Vermont Democratic Party

State Street News

The Legislative Joint Fiscal Office and the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration released a report which projects that Green Mountain Care, the universal health care plan outlined in this year’s health care bill, could save Vermonters $1.834 billion by 2020. 

Governor Shumlin announced good news this week as revisions to the initial $650 million estimate for the cost of Irene-related damage were made.  He says new estimates place the costs between $175 million and $250 million.

Governor Shumlin selected Jean O’Sullivan to take over former Representative Mark Larson’s vacated Vermont seat.  O’Sullivan, a longtime Burlington Democrat, will come to the Statehouse in January with experience as a three-term Burlington City Councilor, a two-term Burlington Justice of the Peace, three terms as Burlington Ward 7 clerk, and private sector experience.

Governor Shumlin, Speaker Shap Smith, and legislators have expressed concern about the proposed cuts to the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps needy families afford to heat their homes in the winter.  Last year, Vermont received $23 million in LIHEAP aid; this year aid is expected to be half that.

Secretary of State Jim Condos announced grants totalling $23,000 to five towns to help those municipalities comply with the “America Votes Act.”  These grants are used to improve accessibility to polling locations.

State Treasurer Beth Pearce announced that Vermont is expected to receive more than $500,000 in unclaimed property from John Hancock insurance.  The treasurer’s office initiated an audit of John Hancock to determine if Vermonters had left accounts or lost track of potential benefits.  All Vermonters are encouraged to use www.MissingMoney.Vermont.gov to determine if they might have unclaimed benefits. 

Vermont’s Congressional Delegation

Senator Leahy announced that the Judiciary Committee will vote on the Respect for Marriage Act (repealing DOMA) this Thursday. 

Senator Leahy inserted key provisions in the Senate Transportation Appropriations bill, which passed this week with the support of Senator Leahy and Senator Sanders.  The legislation, if passed by the House, would provide federal funding to fix bridges and roads, including full funding for Irene-related repairs.  Senator Leahy fought to include an additional $1.9 billion for federal emergency transportation funding, which will help Vermont repair Irene-damaged roads and bridges.  He also sponsored a provision included in the bill which would move large trucks off Vermont’s secondary roads and onto Interstate highways, protecting small bridges and roads recently damaged by flooding.

Senator Sanders held a town hall meeting with over 300 Vermonters at Montpelier High School on Sunday to discuss proposed changes to the U.S. Postal Service.  The Senator and meeting attendees spoke passionately  against some of the policy changes being advocated in Washington that would eliminate over 100,000 jobs, close post offices (15 in VT) and distribution centers (2 on VT), and would end Saturday delivery. Senator Sanders will be introducing legislation this week to modernize the postal service and protect jobs.

Congressman Welch is leaving no stone unturned in his effort to push House leaders to accept Senator Leahy's Senate-passed legislation that will provide funding to help Vermont repair our roads and bridges. In recent weeks, Welch has been meeting with House leaders and appropriators on both sides of the aisle to make Vermont's case. Welch is also relying on the bipartisan Hurricane Irene Coalition - which he founded and co chairs - for crucial support in making sure Vermont gets the assistance it needs.

Congressman Welch also applauded the news that Bank of America and other big banks were backing down on their plans to charge a monthly fee to customers who use their debit cards. Welch led the opposition in the House, pushing for an anti-trust investigation into the banks plans. The combination of widespread consumer outrage and pressure by Congress ultimately caused the big banks to retreat.

Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders, and Congressman Welch announced the immediate release of LIHEAP funding ($11 million), while they fight for additional assistance to help defray heating costs for needy Vermonters .

Thank you for your continued support of the Vermont Democratic Party!   We look forward to seeing you all again soon as the 2012 campaign draws nearer.

-Jake