 End
Of Session Report
Read Rep. Dostis' report for
the end of the 2005-2006 session in PDF.
Annual Report
We had a very productive
2005-2006 biennium in the Vermont State House. Following is a
summary of highlights from this session.
But first, I want to extend
my appreciation to all who visited Rep. Sue Minter and me at
the State House, including: Harwood High School students who
taught us about the impact of plastic bags on the environment;
CBMS science students who competed in the poster contest; and,
Girl Scout, Boy Scout, and Eagle Scout troops. We were honored
to offer tributes to: Harwood Hockey, Cross Country and Wrestling
state champions; Odyssey of the Mind National champions from
Crossett Brook Middle School; the musical maestro and national
award winning Harwood Jazz Band; and distinguished members of
our community-including Peter Miller, Vermonter of the Year.
A Balanced Budget and
Reduced Pressure on Property Taxes: In spite of fiscal constraints, the legislature
delivered a balanced budget to the Governor which meets the needs
of Vermonters by reducing reliance on property taxes and by making
smart investments in Vermont's future. We balanced school tax
reductions for Vermont residents with reductions for businesses
and second homeowners. We increased town road funding, reducing
pressure on municipal property taxes. And, we heard you loud
and clear at Town Meeting and did not raid the education fund
to pay for transportation projects.
Support for Seniors: When problems with implementation
of the new federal Medicare drug plan arose, the Vermont legislature
stepped in to protect recipients by authorizing $11 million to
pay for prescriptions. All branches of state government worked
together to quickly identify and solve this crisis. On a different
front, we worked closely with our Waterbury Senior Center to
establish and fund a new mealtime bus service.
Health Care Reform: The legislature took a meaningful
first step toward affordable health care for all Vermonters by
focusing on containing the skyrocketing costs of health care.
We did that by refocusing our health care delivery system on
health care and managing chronic illnesses; and by providing
access to comprehensive and affordable health care insurance
for Vermonters who currently lack coverage.
 Energy Reliability: We faced the challenge of steering
Vermont toward a safe, reliable and affordable energy future
with legislation focused on encouraging in-state generation of
electricity from renewable energy sources, increasing investments
in efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute
to global warming.
Transportation Funding: The legislature set the course
for investing an additional $100 million in roads, bridges, and
rail-without relying on the Education Fund or the funds which
have been set aside to assure heating assistance and weatherization
for low income Vermonters.
Environmental Preservation: We continued Vermont's legacy
of working to improve our environment with legislation designed
to reduce mercury, improve stormwater management, continue Lake
Champlain clean-up efforts, and ensure Vermont's groundwater
is mapped and protected as a public resource. We also passed
landmark legislation which encourages compact mixed-use development
in designated growth centers in order to preserve our working
landscape while continuing to grow our economy.
Economic Development: Economic development legislation
focused on initiatives that consider the needs of workers, encourage
a diverse agricultural economy, and support more affordable housing.
Job growth and development are being promoted through the new
Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI), an initiative to
work with employers who expand facilities or build a new business.
Economic planning will include how to expand broadband throughout
the state and grants will be available to help communities obtain
wireless broadband.
Maintaining Open Government
Policy: In order
to keep government information accessible to Vermonters, we passed
legislation ensuring that the "deliberative process privilege"
could not be used by the legislature or state agencies to withhold
records from the public.
Abenaki Recognition: Vermont now recognizes the 1,700
Abenaki people-and all Native American people who live in Vermont-as
a minority population. The legislature also established the Vermont
Commission on Native American Affairs to help recognize historic
and cultural contributions Native Americans have made to Vermont,
to protect and strengthen their heritage, and to address their
needs in state policy, programs, and actions.
Education Policy Improvements: Improvements to existing education
policy were addressed by instituting policies for school personnel
to receive training on suicide prevention, allergies, threatening
illnesses and s nutrition education. We streamlined paperwork
processes associated with home schooling; made it easier for
two or more school districts to begin discussions regarding consolidation
or shared programs and personnel; improved the process for overseeing
training, licensing, and professional standards for educators;
and passed laws that promote the use of Vermont agriculture products
in schools.
Supporting Vermont Veterans: When the federal government cut
mental health counseling funds for veterans returning from overseas,
the Vermont legislature stepped in and restored funds for these
essential programs. A second Vermont service officer was added
to the Veterans Affairs Office to help veterans successfully
transition back to civilian life. And, we addressed the problem
of loosing licensure because of a lapse in the application process
that some National Guard members have faced while being stationed
overseas. And finally, it was established that the Governor (or
designee) shall present the Vermont Patriot's Medal to the families
of Vermont residents killed in action while serving in the armed
forces.
Sexual Violence Prevention:
The legislature
developed a comprehensive initiative to prevent sexual violence
in our communities: by broadening special investigative units
state-wide; strengthening prevention efforts; increasing access
to treatment; revising sentencing options to include tougher
sentences for serious offenders; and improving efforts to successfully
and safely transition offenders who have completed their sentences
back to their communities.
These are just a few highlights
from among the many legislative accomplishments this session.
While we have made progress, much more remains to be done. I
look forward to the challenges ahead, and appreciate the opportunity
to work on behalf of the residents of Waterbury, Duxbury, Huntington
and Buel's Gore. |
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