Donald Turner, Jr. - Milton, Vermont

As we move closer to adjournment the pace and stress level of the legislative process intensifies. Leaderships tolerance for questioning or opposition to their proposals adds to this anxiety. As the minority leader, I am definitely feeling much more pressure right now than I have ever felt in any previous session. I realize that the expedited pace contributes heavily to the pressure I am currently feeling. An enormous amount of information is being provided to me on a daily basis and I need to insure that our members get their questions and concerns addressed before they are required to cast a vote on each bill. I have followed most bills during the session in order to have a basic understanding of each proposal. However, there is no way for me to fully comprehend ever detail of every bill. Therefore as the session has progressed, I have come to rely more heavily on my caucus members who participate daily in each committee of jurisdiction for the intricate details of the bills that make it to the House floor. These are some very supportive and intelligent people and I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with each of them to convey the messages of our constituents.

The healthcare reform bill was back in the House on Thursday after its trek through the Senate. I was encouraged to see that the Senate made some minor improvements to the proposal. Unfortunately, the House refused to accept these modifications and a committee of conference was appointed. I was very disappointed to see that the Speaker failed to appoint a member from the minority position to this committee. As a result, I challenged his ruling based on the underlying House rule that specifically stated a minority position member must be appointed. The challenge required a vote of the House membership which led to my challenge being defeated. It is unfortunate that once again the minority position is being locked out of the final negotiations on one of the most important bills of the session. I was very disappointed and frustrated by the Speakers action but, I assure you that I treated this matter with the utmost respect for the Speaker and the Legislative process.

One of the things I enjoy most about serving in the legislature is hosting friends and constituents here at the Statehouse. If you would like to visit the Statehouse please feel free to contact me to arrange a date and time. As your representative, I look forward to representing you and your concerns in Montpelier. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. I am very interested in hearing from you. During the session, I can be reached at the Statehouse by calling 1-800-322-5616 or by cell at 373-5960. My e-mail address is dturner@leg.state.vt.us. My web-site address is www.donturnerjr.com. Thank you and have a great week.