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COVID case counts are at record highs and childcare centers, hospitals, schools, and many others are working tirelessly to keep Vermonters safe. Please continue to be kind to each other and establish your own self-care techniques. If you are sick, please stay home. I encourage Vermonters who are not vaccinated to please talk with your provider.
The 2022 legislative session is underway and all committees and floor action have live streaming and are recorded for later viewing on YouTube. Agendas and streaming links are available on all committee pages at https://legislature.vermont.gov/ I know this continues to be a difficult time. Please reach out to me or Rep. Dolan with questions, concerns, and ideas. Contact information: Rep. Lori Houghton (lhoughton@leg.state.vt.us) and Rep. Karen Dolan (kndolan@leg.state.vt.us). ESSEX INDEPENDENCE UPDATE H.491 an act relating to the creation of the City of Essex Junction was introduced and assigned to the House Government Operations committee on Friday. This committee has a full plate right now with redistricting. Rep. Dolan and I will let the community know when testimony is scheduled. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE We began week 1 of the legislative session at a runner’s pace (a fast runner!) sending S. 172 an act relating to authorizing alternative procedures for 2022 annual municipal meetings in response to COVID-19 to the Governor. Policy committees began taking testimony on the Governor’s budget adjustment. This is the FY2022 mid-year budget adjustment of existing programs - an opportunity to attend to urgent needs that cannot wait for the next year’s budget. HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE UPDATE Two items of note in the Health Care Committee’s purview related to budget adjustment are 1) an increase for recruitment and retention purposes within the Department of Mental Health and 2) an increase to support Medicaid reimbursements for Primary Care Providers. While we support the increases for Department of Mental Health front line workers, we were frustrated that the administration did not also provide for recruitment and retention bonuses for the 5,000+ workers in our Designated and Specialist Services Agencies, think Howard Center, school-based clinicians and Pathways as three examples. Our committee heard testimony on a proposal that would provide the same retention bonuses to this group of front line workers. We are supportive of both packages. During our discussion there was broad agreement that this is only a small step. We must find a funding mechanism to ensure the sustainability of our mental health system. I’ve heard from many who all say, “I have never seen it this bad.” We have not yet taken a vote on the increase to support Medicaid reimbursements; however, I believe this increase is vital to support our providers. Our committee also joined with the Senate Health and Welfare committee in hearing testimony on Act 6 of 2020 which extended COVID-19 emergency provisions related to telehealth and extended health care regulatory flexibility during COVD-19 through March 2022. We know there is a strong need to continue most of the provisions, especially ensuring Vermonters maintain access to their telehealth providers. We will continue this testimony this coming week as we must act fast to maintain continuity for Vermonters and our health care system. AFFORDABLE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM Recently Congress created the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, a $14 billion program, which replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. This investment in broadband affordability will help people get the internet connections they need for work, school, health care and much more. The program provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service and connected devices. This program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward the internet for eligible households and up to $75 per month for homes on qualifying Tribal lands. Learn if you qualify for the program and how to apply here: ACPBenefit.org AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN INVESTMENTS Join VT Council on Rural Development January 14th at 10:30AM for an online workshop designed to help interested Vermonters understand the different parameters for spending ARPA funds. The workshop will include a conversation with local leaders of The Vermont League of Cities & Towns, as well as tips on how to most effectively work with other community members, potential partners, and the municipality to achieve desired outcomes. To register and learn more visit https://www.vtrural.org/leadership/workshops ESSEX DELEGATION COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Please join us during the legislative session for monthly updates on bills, committee work, caucus activities and more. We welcome your concerns, questions, and a spirit of open, respectful dialogue. Our next conversation will be Sunday January 23rd from 2 to 3:30pm. A zoom link will be accessible on Front Porch Forum, Facebook and via email a few days before the date. Be Well, Lori
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I’m a morning person. Waking before the sun comes up to cherish a few precious moments of calm. I spend time with all the anxious thoughts one has during these troubled times, but then I try to spend time with just the silence around me. Try is the key word. Some days it works, some days not so much. But this morning routine, to just be in the moment, energizes me for the day ahead. I hope you each have a special way to energize yourself, to take care of yourself, as we move forward in both uncertainty and with opportunity.
