September 30, 2025–
Happy Fall! I hope you are soaking up the sunshine and appreciating the beauty of this time of year.
After the legislative session adjourned in June, I was eager to get outside and enjoy Vermont’s outdoor landscape. . . swimming at the Waterbury Reservoir, mountain biking in the Mad River Valley, and road cycling on the scenic roads throughout our region. I traveled with my husband to Yellowstone National Park where I was reminded of the great gift and incredible foresight of land conservation. We are fortunate to have open space in Vermont, and I recognize how critical it is to protect that.
In preparation for next session (beginning in January) I have been engaging with our community to ensure I am informed on the plans and challenges ahead. Here are a few highlights:
In August, I met with a group of local educators and administrators to hear their concerns regarding Act 73, the Education Reform Bill (previously H-454). Some of what we discussed included the unintended consequences of Act 46; the cost of leveling up teacher’s salaries to create state-wide consistency; and the need for school construction funding.
I heard from the MRV Chamber of Commerce regarding challenges our lodging businesses are facing with changes to fire-code interpretation. I contacted the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, which sent the head of VT’s Division of Fire Safety (DFS) to visit one of our lodging establishments to offer solutions. DFS is now working with the Chamber to plan a seminar on Fire Safety for local business owners.
I am collaborating with Misha Goffman at the Mad River Path to build awareness in Montpelier for the Mad River Valley Transportation Corridor project, which will connect Warren to Middlesex via a continuous bike/pedestrian path. We, along with area businesses, are hosting a small group of agency officials and legislators for a corridor preview later this week–on bicycles.
I am gaining a better understanding of the Irasville Village Master Plan, and learning of challenges business owners are facing as they plan for growth within this.
I’ve met with district select-board members to better understand local transportation challenges they are facing, specific to biking/pedestrian safety.
It is heartening to see the many ways our community is working to make our towns cleaner, safer, and more accessible. As we witness a President who is threatening free speech, dismantling climate resiliency, and cutting state funding, I am motivated to improve the brave little state of Vermont.
In preparation for next session, I am fundraising to support ongoing projects such as website maintenance, public meeting planning, and print/online communications. My fundraising strategy last year was to raise only what I needed leading up to the election. I’ve realized I need some general operating funds, which, as a member of Vermont’s citizen legislature, I am responsible for raising. I am extremely grateful for everyone who has been able to donate in the past! Click here to donate.
Please feel free to reach out to me with concerns or ideas for next session.
