, 2022 (prerecorded 4/8): Judge Thomas Durkin joins the show to talk about land use in Vermont and Act 250's role in that use. Act 250 is a landmark law that almost everyone knows of, but few actually understand.

More about the Act 250 program: https://nrb.vermont.gov/act250-program

Vermont Historical Society's Act 250 page and interview with former Gov. Deane C. Davis and Rep. Lillian B. Carlisle: https://vermonthistory.org/act-250-1970

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• Rep. Tiff Bluemle

April 8, 2022 (prerecorded 4/6): H.96, legislation to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has passed the House and has moved to the Senate.

Rep. Tiff Bluemle joins the show this week to talk about what such a commission would do and why it could play an important role in the lives of many Vermonters. 

Follow H.96 at https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.96

To learn more about The Center for Transitional Justice: https://www.ictj.org

- Maura Collins. 

April 1, 2022: Vermont has launched a grant program to help homeowners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maura Collins of the VHFA outlines the program. But why stop there? We discuss Vermont’s housing shortage. 

Find more information on the Vermont's Homeowners Assistance Program at: https://www.vhfa.org

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To read H.464: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.464

You can connect with Rep. Tylor Small on Twitter @TaylorSmallVT

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In other words, building policy to address society's complex issues - climate change, education funding, housing - can take years. A deep, collaborative, thorough process might create better policy, but it can also lose people (and trust) along the way. How can we balance these competing needs and experiences? 

To listen to our previous show on Redistricting: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/redistricting-and-what-changes-it-may-bring

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More information on the VLCT available: https://www.vlct.org

To check out the VLCT's Town Meeting preview visit: https://www.vlct.org/sites/default/files/TM2022_Preview.pdf

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Anne N. Sosin at The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy: https://rockefeller.dartmouth.edu/people/anne-n-sosin

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To learn more about David's work visit his website: https://davidposes.com/home

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Senator Jeanette White and Educator Molly Stoner join today's show to discuss the task force's work and the Legislature's process. 

For more information on the task force's work: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/document/2022/367/Date/1-10-2022#bills-in-out

Read the January 2022 report here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/PensionTaskForce/Documents%20and%20Testimony/W~Rebecca%20Wasserman~Pension%20Task%20Force;%20Final%20Report%20and%20Recommendations;%20January%202022~1-10-2022.pdf

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Proposed bill H.510 would provide a credit to an estimated 51,000 children in the state ages 0 - 6. But, the measure could also cost the state more than $50 million. The legislation is modeled after the federal enhanced Child Tax Credit provided to families last year under ARPA. 

To follow H.510: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.510

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To view the committee's maps and follow the redistricting process, visit: https://legislature.vermont.gov/reports-and-research/research/reapportionment/

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(And yes, Emilie, according to Merriam-Webster, stolid is a word: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stolid)

To read Governor Phil Scott's 2022 State of the State Address: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-2022-state-state-address

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This landmark case stated that funding public schools through town-by-town property taxes created inequalities for students. This, said the court, was unconstitutional. The Brigham decision sparked the passage of Act 60 and an overhaul of how the state funded public schools.

As we end 2021 and prepare for the new Legislative Session, Olga and Emilie read the Brigham decision and reflect on how it has shaped Vermont.

To read the decision: https://law.justia.com/cases/vermont/supreme-court/1997/96-502op.html

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For a copy of Kunin's address visit the VT Secretary of State's webpage: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/zl3nshog/kunin1985.pdf

To read S.1 (Act 1) in full: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2021.1/S.1

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To follow the Cannabis Control Board's work, read their reports, or submit public comment visit the board's page: https://ccb.vermont.gov

Videos of the board's meetings available at ORCA Media's website: https://www.orcamedia.net/series/cannabis-control-board

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To read the survey Cary and Al reference: https://women.vermont.gov/covid19

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Find more information at the JFO's website: https://ljfo.vermont.gov/committees-and-studies/task-force-on-the-implementation-of-the-pupil-weighting-factors

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The rural Economic Development Working Group (REDWnG) of the Vermont House of Representatives is hosting a public hearing on Nov. 2. Member Rep. Charles Kimbell (D-Woodstock) joins the conversation this week to share what issues the caucus has been working on and provide information on how to participate in the Nov. 2 hearing. 

