2022 Legislative Session Begins
We kicked off the legislative session last week with a short in-person meeting to pass a resolution to work remotely for two weeks. The plan right now is to return to the statehouse on January 18th.
Want to follow along with the session? You can watch us live on youtube or listen in on VPR.
First-Ever Rural Omnibus Bill
I’m proud to be a part of a tri-partisan group introducing H.581: the first-ever Rural Economic Development Omnibus Bill. We created this historic omnibus bill after traveling across the state last year to gather testimony and learn more about Vermont’s forest economy from those who know it best. Read the press release or watch the press conference for more info.
Progress on Pensions
With unanimous support from its members, the Pension Taskforce has developed a path forward to preserve, protect, and fund our state pensions. “We must use the momentum of the task force to get this bill passed and into law. We will continue to show the rest of the country that difficult issues, like pension reform, are issues we can tackle in Vermont,” Speaker Krowinski said in a statement.
Bills in Motion
Our first passed bill this session, S.172, gives municipalities more flexibility for Town Meeting Day elections. The House Government Operations Committee is working on a bill to kick off the reapportionment of legislative districts following the 2020 census.
New Bill Introductions
H.566: Vermont Forest Future Program
H.552: Reducing carbon emissions through transportation initiatives
H.601: Declaring Lake Memphremagog a lake in crisis and developing a crisis response plan
H.585: Study on VT's reapportionment process
H.511: Housing in Vermont’s village centers.
H.480: An act relating to adopting COVID-19 test to stay guidance for child care facilities.
Check out the full list of bills I've co-sponsored →
NEK Day @ Statehouse 2022
NEK Day is Monday, January 24th from 10:00a - 11:30am. Every January, the NEK Collaborative brings NEK residents together with Vermont State Senators and Representatives to ensure your voices are heard loud & clear. NEK Day @ the Statehouse (virtual this year) is your opportunity to share our region’s successes and advocate the support you need most.
Stay Connected
I want you to know what I'm working on, how I'm voting and why. For those who like to keep of track of things in real time:
Follow along: Watch the House of Representatives live (or recorded) daily deliberations here or listen in on VPR
My bills and votes: Visit my legislative page for bills I’ve co-sponsored and roll call votes
Office hours: Join me for monthly virtual office hours, sign up here
If you need assistance or want to discuss your priorities or needs, please reach out anytime. I look forward to connecting with you.
Be well and stay safe,
Katherine Sims
State Representative
Orleans-Caledonia District
House Committee on Energy & Technology