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Friday, January 25th, 2008
This week at the Statehouse, I have again been immersed in discussions surrounding housing. I have participated in several meetings with housing stakeholders determined to create new housing opportunities in Vermont. The shortage of affordable or workforce housing is creating a significant economic problem for the State, businesses, their employees and families. We need to pass legislation this session that will enable the creation of new housing units for this sector of society. I feel that by helping to shape the future of housing in Vermont, my presence in Montpelier is now worthwhile and making a difference.
Our committee spent most of this week taking testimony from several different parties on H.419 the rental housing registry bill. This bill is controversial but, the chair seems adamant about addressing the rental preservation and safety issue whether it is in this bill or added to some other bill. This bill would mandate an annual registration fee and inspections on a regular basis for all rental properties owned by for profit landlords. I have received many emails from landlords urging me to oppose the housing registry and any fees associated with rental property. As a landlord, I understand and support their position however, as the Fire Chief I am very concerned about the need for life safety inspections. I am truly torn on this issue and will have to reach far into my core values before deciding how to vote on this bill.
On Friday, we received an overview of a newly proposed committee bill designed to create new housing initiatives or neighborhoods around the state. This bill is designed to replace H.299 the Governors new neighborhoods bill. We had asked the chair to do a strike-all of the original bill in order to get the administrations revisions on the table. This has not happened yet but, we have heard that their will be a side-by-side comparison of the bills next week. This is a very important issue and my hope is that we can get a law that will create some affordable and work force housing enacted within a reasonable time frame.
As with the past two sessions, I am very concerned about what it costs us to live here in Vermont. Property taxes, healthcare costs, energy costs and transportation costs continue to spiral out of control. These costs are increasing at far greater rates than our paychecks. I feel that we have to do something this legislative session to start addressing these issues. To date, I have nothing to report on these issues.
One of the things I enjoy most about serving in the legislature is hosting friends and constituents at the Statehouse. If you would like to visit the Statehouse please feel free to contact me to arrange a date and time. I enjoy representing you and your concerns in Montpelier. I am also very interested in hearing from you during the session or at anytime throughout the year. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions, comments or issues of concern. 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.