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Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
Adjournment is eminent. We have been told that we will be finishing the session late next week. However, things were fast and furious this week at the Statehouse. There were numerous bills considered and passed by the House and Senate. Bills passed that will allow a new form of corporation to be formed in Vermont, recognizing the Abenaki tribes in Vermont, two education bills, credit card company business practices, probation terms and other correction issues as well as crime prevention bill.
Three of the bills passed this week originated in my commerce and economic development committee. One of the bills was the annual update of banking and insurance rules and regulations. The second bill allows for the creation of a new kind of corporation to be formed in Vermont. Its name is a Benefit corporation but it will be referred to as a "B" corporation. Forming this type of corporation allows the entity to set forth new provisions for doing business based more on its social mission and beliefs rather than solely the stockholders interests. The third bill was the credit card company business practices bill. This bill will allow small business to set a minimum limit for purchases on credit cards. It is important for small Vermont businesses because the credit card companies who process these credit transactions charge a variety of fees. The fees sometime exceed the value of the items purchased, thus causing the business to lose money on the transaction.
One issue that has come to our attention will have an effect on the taxpayers in Milton sooner or later. That issue is the reassessing of the hydroelectric dams located on the Lamoille River. These dams are on the town's grand list for $46 million dollars for tax purposes. They are required to be reassessed on a routine basis which was recently completed. The value was reduced by $23 million dollars based on the low value of power at this point in time. This adjustment will cost the town a substantial amount in municipal tax revenue. The Ways and Means committee with the support of Carolyn Branagan put forth a temporary fix for this tax year. This is a serious issue that needs a permanent fix. The town is working on the issue as well and may appeal the reassessment.
This week we had several visitors at the Statehouse. On Wednesday, Joshua Poirier and Christian Carroll shadowed me for the day. These sixth grade students are interested in our government and were able to do some research on their project citizen assignment. I enjoyed spending the day showing them around and introducing them to the Governor and several of my colleagues. James and Linda Ballard, Loren and Linda Sanderson and Angela Dallier visited us on Thursday for Vermont Grange Day.
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.