As always please reach out to myself or Rep. Dolan on any issues. Rep. Lori Houghton (lhoughton@leg.state.vt.us) or Rep. Karen Dolan (kndolan@leg.state.vt.us). VERMONT HEALTH CONNECT OPEN ENROLLMENT – FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE! Increased subsidies for health insurance through Vermont Health Connect may save enrollees real dollars on their premiums. Vermonters in single plans may now qualify for tax credits with incomes up to $105,771 in 2022. Vermonters in family plans may qualify with incomes up to $297,216 in 2022. If you purchase health insurance direct from BCBS or MVP or Vermont Health Connect or currently do not have health insurance, I encourage you to contact them to see if you qualify. This year, an extension will also allow Vermonters to sign up between December 16, 2021 - January 15, 2022 for insurance that begins Feb 1, 2022. For more information visit the link below or call 1-855-899-9600 https://portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/VTHBELand/welcome.action PUBLIC HEARING ON THE GOVERNOR’S RECOMMENDED FY2022 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT The Vermont House Committee on Appropriations will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in Room 24 of the State House (limited seating) and via videoconference (preferred). The Governor’s recommended budget adjustment can be found at this link: https://ljfo.vermont.gov/subjects/appropriations-and-budget/fy-2022 Anyone interested in testifying should sign up in advance of the hearing through the following online form no later than noon on January 5th, 2022: https://legislature.vermont.gov/links/fy22-budget-adjustment-hearing Instructions on how to access and participate in the hearing will be sent once you have signed up for the hearing. Written testimony is encouraged and can be submitted electronically to Theresa through e-mail tutton@leg.state.vt.us or mailed to the House Committee on Appropriations, c/o Theresa Utton-Jerman, 133 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633. The public hearings will be available to watch live on YouTube at the following link: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/streaming/house-appropriations FOOD RESOURCES If your family could use some help getting food right now, please click the link below to get information about food programs, and who to call if you have questions. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/586e858220099e929f5eca70/t/61b11df1ba795a1940ba5911/1638997490059/2021_StretchYourBudget_12-8-21-ForWeb.pdf HOMEOWNER’S ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Homeowner Assistance Program will use $50 million of funds granted under the American Rescue Plan Act to help Vermont’s homeowners pay for past due mortgages, utilities, property taxes, and homeowner association fees. VHFA has been working diligently with the federal government and local partners to build this program. The hope is to have approval to roll out in January. Until then, please visit this link: https://vermonthap.vhfa.org/ to see if you will qualify for assistance and to register to be notified once the program opens. This program is designed to provide one-time assistance. Those seeking assistance can also discuss their options prior to applying with a state HUD-approved housing counselor; listing found here: https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=VT#searchArea LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMITTEE/TASK FORCE ON YOUTUBE If you are interested in following any of the off-session legislative committee meetings, you can easily do so through the link below. Remember that because we end the livestream during breaks and start a new one, most meetings have multiple videos to them. These are indicated with a “-01, -02, -03” at the end of the file name. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQXkUCDAVlCkzSdNeipFDkA/playlists ESSEX DELEGATION COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Please join us during the legislative session for monthly updates on bills, committee work, caucus actvities and more. We welcome your concerns, questions and a spirit of open, respectful dialogue. Our next conversation will be Sunday January 23rd from 2 to 3:30pm. A zoom link will be accessible on Front Porch Forum, Facebook and via email a few days before the date. Be Well, Lori Yesterday my husband and son trekked up Mount Mansfield. I knew that I did not have the stamina nor grit to make what I knew would be an icy climb so stayed home –saddened to miss the experience with them. Thanks to technology I was able to share in the joy my son experienced upon reaching the top – the pure bliss he shared filled my heart. It’s small moments like this that keep me moving forward in these unsettled times. I hope everyone can find their own small moments throughout the holiday season.
