It’s a Wrap!
Dear friends and neighbors -
The legislature adjourned for the 2021 session and it was certainly one for the record books! We conducted all business remotely and our Green Mountain State received a vast infusion of federal aid due to the pandemic.
What an honor to carry your priorities with me into the statehouse as a strong advocate for rural communities! I worked diligently to ensure that the millions of dollars coming into the state were put to immediate and effective use. I advocated for high-impact, once-in-a-lifetime investments to accelerate recovery in all 14 counties of the state and advance priorities for our future.
We passed legislation that makes historic investments in the health, well-being and economic security of Vermont's families and small businesses including:
High-speed reliable internet
Climate, clear water and transportation
High-quality affordable childcare
Health care and reproductive rights
Housing infrastructure
Supports for small businesses
As a result of this work, Vermont is one step closer to a more prosperous and resilient future for all Vermonters.
In my first term, I was assigned to the Energy & Technology Committee where we’re addressing our digital divide by bringing broadband to all Vermonters. H. 360 dedicates $150 million of federal stimulus funds this year to the construction of broadband infrastructure in the most underserved parts of the state, and anticipates spending $250 million on broadband deployment over the next three years.
Read my full report on the 2021 legislative session and the major bills passed this year. Visit my legislative page on the general assembly’s website to see the bills I co-sponsored and how I voted on all the bills that came to the House floor.
Do you have a story to share about how these policies will impact you? Send me a note.
What’s Next?
While we made important progress on the key challenges we face as a state, there is more work to do including continued work to center racial and social equity in our investments. I’ll be using my time this summer to get out, listen and learn from all of you.
In particular, I’m excited about my upcoming work as the clerk of the Rural Economic Development Working Group, where I’m helping arrange educational opportunities over the summer and fall for legislators to learn more about the forest economy. Vermont's forestlands are vital to Vermont's environment, economy, and quality of life. Unfortunately, we continue to lose forestland at a rate of approximately 11,000 acres per year. Still an important part of our forest-based economy, the wood products industry faces ongoing stress from overseas competition and an aging workforce. Our group is planning site visits across the state to hear directly from folks on the ground and identify policy opportunities to ensure the viability of the forest economy.
Please stay in touch with you - you can join me for my next office hours on Sunday June 13th from 3-4PM over Zoom and stay tuned for in-person district-wide events this summer!
It has been a true honor representing the people of Albany, Barton, Craftsbury, Greensboro, Glover, Sheffield, and Wheelock in the Vermont House of Representatives. Thank you for all your support.
Best, Katherine Sims