Legislative Update

We are heading into crossover at the State House — the mid-session deadline for bills to leave either the House or Senate. The education committees have been given additional time this year because of the scope and complexity of their work.
I was recently asked why we haven’t moved as many bills by this session as in previous years. I don’t track the number of bills closely enough to know whether that’s entirely true, but I do know that the issues we are working on this year are particularly challenging. Many of the questions before us —the rising cost of living, the pressure of property taxes, the ongoing housing shortage, the need to strengthen our workforce and support local businesses, and countering federal action— are complex and interconnected. Getting them right requires careful work, collaboration, and thoughtful debate rather than rushing bills through the process. 
Please feel free to reach out to your House Essex Representative (contact info below) anytime with questions, comments or needs for assistance. We are all proud to serve Essex and remain committed to bringing the voices and values of our city to the statehouse. 
EDUCATION UPDATE
The House Education Committee has heard extensive testimony from Vermont superintendents, principals, and other stakeholders as it works to implement Act 73 while considering recommendations from the Commission on the Future of Public Education, the Redistricting Task Force and public input. The committee is evaluating new district boundaries, the potential use of cooperative shared service areas to reduce costs, and whether the new structure should include supervisory unions, unified districts, or a combination of both. The goals of Act 73 remain clear: fewer districts, minimum class sizes, and a more streamlined system that supports students while slowing the rise in property taxes. This work is especially important as Vermont’s K–12 enrollment has declined significantly over recent decades while education spending has continued to increase. We are keeping our kids' needs front and center as we debate and decide the path forward.

FISCAL MATTERS
The House Ways and Means Committee is focused on addressing the fiscal challenges facing Vermonters, including property-tax pressures, education funding, fewer federal resources and maintaining a fair revenue system that supports essential services while improving affordability and accountability for taxpayers. 

The committee is currently working to set the annual “yield” or education property tax. The legislature determines the full sum needed once local school budgets are voted on. We know property taxes remain a significant concern for many Vermonters and we are committed to doing everything we can to stabilize and lower Vermonters’ property tax bills this year while maintaining essential public services and quality, public-education opportunities for our kids. 
We are also continuing work begun last year to make the system fairer. This includes creating Regional Assessment Districts (RADS) and the design of a tax on second homes. RADs will allow towns in a region to work together to ensure that we have a consistent appraisal cycle. This ensures that property taxes are spread fairly across the state and that there are fewer swings in individual taxpayers’ bills from year to year. A different (and higher) property tax rate on second homes will support our public schools while reducing property taxes on homesteads, businesses, apartments, and seasonal camps.
Tax Credits and Free Filing Assistance:
Last year, lawmakers expanded Vermont's Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which offers tax credits up to $400 for low-wage earners, and up to $1000/child under 7.
Vermonters may be eligible for a credit on property taxes when filing your homestead declaration.
Vermont has volunteer tax preparers all over the state, ready to assist. Go to TaxCreditsVT.org for more information about Vermont's anti-poverty tax credits and how to file for them.

YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR COMMUNITY CONVERSATION SERIES
Your Essex House delegation is excited to invite you to our community conversations, a
monthly forum for updates on bills, committee work, and caucus activities. These events are designed to provide an open, respectful space for questions, concerns, and dialogue. 
SAVE-THE-DATES
Saturday, March 14th 9-10:30am via Zoom (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83338563800)
Saturday, April 11th 9-10:30am at Essex Town Office
Saturday, May 16th 11am-12:30pm at Essex Teen Center

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our community. Have a wonderful week.

Best,
Lori Houghton

Essex House Delegation

Rep. Karen Dolan, Chittenden 22 [email protected]
Rep. Lori Houghton, Chittenden 22, [email protected]
Rep. Leonora Dodge, Chittenden 23, [email protected]
Rep. Rey Garofano, Chittenden 23, [email protected]
Rep. Alyssa Black, Chittenden 24, [email protected]

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