As always please reach out to myself or Rep. Dolan on any issues. Rep. Lori Houghton (lhoughton@leg.state.vt.us) or Rep. Karen Dolan (kndolan@leg.state.vt.us). VERMONT HEALTH CONNECT OPEN ENROLLMENT – FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE! Have you heard of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021? This new law gives more financial help to people who buy their own health insurance. To get financial help, they must sign up through their state's health insurance marketplace. If you buy direct from a carrier you will need to move to Vermont Health Connect to receive the assistance. The carriers are available to assist with this move. Vermonters in single plans may now qualify for tax credits with incomes up to $105,771 in 2022. Vermonters in family plans may qualify with incomes up to $297,216 in 2022. From November 1 - December 15, 2021, Vermonters can sign up for health and dental insurance that begins January 1, 2022. This year, an extension will also allow Vermonters to sign up between December 16, 2021 - January 15, 2022 for insurance that begins Feb 1, 2022. For more information visit the link below or call 1-855-899-9600 https://portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/VTHBELand/welcome.action HEALTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AT UVM HEALTH NETWORK The University of Vermont Health Network has developed strong financial assistance policies, providing free and reduced cost care for thousands of patients who are un- and under-insured each year. Recognizing these policies do not cover outpatient prescription drug costs, the Network has come together to launch an additional benefit, the Health Assistance Program, that provides patients who are low- and middle-income prescription medications at no cost, even if they have insurance. Patients can also get assistance with eyeglasses, medical equipment, support in enrolling in state and federal programs, and advocacy and support with obtaining other health care resources. To find out more call 888-739-5183 or visit https://www.uvmhealth.org/health-wellness/health-assistance-program VERMONT NATIONAL GUARD ENCOURAGES BURN PIT REGISTRATION The Vermont National Guard seeks to increase participation in the VA Airborne Hazards and Open Air Burn Pit Registry. Any veteran who qualifies should contact the Vermont National Guard Veteran Outreach Specialist within their respective county by calling 888-607-8773. ‘“Burn-pits” are open air burn sites, most in Southwest Asia, where all manner of trash is incinerated on both large and small military bases,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont adjutant general. “In an effort to increase awareness about the possible risks associated with burn pits, we worked closely with the Vermont Legislature to pass a bill that requires medical providers to educate patients on the risks, as well as to increase participation in the burn pit registry located on the VA website.” Veterans and Service members who have deployed to the Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990 as well as those who have deployed to Afghanistan or Djibouti after September 2001 qualify to register. LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMITTEE/TASK FORCE ON YOUTUBE If you are interested in following any of the off-session legislative committee meetings, you can easily do so through the link below. Remember that because we end the livestream during breaks and start a new one, most meetings have multiple videos to them. These are indicated with a “-01, -02, -03” at the end of the file name. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQXkUCDAVlCkzSdNeipFDkA/playlists Be Well, Lori Happy Friday! Hope everyone has been enjoying their fall while staying healthy and safe. I hope these weekly updates from Rep. Dolan and I continue to be helpful. As always please reach out to myself or Rep. Dolan on any issues. Rep. Lori Houghton (lhoughton@leg.state.vt.us) or Rep. Karen Dolan (kndolan@leg.state.vt.us). ESSEX JUNCTION INDEPENDENCE – VOTE NOV 2 We have what I believe is the most important vote of the Village's recent history this fall. This vote asks whether or not to adopt a new charter for the City of Essex Junction. A yes vote will make our municipality independent from the Town of Essex. A no vote will maintain the status quo. For long standing community members you may be asking, why another vote? For new community members you may be asking, what does this mean? You will find answers to your questions at https://www.ourvillageourvoices.org and https://www.essexjunction.org/independence. I encourage everyone to be an informed voter. Ballots have been mailed to all active registered voters and can be returned at the 81 Main St Ballot box or through the mail. Please remember, mail continues to be slow, so I encourage everyone to mail in the next couple days or place in the 81 Main St ballot box to ensure your vote is counted. Polls will also be open November 2nd at the Essex High School. If you need to register to vote you can do so online at https://olvr.vermont.gov/ or at the polling location November 2nd. Rep. Dolan and I express our perspective in this blog post: http://www.lorihoughton.com/legislative-updates/our-perspective-on-upcoming-essex-junction-vote INVITATION FOR VERMONTERS LIVING IN CHITTENDEN CO. Come share your priorities for how to spend record investments that will transform our Green Mountain State. Thursday, November 4, 5:30-6:30 pm via Zoom Thanks to federal stimulus funds, a surge in state revenues, and more potential federal funds on the way, the Vermont Legislature is positioned to make historic investments in Vermont's pandemic recovery, address critical infrastructure needs, support Vermonters' health and well-being, and strengthen Vermont's communities, businesses, environment, and climate. Tell us what's important to you! Pre-register for the Chittenden County session here: https://bit.ly/3nivp1q If you can't make it, complete this online survey to share your input before Nov. 19th: https://bit.ly/3vzvHoi If you'd like to help set up an intentional conversation with a community or group not typically heard in the legislative process, please reach out to cwesley@leg.state.vt.us and ckennedy@leg.state.vt.us VERMONT HEALTH CONNECT OPEN ENROLLMENT – FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE! Have you heard