Welcome, I am honored to represent Essex Junction but I cannot work for you without hearing from you. Please contact me for assistance, questions or discussion. I look forward to hearing from you.  houghton.lori@gmail.com or 802-373-0599 ​

Community Conversations
Please join your Essex Westford House delegation during the legislative session for "Community Conversations," a monthly online forum for updates on bills, committees, caucus activities, and more. We welcome your concerns, questions and a spirit of open, respectful dialogue. A Zoom link will be provided ahead of each virtual event, accessible on Front Porch Forum, Facebook & via email.

January 23rd, 2022 2pm to 3:30pm
February 17th, 2022 7pm to 8:30pm
March 19th, 2022 9am to 10:30am
April 13th, 2022 7pm to 8:30pm
May 15th, 2022 2pm to 3:30pm
June 11th, 2022 9am to 10:30am

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A historic vote happened last night in Essex Junction. We have had many votes on this topic in the past, but this one felt different, and it was. Nearly 45% of registered Essex Junction voters made their voice heard and a resounding 88% voted yes to an independent City of Essex Junction. Thank you voters! 

We also want to thank everyone involved in getting us to this day. The countless hours the staff and the Trustees dedicated to working through options, listening to public input and ensuring the final decisions were clearly articulated to residents. All the residents who attended meeting after meeting because they wanted a say in the outcome. Our Village Our Voices leaders were instrumental in communicating factual information and coordinating dozens of volunteers to get out the vote.The volunteers walked the streets in the sun and the rain, answered questions and helped some register to vote. We thank each and every one of you.

Now our attention turns to January. We have always agreed to bring the will of the voters to Montpelier - we have heard you loud and clear - and will do our best to ensure all legislators hear you. We will keep the community updated on progress and how those who wish to be engaged can be.

For now, enjoy your fall and holidays and stay safe.
We are proud to call all of you our neighbors and Essex Junction our home.
Rep. Karen Dolan and Rep. Lori Houghton

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We see the presence of discrimination, bias and structural racism in the foundations of many of our institutions, organizations and programs. It is healthy and courageous to take a hard look at the ways in which "we have done business" that have limited the opportunity of our neighbors who have told us they experience marginalization on a recurring basis.
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As we reside in the second whitest state in the country, we cannot not have blindspots and implicit biases that guide our actions. It is the fair and responsible thing to examine these biases carefully and become humble students again in our learning about how to fashion communities that are more racially and socially equitable for everyone.
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Read our full statement here: ​local-reps-stand-with-ewsd-in-support-of-equity-work.html

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​Last Friday marked the final day of the 2021 Vermont Legislative Session. It's truly an honor to represent our village voices at the State House and it has been extremely rewarding to connect with so many community members about legislation this session. It has also been a pleasure serving alongside Representative Karen Dolan this session. Our priority this year focused on advancing policies that create an equitable COVID recovery plan to rebuild the economy across Vermont and help our families and communities thrive. 

Our Joint End of Session Report provides an update on many of the key bills passed in 2021. You can read the report here.

Please be in touch with me if you have any questions or to discuss issues. Additionally, Rep. Dolan and I are inviting Village community members to join us for an End of Session Cookie Chat on Sunday, June 6th from 3-4:30pm. We will have hard copies of our report on hand and look forward to catching up and answering any questions. We are looking forward to the chance to see folks in person! See the full details here:

Although the session is over, please reach out any time. I will continue to send out updates during the off-session but less frequently.

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 We know we are not alone in our disappointment with the outcome of the merger vote. We also know we are not alone in our heartfelt gratitude for the work of our municipal leaders and community members who gave so much of their personal time to the effort of bringing our communities together. We appreciate the level of civil dialogue and engagement in the Village. ​
Read our full response here:
​​mergerseparation-vote-response.html

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How will I keep you informed
To keep our residents up to date on all that is happening in Montpelier, I will be updating this website as often as possible. I will also alternate weekly updates on Front Porch Forum with Rep. Karen Dolan and the Essex Westford Delegation will be providing legislative updates via the Essex Reporter. Additionally, I will continue holding monthly community conversations with the Essex Westford State Representations.  The schedule can be found above.  Of course, you can always reach out to me directly at 802.373.0599 or lhoughton@leg.state.vt.us

www.frontporchforum.com
www.facebook.com/Lori-Houghton-611261639037383/