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Sunday, February 28th, 2010
I would like to start off this weeks article by thanking everyone that takes the time to read my weekly article. Whether you read them weekly or on occasion, I truly appreciate your time and effort. I especially want to thank those of you who have taken the time to speak to me in person or send an email or letter. It is extremely hard to represent your interests in the legislature without feedback. Therefore, your willingness to express support, opposition, concerns or appreciation is very important to me. Again, thank you for your feedback and continued support.
This week several bills came to the floor of the House for debate. However, we did not get the chance to vote on the closure of Vermont Yankee. This vote or political maneuvering only took place in the Senate where several members are running for statewide office in the fall election. In regard to this issue, I remain in favor of letting the re-licensing process run its course before making a decision. There are far too many unanswered questions at this time to vote on such an important issue. I firmly hope that the Vermont Public Service Board and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will complete the thorough evaluation of all aspects of the Vermont Yankee operation and re-licensing application prior to my vote in the House. The continued operation of the plant provides not only one-third of the states power but, it is also a large contributor of revenue to Vermont's general and education funds. If this plant closes, we are going to be faced with much higher utility costs and property taxes in the years to come. I feel that the Senate is playing a very dangerous game with our future.
H.764 An act relating to the state teachers' retirement system of Vermont passed the House this week. This change in law will save the state's general fund approximately $8 million dollars this year and $15 million dollars each year thereafter. It accomplishes these savings by requiring teachers to work longer and contribute more into the system. In exchange for these savings to the pension fund, teachers will be eligible to receive a higher percentage of their pre-retirement income upon retirement and their spouse will be eligible to receive healthcare coverage. I feel that this is a reasonable compromise that will help address the sustainability of the teachers' retirement fund.
S.77 An act relating to the disposal of electronic waste establishes a system for us to get rid of the electronic devices stored in our houses at no costs. The manufacturers will be required to pay a fee annually to sell these products in our state which will cover the costs of this program. This fee is already in place in twenty-one other states and retail prices on these devices is not expected to rise as a result of this new requirement.
Hosting friends at the Statehouse is one of the things I enjoy most about serving in the legislature. This week, Sally and James Cheney and Kyle and Sandy Miller visited us at the Statehouse. The Cheney's, were actually spending the day with their son Tom who is the Speakers Assistant this session. Tom asked me to introduce them on the floor and it was my pleasure to do so. 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 email address is dturner@leg.state.vt.us. My web-site address is www.donturnerjr.com. Thank you and have a great week.