Vermont’s summer of 2023 will be remembered for its rain and resilience. It has been two months since the state felt the effects of historic amounts of rain, flooding and devastation. As we shift from emergency responses to long-term solutions, the state’s priorities couldn’t be clearer.

The 2023 legislative session is adjourned! We’ve passed significant legislation this past session that advances critical policies in the areas of housing, child care, workforce development, and climate action. This report highlights much of the work completed by the legislature, however, many bills are still waiting to be signed into law by the Governor.

With the end of the legislative session in sight, many bills are making their way to the Floor for final votes after elaborate testimony, committee deliberation, and public input. In the near future, S.5 will be presented to the House Floor.

Last week the House sent some large bills over to the Senate for additional consideration. Some include universal school meals, 30 by 30, and paid family medical leave insurance.

This week the Legislature returned to the State House after not being in session during Town Meeting week so members could visit town meetings and connect with constituents within their districts. We’re halfway through the 2023 legislative session and we’ve passed some significant legislation in these first two months.

We’re halfway through the 2023 legislative session! We’ve passed some significant legislation in these first two months. Work on our key priorities will continue across the House and in collaboration with the Senate.

One committee bill that proposes miscellaneous changes to elections has recently gained attention in and outside of the Statehouse. This bill has gone through multiple drafts and has evolved after witness testimony, committee discussion, and deliberation.

The Legislature has a new group of legislative pages, eighth-grade students who assist the day-to-day activities within the Statehouse. They joined us this week, which means we are about one-third of the way through the session.

All things H.42 (Act 1) signed by Governor Scott, the Government Operations & Military Affairs committee discussing sheriff oversight, and the Rural Caucus gathering support for organic dairy farms.

Committee rooms are humming with discussion, bills are being introduced, and the Statehouse is settling into its 2023 rhythm.

Last week was Legislative Orientation in Montpelier! Thank you to The Snelling Center for Government for organizing a comprehensive four day new member orientation.