I've been fully absorbed in all the connection and learning that happen at the State House, for which I’m particularly grateful as challenges mount. I enjoyed time with Mad River Mentoring participants, local accountants and Indivisible MRV members recently, and this morning received some encouraging words from Congresswoman Becca Balint at this week’s House Democratic Caucus meeting (find it on youtube, January 27, or email me for link). On January 29, I'm looking forward to meeting students from Youth Lobby who will be having a press conference, visiting committees and joining the Climate Solutions Caucus for lunch to discuss their priorities. If you haven't made it over to the State House yet or could use a field trip, please be in touch (
Civil protections - As recent events make clear, federal immigration enforcement continues to escalate with tragic results. S.208 would require all law enforcement officers in Vermont to identify themselves and limit masking to only particular safety-related uses. S.209 would protect Vermonters by prohibiting civil arrests in sensitive locations including schools, shelters, health care facilities, and government buildings. Once these bills pass to the House from the Senate, the House Judiciary Committee will take them up along with similar bills in the House (H.747 and H.745). Also in House Judiciary is H.742 which would offer legal representation to Vermont detainees facing deportation.
Telecommunications siting - In my committee, House Energy & Digital Infrastructure, we’ve been taking testimony on H.527, which would extend for three years the current permitting process for telecom facilities (typically, cellphone towers). Known as “section 248a” (30 VSA § 248a, passed in 2007), the statute allows projects to be considered by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) in a more streamlined process rather than through Act 250 and municipal permitting, as required previously.
The statute includes a three-year “sunset” or expiration that requires reauthorization by the Legislature. This gives legislators a chance to hear from Vermonters and developers alike on how the process is working (or not). Cell providers like AT&T and Verizon, the PUC and the Public Service Department all support continuing 248a by extending the sunset at least another three years, or ideally by eliminating the recurring sunset altogether. After taking testimony from a number of town representatives from around the state, however, our committee is considering changes to the process to improve the ability of towns and the public to better participate in siting decisions affecting their communities.
Health care - The House Health Care Committee is continuing work to lower health care costs, including addressing the high cost of prescriptions. H.577 resulted from Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak, who is working with other states to increase negotiating power with manufacturers to lower drug prices. Anyone with a Vermont address would be eligible to use the ArrayRx multi-state drug discount plan. This discount is available at no cost to the consumer and reduces the price of most generic medications by 80% and brand-name drugs by 20%. H.84 is a bill that would allow for the audio or video recording of telehealth services if all parties give their consent, helping to reduce administrative burden and free up time for healthcare providers to take care of their patients.
Meanwhile, the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) has started preparing for the implementation of reference-based pricing (RBP), the new hospital pricing reform directed by Act 68 of 2025. See GMCB website (gmcboard.vermont.gov/2026-meetings) for a recent educational session on RBP and related affordability reforms. Look for my February coffee hours:daratorrevt.com and contact:
You might also like