Register for the online hearing at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vermont-rural-economic-development-public-hearing-tickets-187886923847?fbclid=IwAR3T6YsMYgw2dWDrPIpgMRVroNqUO4qCu7QSBu8KIGP_KJGV18rpwfjhYao

Charlie Kimbell's website: http://www.charliekimbell.com

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RESOURCES:

The Windham Regional Commission (WRC): http://www.windhamregional.org

Information and dates for the WRC's three-part housing webinar: http://www.windhamregional.org/news/save-the-date-housing-webinar

The Vermont League of Cities and Town's ARPA page: https://www.vlct.org/resources/american-rescue-plan-information

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RESOURCES:

Pablo Bose's webpage at UVM and links to his research: https://www.uvm.edu/cas/geography/profiles/pablo-bose

The Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC): https://www.ecdcus.org

For more than a year, Emilie and Olga have discussed COVID, how it has highlighted cracks our systems, and our dreams for society post-COVID.

The ongoing pandemic has shown many of us that how we spend our 9-to-5 (or much more) isn't well, working. This conversation was inspired in part by an essay by Jonathan Malesic that appeared in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/09/23/opinion/covid-return-to-work-rto.html

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Now that the state of emergency has ended - but the pandemic has not - what does this mean for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness? Jessica Radbord and Mairead C. O'Reilly from Vermont Legal Aid, and Josh Davis from Groundworks join this week's episode. 

For more information:

Groundworks Collaborative: https://groundworksvt.org

Vermont Legal Aid - https://www.vtlegalaid.org

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Vermont's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has received praise. But, we have more to learn. Anne N. Sosin, policy fellow with the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College, shares her insight on where Vermont's public health approach compares with other states. 

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Here's a sample of what we're talking about: leading hybrid public hearings, overhauling the unemployment system, and US Senator Bernie Sanders visiting Brattleboro for Labor Day. 

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Listen to 'A reading of the Vermont Constitution, part 1' (S3:Ep35) to hear beginning of the document: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/a-reading-of-the-vermont-constitution-part-1

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We hope you enjoy listening to beginning chapters of this governing document. In the short time it took us to record this episode, we certainly learned new things about the state we call home. 

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When it comes to the grid, no community is an island. John Woodward joins this week's show to dig into the equity and governance issues involved in shifting the grid to renewable power. 

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This week, Benjamin D. Frost of the New Hampshire Finance Authority (NHHFA) joins the conversation. 

New Hampshire Finance Authority (NHHFA): https://www.nhhfa.org

CNT's Housing & Transportation Affordability Index: https://www.cnt.org/tools/housing-and-transportation-affordability-index

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The Vermont Climate Council: https://aoa.vermont.gov/content/vermont-climate-council

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Vermont Agency of Digital Services: https://digitalservices.vermont.gov

Scott Woodward: https://www.forestandwater.com

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Julia Brothers of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs shares her insight on what makes an electoral system healthy — starting with transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. "Elections are not just a day. It's a long process," she tells us. "We're all democratic activists."

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

The National Democratic Institute (NDI): https://www.ndi.org

Vermont's Secretary of State Office Elections Division and Voter Information: https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/

According to senators, this bill had broad community support and was drafted based on three years of testimony. So, what is the way forward for improving short and long-term rentals in Vermont's tight rental market?

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A series of court cases, however, seek to open the path for public dollars to fund private religious schools or programming. Derek W. Black, author and professor of law at South Carolina School of Law, dives into what the court cases mean for Vermont. 

Derek W. Black's website: https://www.derekwblack.com/about

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Catch up on some of our previous shows about education funding in Vermont:

S1:E42 - Education spending and competing values: Part 1

S1:E43 - Education spending and competing values: Part 2

S2:E8 - Weighting on the wrong things in education funding

UPDATE: The Vermont House and Senate overrode Governor Phil Scott's vetos of Winooski and Montpelier's charter changes. Noncitizen voting in local elections is now legal in the two cities.

PREVIOUS EPISODES ON THIS TOPIC:

S1 E29: Hello responsibility! Goodbye authority - an interview with Brattleboro Town Manager Peter Elwell about the pull between local control and state authority.

S3 E19: Voting rights for 16 & 17 year olds and Town Charters - a discussion with Rep. Emilie Kornheiser about the effort to pass a charter change in Brattleboro to allow people 16 & 17 to vote in local elections.