of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021? This new law gives more financial help to people who buy their own health insurance. To get financial help, they must sign up through their state's health insurance marketplace. If you buy direct from a carrier you will need to move to Vermont Health Connect to receive the assistance. The carriers are available to assist with this move. Vermonters in single plans may now qualify for tax credits with incomes up to $105,771 in 2022. Vermonters in family plans may qualify with incomes up to $297,216 in 2022. From November 1 - December 15, 2021, Vermonters can sign up for health and dental insurance that begins January 1, 2022. This year, an extension will also allow Vermonters to sign up between December 16, 2021 - January 15, 2022 for insurance that begins Feb 1, 2022. For more information visit the link below or call 1-855-899-9600 https://portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/VTHBELand/welcome.action MEALS ON WHEELS SEEKING VOLUNTERS Age Well is seeking Meals on Wheels Volunteers for Essex! Meals on Wheels provides so much more than a nutritious meal. The moment you knock on that door, you make a connection. It might be a quick hello or a conversation, but the impact lasts a lifetime. Not just for those receiving the meal, but for you, too. Time commitment is based on your availability--it can vary from one day a week to two days per month (weekdays only). Meals are delivered every weekday morning; a delivery route is typically 2 hours. For more information, please contact the Age Well volunteer team: Email: volunteer@agewellvt.org Phone: 802-662-5249 COMMUNITY HOUSING FORUM – OCTOBER 27TH Join your Essex/Westford State Representatives as we connect with housing leaders to learn about affordable housing initiatives happening at the state and local level. We will explore the gaps and opportunities our communities are facing to create housing that is truly accessible and affordable for all. Bring your thoughts and questions to the forum as we gear up for our next legislative session. We look forward to seeing you there in person or virtually. Registration is now open. Visit this link for more information and please help us spread the word about this upcoming community event: https://tinyurl.com/y86sbc4j Be Well, Lori Ballots are now landing in Village mailboxes and community members are poised to cast a historic vote for Essex Junction. As your state representatives our role is to carry the will of the voters through the legislative process. We are committed to that role and urge residents to use their vote as their voice. We know many are tired of this conversation, but this is not the time to sit out. We all need to vote on and decide this issue once and for all.
Many may remember our expressed disappointment in April with the outcome of the merger vote. After years of collaboration between the Trustees and Selectboard and with a 12 year transition plan leading to equal taxation and representation, regrettably, the merger failed. In April, we urged community members to support and listen to each other while holding our Village values close and supporting the work of our community as we evaluated a move towards a new Village charter as a standalone community. We, as Villagers, are now at an important decision point, probably our most important decision as a community. Over the past 6 months, the Trustees undertook a transparent process with many opportunities for community input as they navigated the creation of a new charter and a transition plan. They worked as closely as possible with the Town of Essex Selectboard to ensure our entire community's concerns were taken into consideration. We are thankful for their work and leadership, as well as, the work of municipal staff and the volunteers from Our Village, Our Voices. Along with our role as your state representatives, we also live, work and play in Essex Junction and have our own opinions on independence. We want to share why we are voting yes to a new charter creating the City of Essex Junction. "Collaboration, community, and connection are core values that I work from each day. I believed in merger and saw the potential our combined community could hold. Unfortunately, the votes didn't support this vision and it's time to establish a new future. The creation of the City of Essex Junction allows the village to take bold steps in a new direction while remaining on a familiar path of municipal governance. We can now build on our solid foundation as a thriving village and become an independent city ready to foster collaboration, community and connection for our own initiatives and neighborhoods." - Karen "As a Trustee I worked tirelessly to bring our communities together. Although I supported the merger with the Town of Essex, I am now firmly behind our path to creating the City of Essex Junction to ensure a vibrant sustainable community. We know how to run a municipality. We've been doing it since 1892, successfully. With a yes vote on November 2nd and passage by the legislature we can once again focus our attention and all our tax dollars on what we want our community to be now and in the future. For me that is focusing on walkability, traffic calming, economic and infrastructure opportunity and the well-being of all our neighbors." Lori Ballots are in the mail to all active registered voters. You can return via mail, drop at the Town Offices at 81 Main Street, or bring to the Essex High School polling location on November 2nd from 7am to 7pm. If you are not registered to vote or did not receive a ballot, you may contact the Town Clerk or register and vote at the Essex High School polling location on November 2nd. We understand that this vote can raise many questions, emotions and thoughts for the future. While we are solidly grounded in our support for this charter change, we understand that lingering questions may remain. Please check out the resources below or feel free to reach out to us with questions. Our Village, Our Voices: https://www.ourvillageourvoices.org/ Essex Junction Municipal Site: https://www.essexjunction.org/ Vermont Secretary of State Voter Registration Information: https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/registration/ Please vote. We are proud to call all of you our neighbors and Essex Junction our home. Rep. Karen Dolan and Rep. Lori Houghton |