My last article addressed the work in the Commerce and Economic Development Committee, but I thought that it would be good to provide an overview of H.494 – the FY 2024 budget. The bill that passed the House was not only responsive to the most urgent needs of Vermonters, but it also addresses the future challenges with regard to our workforce, economy, infrastructure, and climate change. The budget we have delivered to the Senate demonstrates our commitment to addressing the unmet needs of all Vermonters, in all 14 counties.
Much of House Commerce’s workforce and economic development omnibus bill was folded into the larger Appropriation bill, H.494 (FY 2024 budget). I am very proud of this legislation that helps both employees and employers – addressing the challenges and providing opportunities for Vermont businesses, nonprofits, and employees.
Workforce:
We appropriated over $40 million in workforce development initiatives, including student-loan forgiveness for teachers, healthcare professionals and other essential job fields; certifications and training in the trades and critical occupations; investments in adult education and literacy; and climate workforce supports, such as a coaching program for climate-business entrepreneurs and grants for small- and mid-sized agricultural producers. In addition, we allocated $4 million to the Community College of Vermont to reduce tuition for certificates, degrees and courses that have a direct connection to Vermont business and industry needs.
Housing:
We appropriated $134.5 million in housing investments, including opportunities to build affordable housing for middle-income Vermonters, housing for those currently in the hotel/motel program (including supportive services for those who need them), and funding for the rehabilitation of apartments and creation of accessory dwelling units. Reports, due back to the legislature in time for action during the 2024 session, on the implementation cost of a rental registry for long- and short-term rentals, on the state’s “crisis standards” for emergency housing and shelter, and on how to meaningfully reduce homelessness statewide, including increasing access to shelter and supports.
Children and Families:
We appropriated over $70 million to support the childcare and early education bill, which seeks to provide quality, affordable childcare to Vermonters across the state while developing a highly skilled, equitably compensated childcare workforce. In addition, we proposed $37 million to start a universal paid medical and family leave insurance program, providing Vermonters with up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave under eligible circumstances
Healthcare:
We appropriated $46 million in Medicaid rate increases to support EMS, primary care, home health, mental health care, treatment for substance use disorder, residential care homes and foster care providers. Bringing provider rates to equitable reimbursement levels also helps Vermonters have the quality care they need, when they need it most. In addition, we funded $1.15 million into the Department of Mental Health for coordinated, statewide mental-health mobile crisis response services, $1 million to support older Vermonters through the Meals on Wheels program, and $1 million for the Vermont Foodbank to support Vermonters facing food insecurity. Investment in these programs and others helps move Vermonters to the right care at the right place, shifting people away from higher costs of care.
With cross-over behind us, my committee – Commerce and Economic Development – has been receiving testimony on a number of bills that we did not have time to address earlier in the session and we are diving into Senate bills which have landed in the committee. Some of the bills that my committee is working on include the following:
H.81 The bill proposes to ensure the fair repair of agricultural equipment.
H.121 The bill proposes to afford data privacy protections to Vermonters. This bill provides enhanced protections for users’ personal information and biometric data, in particular. We are looking at recent legislation passed in Connecticut, California, and Colorado to make sure we are addressing all concerns.
H.160 This bill proposes to set minimum reimbursement rates for labor related to automobile insurance claims
H.299 The bill would establish a Vermont-Ireland Trade Commission, enhancing trade, cultural exchange, and education opportunities between the two locales.
H.304 This bill proposes to regulate the use of aftermarket parts in automobile repairs covered by insurance.
H.434 This is a bill to create an Office of Film and Creative Media
S.48 This bill is an act to regulate the transport and sale of catalytic converters
Thank you for reaching out to me regarding your concerns on flavored tobacco, telecommunications, affordable heat act, labor issues, and more. I can be reached at sjerome@leg.state.vt.us or 802-683-8209.
Rep. Stephanie Zak Jerome
Brandon
