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Friday, March 30th, 2007
The education cost containment or property tax reform bill that the house education committee has worked on this entire session hit a road block this week. It appears that the bill did not have enough supporters to pass the house and was sent back to the committee for additional work. I have not made a decision on whether or not to support the bill as originally proposed.
I don’t think it will hurt our community as written but, I don’t feel that it goes far enough to curb the escalating cost of education. It will be interesting to see what changes are made over the weekend. Rumor has it that the speaker has threatened to attach a provision to the bill that would shift some of the burden from the property tax to the income tax. If this happens, I will adamantly oppose the bill until which time more stringent measures are in place to regulate costs.
On the positive side, we did pass a broadband bill that should entice private developers to extend broadband and other services to the most remote parts of the state. This is a very positive step in the right direction and should encourage more economic development in these areas. I think that this is a good thing for the state to do and I supported the bill.
I was visited at the Statehouse this week by John and Lindsay LaCross on Tuesday. On Friday, I coordinated a bus trip for the Milton/Arrowhead Seniors to the Statehouse. The group consisted of thirty-five people we toured the Statehouse and the Historical Museum. At lunch, Lt. Governor Brian Dubie came into to visit. I enjoyed spending time with everyone on the bus and at he Statehouse. I would like to make this an annual event if possible. A great big thanks goes out to John Sharrow of Mountain Transit for donating the bus, Kevin Endres for driving the bus, Michael Boisjoli of Subway for giving me a great deal on all of the food and a special thanks to everyone that took time out of their busy schedules to go on the trip. Again, I really enjoyed visiting with everyone and hope to see you again next year.
The institutions committee worked on two bills this week. Vermont requires that any person under the age of 21 and under the supervision of the corrections department without a high school diploma or GED must attend school. H.135 would increase the age requirement from 21 to 26. It is has been proven that receiving formal education does help prevent people from ending up back in corrections. The other bill we discussed would allow county courts to bond for capital improvements. We will take more testimony next week on these bills and then decide whether or not to vote them out of committee.
It is very disappointing and I am sorry to report that it is becoming more and more apparent that nothing substantial is going to happen with property tax reform, healthcare costs and affordable housing during this session.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
I can be reached here at the Statehouse by calling 1-800-322-5616 or by my cell 373-5960; My website address is Don Turner Jr.com or e-mail me at dturner@leg.state.vt.us. Thank you and have a great week.