Week 4 Legislative Update

​FY21 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
This week the Vermont House approved a mid-year technical adjustment to keep the state’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget in balance.  H.138 passed with strong support and included investments to support the Legislature’s continuing response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Some funding highlights include:

• Coronavirus Relief Funds for emergency food, hotel-housing for the homeless, and rental assistance
• Support to the Vermont State Colleges for additional expenses related to COVID-19

• Continuation of the Everyone Eats program through June 2021, providing healthy meals prepared by restaurants to food-insecure Vermonters
• Funding for technical assistance to implement the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2020
• Completion of broadband extension projects
• Partial relocation costs for Burlington High School
• BAA allowed us to authorize “extraordinary relief” for the stabilization of long-term care facilities and adult day programs. 

Although the 6 days available to craft the BAA did not allow time for policies to be crafted related to additional economic recovery grants, this work is continuing through the Senate BAA work and in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.  We understand the urgency for continued assistance to our businesses, especially those unable to access previous grants.
 
FY22 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS
Now the work turns to the FY22 Budget. Each year Vermonters are invited to weigh in on the Governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 budget about the state programs and services they care about. This year those hearings will take place via videoconference on Monday, Feb. 8, from 1-2 pm and 6-7pm. These meetings are hosted by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
To testify, please register in advance (no later than Feb. 5) through the online form: https://legislature.vermont.gov/links/public-hearing-fy22-budget

There may be time limits on testimony, depending on the volume of participants—expect a time range of 2–3 minutes.
To view the Governor’s FY 2022 recommended state budget: https://finance.vermont.gov/budget/budget-recommendations/operating-budget/fy2022
The public hearings will be available to watch live on YouTube. More information is located here: https://bit.ly/3ozQ4N5
For more information about the format of these events, contact Theresa Utton-Jerman at tutton@leg.state.vt.us or Chrissy Gilhuly at cgilhuly@leg.state.vt.us or call 802-828-2295 or toll-free within Vermont at 1-800-322-5616 (responses to phone calls may be delayed).
Written testimony can be submitted electronically to Theresa or Chrissy through e-mail or mailed to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, c/o Joint Fiscal Office, 115 State Street, Montpelier, VT, 05633.
ESSEX RELATED EVENTS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTS
TOWN OF ESSEX BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS and TOWN MEETING DAY
The Town of Essex will hold two public hearings – Monday Feb. 1 and Tuesday Feb. 16 – on the proposed Town of Essex budget. Remember if you live in the Village of Essex Junction you are also a resident of the Town of Essex and have a voice in this budget. Please visit the Town of Essex website Essexvt.org for the meeting link and more information.
Town Meeting will occur online this year with an information only meeting Monday March 1st at 7:30pm. In order to keep Vermonters safe, voting on the budget and other articles, including the question of merger, will occur via mailed ballots. In person voting will also be available on Tuesday March 2nd. More details will be available on the Town of Essex website: Essexvt.org
ESSEX DELEGATION COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Your voice is vital to our work in Montpelier. Each month your Essex Delegation hosts online "Community Conversations" to hear your priorities and thoughts as well as provide updates on bills, committees, and more in a spirit of open, respectful dialogue. Our next online conversation is Sunday February 7th at 2pm.
A Zoom link will be provided ahead of each virtual event, accessible on Front Porch Forum, and Facebook. Please contact me if you would like the zoom link via email.
FREE EWSD WEEKEND MEAL PICK UP EACH FRIDAY
Every Friday EWSD will offer free meals for all children 18 and younger. This service will be available from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Essex High School guidance lobby (to the right of the main entrance). Please wear a mask and practice social distancing. More information can be found at: https://www.ewsd.org/Page/294
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please continue wearing masks, washing hands and practicing physical distancing. If you or someone you know needs help during this difficult time, please reach out to Representative Dolan or I and we will do our best to connect you with appropriate services.
Contact us at lhoughton@leg.state.vt.us or KNDolan@leg.state.vt.us.
Please be kind to each other and yourself.
Rep. Lori Houghton