For more information about the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT): https://www.vlct.org

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Cannabis Control Board's website: https://ccb.vermont.gov

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Vermont's Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher updates Emilie and Olga on what's happening with the state's health care market. Rep. Emilie dives into the latest federal stimulus money and how it could help people pay their premiums.

Meanwhile, Olga - whose insurance will be impacted by these changes - pays VERY close attention. 

Curious for more?

Anyone in Vermont with questions, concerns, or who needs help with health care issues can reach out to the Office of the Health Care Advocate. All questions welcomed.

Contact information:

Office of the Health Care Advocate - Vermont Legal Aid

Helpline – 800.917.7787

www.vtlawhelp.org/health

As part of its rate review process, the Green Mountain Care Board is taking public comment.

To learn more or submit a comment visit: https://ratereview.vermont.gov/public_comment

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What policies, investments, and strategies does Vermont need to build stronger communities? More importantly, how can it create communities, and an economy, that is just and sustainable for all of us?

To learn more or register for the summit, visit: https://www.futureofvermont.org

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Yet, taxes also pay things we like: libraries, schools, roads, trash collection, and are a valuable tool for fixing income inequality. Today, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, vice-chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, breaks down some of the significant federal tax changes and what they mean for Vermonters. 

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You can also listen to the previous interviews with Brattleboro Town Manager Peter Elwell on local governance and The Pupil Weighting Study with UVM Researcher Tammy Kolbe that Olga and Emilie reference.

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After much deliberation in the House, S.53 also includes an update on corporate income tax, removes an exemption for cloud services and products, and removes the tax on military retirements. Lawmakers and press alike have had strong reactions to these revisions. 

On today's show we discuss the term "Christmas tree" and creating a progressive tax code. 

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Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker

Unpopular or not, the pension system remains underfunded. A problem that still needs fixing. So. What now? Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas joins the show. 

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Rep. Laura Sibilia joins today's show to talk about new legislation that seeks to accelerate the roll out of Community Union Districts and their potential role in connecting that last, elusive mile. 

*An apology to listeners - In true Vermont broadband style, we experienced a few issues during recording. So, the audio is whacky in a few places. Thanks for your patience.

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Yet, land sovereignty may not mean the same thing to all of us. Rich Holschuh of Atowi and liaison for the Elnu Abenaki discusses the issue from an indigenous perspective. 

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Matt Cota joins today's conversation. Cota's grandparents founded Cota & Cota which specializes in home heating, cooling, and plumbing services. He is also the Executive Director of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association (VFDA).

A portion of our conversation included finding jobs and apprenticeships in Vermont's energy sector. Cota wants folks to know that anyone interesting in learning more about job or training opportunities can find information at the VDFA website: vermontfuel.com.

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Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker

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To listen to a previous episode on Burlington's Neighborhood Planning Assemblies, click here

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Seniors, their families, or adults with disabilities seeking information or resources are encouraged to call the Senior Helpline: (800) 642-5119.

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So, what does Vermont need to do to address long-term inequities? How can the state ensure communities recover stronger, and not just return to "business as usual?"

Stephanie Yu, deputy director of the Public Assets Institute, returns to the show to update listeners on the health of the Vermont economy.

Read the 2020 Working Vermont Report

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Vermont's Tax Commission has presented its [draft] report to the Legislature with several recommendations to change the whole system. Commission member Deb Brighton joins the show.

Read the report here.

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A note to listeners: sorry we had some techie sound issues. We hope to have them fixed soon.

Karen Tronsgard-Scott of the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and Shari of the Women's Freedom Center join the show. 

Watch the video

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Windham County Senator Jeanette White joins the first half of the show to share her insights. After the break, Journalist John Walters discusses what issues he is watching. 

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And yet... the year may be new, but the challenges spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic continue. Join Olga and Emilie as they discuss the Legislature opening a new biennium.

What challenges, new legislation, and opportunities lie ahead? 

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Today Emilie and Olga speak with Speaker-elect Rep. Jill Krowinski and House Majority Leader Rep. Emily Long about what they foresee (as much as anyone can) for 2021.

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In this episode, Michael outlines Burlington's Neighborhood Planning Assemblies (NPA). What are they? How can they help increase participation? 

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Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker

Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker

Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker