We need experienced leaders to review data, listen to experts and make the hard political decisions that will move our state forward and ensure everyone can afford to stay and thrive here. I've been engaged in this work and look forward to being elected to continue the work next legislative session.
Housing and Healthcare
Two fundamental rights for our society. The cost of health insurance and housing are the biggest challenges faced by many Vermonters and both impact decisions we make every day. As Chair of the House Healthcare committee, I am active in the move away from fee-for-service to a value-based payment system where our doctors and hospitals are paid to keep us healthy, as well as the continued fight for parity for physical and mental health. I support prioritizing funding to ensure every Vermonter that needs treatment for substance use disorder and mental health receive that treatment in a way that is timely and best for them. I supported Act 181 that modernizes our Act 250 process in a way that is predictable, transparent, resourced, and will add long range vision, planning and expertise to land use planning across the State. It is an important step forward in our land use modernization efforts across Vermont. Act 181 is the product of thoughtful compromise and strikes the careful balance between encouraging development where we want it most and protecting our wildlife corridors, habitats, and critical resource areas. This legislation is built on intensive study, several key reports, and robust engagement with stakeholders. I will continue to fight to fund programs that create safe and affordable housing for working families and vulnerable seniors and that move to make Vermont free from homelessness.
Vermont's Economy
A strong, healthy economy provides jobs, helps lift people out of poverty and lessens the pressures on our social services system.
I know firsthand the potential devastation a sudden family illness can bring to a family and will continue to push for paid family and medical leave. Supporting paid family and medical leave means working Vermonters will have the security of being able to welcome a new child or care for a sick family member without fear of losing income or being fired. Continuing to raise the minimum wage will help families meet their basic needs, their spending will boost our small businesses, create jobs and help Vermont communities thrive. We must enhance our workforce development by increasing access to training, career and tech education. Our training should meet the needs of our employers to ensure every Vermonter has an opportunity for a rewarding career while also ensuring companies have the trained workforce to compete in today's business environment.
Older Vermonters
Vermont is aging - currently one in five Vermonters is over the age of 60 - and this will have a profound effect on our state. Meeting basic needs, finding affordable and appropriate housing, and avoiding the effects of social isolation are ongoing issues older Vermonters face every day. I supported the legislation creating the Older Vermonters Working Group and am a member of the Older Vermonters Caucus - created to educate legislators on issues affecting our older population. I will fight for programs that allow our older population to age in place while continuing to lead healthy productive lives.
Climate Action
During our spring of pandemic remote learning and working from home, I had the wonderful opportunity to see our backyard and Vermont through my son's budding scientific eyes. We discovered different plant life and bugs; and learned about all the birds that fly among us. We explored Vermont rivers and marshes, taking time to research all we didn't know. I was committed to climate action prior to our experience this spring, but now realize there is no time to waste - for our children's future we must act.
Two fundamental rights for our society. The cost of health insurance and housing are the biggest challenges faced by many Vermonters and both impact decisions we make every day. As Chair of the House Healthcare committee, I am active in the move away from fee-for-service to a value-based payment system where our doctors and hospitals are paid to keep us healthy, as well as the continued fight for parity for physical and mental health. I support prioritizing funding to ensure every Vermonter that needs treatment for substance use disorder and mental health receive that treatment in a way that is timely and best for them. I supported Act 181 that modernizes our Act 250 process in a way that is predictable, transparent, resourced, and will add long range vision, planning and expertise to land use planning across the State. It is an important step forward in our land use modernization efforts across Vermont. Act 181 is the product of thoughtful compromise and strikes the careful balance between encouraging development where we want it most and protecting our wildlife corridors, habitats, and critical resource areas. This legislation is built on intensive study, several key reports, and robust engagement with stakeholders. I will continue to fight to fund programs that create safe and affordable housing for working families and vulnerable seniors and that move to make Vermont free from homelessness.
Vermont's Economy
A strong, healthy economy provides jobs, helps lift people out of poverty and lessens the pressures on our social services system.
I know firsthand the potential devastation a sudden family illness can bring to a family and will continue to push for paid family and medical leave. Supporting paid family and medical leave means working Vermonters will have the security of being able to welcome a new child or care for a sick family member without fear of losing income or being fired. Continuing to raise the minimum wage will help families meet their basic needs, their spending will boost our small businesses, create jobs and help Vermont communities thrive. We must enhance our workforce development by increasing access to training, career and tech education. Our training should meet the needs of our employers to ensure every Vermonter has an opportunity for a rewarding career while also ensuring companies have the trained workforce to compete in today's business environment.
Older Vermonters
Vermont is aging - currently one in five Vermonters is over the age of 60 - and this will have a profound effect on our state. Meeting basic needs, finding affordable and appropriate housing, and avoiding the effects of social isolation are ongoing issues older Vermonters face every day. I supported the legislation creating the Older Vermonters Working Group and am a member of the Older Vermonters Caucus - created to educate legislators on issues affecting our older population. I will fight for programs that allow our older population to age in place while continuing to lead healthy productive lives.
Climate Action
During our spring of pandemic remote learning and working from home, I had the wonderful opportunity to see our backyard and Vermont through my son's budding scientific eyes. We discovered different plant life and bugs; and learned about all the birds that fly among us. We explored Vermont rivers and marshes, taking time to research all we didn't know. I was committed to climate action prior to our experience this spring, but now realize there is no time to waste - for our children's future we must act.