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
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