Legislative Notes

March 2003

By State Representative Dick Howrigan

Thank you, Fletcher Newsletter for the opportunity to message the happenings in Montpelier. I have been assigned to the General, Housing, and Military Affairs (GHMA) Committee as Vice Chairman. The Committee has met with the Commissioner of Liquor Control to review the liquor stocked by the department, its distribution and sales and the various procedures and practices of the department. We were also informed of its various educational, enforcement, and compliance programs. At another Committee session, Commissioner Bonnie Rutledge of the Motor Vehicle Department explained the various driver’s licenses and ID cards that are issued by the State of Vermont and the information that is contained on each.

The first bill addressed by the GHMA was the “Sparkler Bill,” which supports the sale of sparklers in Vermont. We heard testimony of a Vermont advocate and a legislator from Indiana who supports the sale of these items. We are currently seeking other individuals to testify on the subject, particularly from the medical fields, public safety, and fire personnel.

Our Committee held a joint session with the Senate GHMA Committee to hear testimony from various individuals regarding information on elevators, lifts, accessibility systems and motorized walkways. After nearly tow hours of testimony, it became clear that there were concerns about rules that were written as a result of a law that was passed regarding the maintenance of such motorized equipment. As a result of the testimony, Commissioner Michael Bertrand of Labor and Industry agreed to sit down with concerned parties to try and reach an agreement on changes that need to take place regarding the rules and a process for notifying interested parties about upcoming meetings of the commission that oversees this area.

Transportation and education are prime issues. Governor Douglas’ budget, because of the economic slowdown with the loss of tax revenue, allows increases of 1.7% for transportation and education for a total of $2.3 billion. School choice and the “No Childe Left Behind Act” will be reviewed and discussed by a panel from the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday, February 11 in Room 11 at noon. Vermonters for Better Education is the sponsor. I will monitor the meeting for materials and notes of interest.

Proposed House bills in drafting status:

• Focus attention on eliminating duplication and inefficiencies in application review for permit reform (CPR). Makes no change to the science-based permits that applicants need from the Agency of Natural Resources.
• Act 250 criteria combined with all local zoning and planning into one consolidated review board.

Available for the asking:

• Associated General Contractors of Vermont (good tips and suggestions)
• Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund Annual Report (grant money available)

Our Franklin County Home Health Agency achieved near perfect from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of health Care with a 99 score. This demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to high quality and safe care to its patients. Please contact me with your question sat the State House (800-322-5616) or at home (827-6513). Thank you, volunteers, for the newsletter.