Sunday, February 27, 2011

Legislative Update

Here's a brief update on some of the legislation I'm working on:

1. Farm-to-Plate is thriving! The Farm-to-Plate Law that I co-authored produced its 10-year plan, right on target. This lays the groundwork for more jobs, spurring the Buy Local movement, and continuing down the path that has the attention nationwide of states looking to copy what we've done right in Vermont.

2. Protecting children whose parents are incarcerated continues to be a high priority of mine. I've teamed up with over half of the House members (by getting them to co-sponsor bills) related to giving more recognition, dignity, and safeguards to children whose parents are incarcerated. One of the plans is to create a task force, which could enable local non-profits to get five or six figures of $$$ from the federal government. All of this will help end some of the pernicious inter-generational cycle of prison for so many families.

3. We must cut the costs of healthcare. Five years ago it cost Vermonters collectively $3.9 Billion. Next year it's expected to be $5.9 Billion, or about $10,000 for each man, woman, and child. That $2 Billion growth in just five years is unsustainable. We have a long way to go in our planning, but we cannot afford to fail and give in to the solely market-driven status quo that involves layers upon layers of bureaucratic waste.

4. Marijuana decriminalization. I've submitted my bill to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana (1 ounce or less). The bill ended up being more moderate than initially planned, but by making it more moderate, I was able to pick up support from a Republican co-sponsor and the Shumlin administration. The goal is to devote our scarce resources, and the attention of police, prisons, and judges on true public safety threats.

5. Concern over prison move. The Shumlin administration suggested moving our women inmates to Chittenden County, which will require many changes to our system. I'm working diligently with the parties involved to ensure that cost savings will result AND that we will reduce recidivism. If those things cannot happen, I will be a road-block to the proposal. Nevertheless, I'm hopeful that this proposal can become a win-win.

6. Bicyclists: I offered new legislation to bolster biking in Vermont, teaming up with several key legislators on the transportation committee, among others. Stay tuned....

There are literally dozens of other issues I'm working on, but I wanted to give a snapshot of some of the activities underway.

Vote Tues., March 1 in Burlington

Okay, perhaps that's a bit extreme. But there are some important items on the ballot. Here's where I stand:

Vote Yes on #5 (Majority Vote for Mayor): One of the bedrock principles of a democarcy is that you need at least half the votes to be elected. Don't settle for a 40% "victory." Demand the winner get 50% of the vote, and help ensure the mayor is accountable to more than half the voters. People who hate IRV and people who love IRV support this move. Please join me and virtually all Democratic and Progressive leaders in this city in voting Yes.


Vote Yes on Schools. Just because times are tough doesn't mean that our kids (and our future) should have to pay the costs. Burlington schools are excellent. Let's keep them that way.


Vote Yes for Affordable Housing. Vote Yes on #8 to protect at-risk Vermonters.


Vote Yes for Burlington Electric's bonds. They're supporting our city and renewable energy. They have a great track record of keeping costs low while supporting the environment.


Vote here. Find your polling place: http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/ct/elections/locations/

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

And you are...?



Lobbyists should wear name tags. Doing so would help level the playing field and let people know who's who.

This week I submitted a bill along with Rep. Lynn Dickinson (R-St. Albans) and Sarah Edwards (P-Brattleboro) to require lobbyists to wear name tags.

It simply leads to more transparency in how government works.
More transparency leads to to more accountability and better access for all. The name tag bill would give more information to citizens, legislators, journalists, and advocates. The more information we have, the better. As Thomas Jefferson said, "Information is the currency of democracy."

See what Seven Days said: http://7d.blogs.com/blurt/2011/02/hello-my-name-is-bill-would-reqiure-nametags-for-statehouse-lobbyists.html#more

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Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Climate Day 2011

On Feb. 2, 2011, hundreds of climate change activists from throughout Vermont came to the State House. I got to meet with them to explain the process of how to reach out to their legislators so that we would know that they are truly invested in addressing Climate Change.