Making a list…checking it twice

By Rep. Jim Harrison

Just like Santa, legislators are busy making a list. The legislative list of issues may be seen as presents to some and to others a lump of coal in the stocking. It all depends on one’s perspective…

The 2022 Vermont legislative session begins on Jan. 4 and unlike last session, the current plan is to meet in person once again at the State House in Montpelier. New protocols are still being established and could change (masking, vaccinations, weekly testing, etc.).

Here is a partial look at the list of key issues:

Covid: Just six months ago it was looking like the pandemic was over and everything was getting back to normal. Unfortunately, that has all changed with the spread of new variants. Prior to Thanksgiving the governor called a special legislative session to allow the adoption of a new law allowing municipalities to adopt townwide indoor mask mandates in public buildings, such as retail stores. With the governor’s reluctance to reinstitute a state of emergency, it is likely some legislators will push for new statewide restrictions in spite of Scott’s objections.

Money: While the state budget is always one of those must-pass items each year, the discussion this year will center around the allocation of new federal dollars from the so-called bi-partisan infrastructure bill and a continuation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) approved early in 2021.

Education fund: With an expected one-time $90 million surplus in the education fund, there will be a discussion as to whether all or part should go to lowering property taxes or set aside for capital improvements or other related expenditures. Education funding formula: A task force has been reviewing changes to how students are counted regarding the state funding formula (non-English students for example). However, more aid for one district can mean less for another, which makes finding consensus difficult.

Pensions: With the growing unfunded liability in our state employees and education pension funds, a special committee was appointed to explore solutions to keeping the funds solvent. Adjusting future benefits, contributions or increasing revenues make finding consensus difficult. Although waiting another year will just exacerbate the situation.

Climate Action: The 23-member climate council has come up with over 230 action steps for Vermont to take to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals contained in legislation passed in 2020 over a gubernatorial veto. For example, the plan calls for increasing the number of electric vehicles to over 160,000 by 2030 from less than 5,000 today.

Reapportionment: Following the U.S. Census every 10 years, the Legislature must realign House and Senate districts to adjust for changes in population. The northwest (Chittenden and Franklin counties) will likely gain seats, while the southern half or northeast part of the state will lose a few seats.

Housing: There is wide agreement that Vermont is experiencing a shortage of housing units at all levels. Many employers have reported difficulty attracting new workers when they can’t find affordable housing. The governor is expected to make this one of his priorities for the session.

Workforce: Vermont has been experiencing a workforce shortage for a while now, in part due to our aging population. However, the issue has been exacerbated during the pandemic, with staffing shortages in virtually every sector from healthcare to hospitality. Attracting more employees to Vermont will demand creative solutions.

Bottle Bill expansion: Following House passage last session, the Senate may take up legislation to add deposits to water, juices, wine, and other beverages, making it one of the most expansive in the country.

Political backdrop

With Congressman Peter Welch running to replace Patrick Leahy in the U.S. Senate, there is much interest in Welch’s current seat in the U.S. House. Vermont Senate leader Becca Balint, D-Windham District and Democrat Lieut. Governor Molly Gray have already announced they are running. As it’s been several years since Vermont had a vacancy in its federal delegation, more candidates are likely. Meanwhile, several names are also now surfacing for lieutenant governor, now that Gray has announced plans for her Congressional run after less than a year in her current office. Be on the watch for further developments and potential impact on Vermont legislation.

I want to wish everyone a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season and a better 2022. My regular updates will resume with the new session beginning in January.

Jim Harrison represents Bridgewater, Chittenden, Killington and Mendon in the state house. He can be reached at: JHarrison@leg.state.vt.us or harrisonforvermont.com.