BY STEPHANIE JEROME
BRANDON—We are starting our third week of work in the Legislature and some of the priorities are clear. Vermont needs to build its economy and workforce through improved childcare, housing, and paid family leave. These issues (among others) were addressed in the Governor’s budget address this past Friday. The Legislature is continuing its work to create a Vermont that works for everyone, not just a select few.
Thank you for attending my Constituent Coffee Hour and for reaching out to me these past few weeks. I have had meaningful discussions with constituents about the high cost of living in Vermont and our lack of affordable childcare. I will take your concerns with me to Montpelier. In addition, I have heard from many local retired state employees who are worried about the proposed change in their health-benefits plan. I have been listening and have also encouraged these retired workers to call the Governor’s Office (802-828-3333) to voice their complaints. I am hoping that the legislature can have some influence, but our role is uncertain. Last week, Speaker Jill Krowinski and Pro Tem Phillip Baruth, released a press release with this statement:
“We are deeply concerned about the Administration’s stated intention to move Medicare-eligible state retirees from the State of Vermont’s insurance plan into Medicare Advantage plans without the support of state retirees. We are particularly concerned about the potential legal, financial, and health implications and believe this shift undermines collective bargaining rights.”
Here is a summary of some of our recent work in the Legislature:
Budget Adjustment Act:
The FY2023 Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) involves a reassessment of the state revenues and expenditures halfway through the fiscal year. BAA provides the opportunity to address critical needs that cannot wait for the budgetary process. Proposed adjustments include a $11.2 million increase to the Department of Mental Health to cover traveling nurse contract increases and $8.6 million to address caseloads at the Department for Children & Families – Reach Up. In the Commerce committee we are looking at additional funding for brownfields, administrative assistance for small rural towns to access ARPA grants and funding opportunities, unemployment insurance, regional business technical assistance, and workforce training for recent immigrants.
Paid Family Leave Insurance:
Supporting families through a universal paid family leave insurance (FMLI) program is a top priority for Democratic legislators – H.66 was introduced with support from 103 bill sponsors. This bill is building on a promise to help all families thrive in order to create healthy and resilient communities. The creation of an FMLI program assists Vermont businesses in recruiting and retaining employees to support a strong and equitable economy.
Childcare:
The much-anticipated RAND Child Care Financial Study was released this week. Financial and organizational models to provide quality early-childhood education were presented in the report. The cost is estimated between $179 – $279 million for high-quality care, wages, and benefits for the early childhood education workforce. The study indicates that Vermont can expect up to 2,800 people to enter the labor market, anticipate up to $218M more in gross state product, and generate $18M in additional state and local tax revenue with an improved childcare system. It is important to note that the study does not account for the long-term benefits to children and society from these investments. It is anticipated that a child-care bill will be released by the Human Services Committee in the next couple of weeks.
Outreach:
I will hold another Constituent Coffee Hour at the Brandon Free Public Library on Saturday February 18th at 10:00am – please drop by to talk about your concerns or discuss the Legislature. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to me at 802-683-8209 or sjerome@leg.state.vt.us.
Take care,
Rep. Stephanie Zak Jerome
Vermont House of Representatives (Brandon)
Vice-Chair, Commerce and Economic Development Committee
