The 2019 legislative session began at
10 a.m. this past Wednesday, January 9th, with
the swearing in of 148 members of the House, the election of the
Speaker, and the announcement of Committee assignments. While the
House consists of 150 members, the resignation before the session
began of two candidates, one Democrat and one Republican, who were
elected in November left two vacancies. After receiving nominations
from the respective party committees within the vacant legislative
districts, the Governor will fill the seats by appointment.
Representative Mitzi Johnson of South Hero was unanimously elected
Speaker after her nomination by a Democrat was seconded by a
Republican. She acknowleged the responsibility of the Democratic
majority to work with the input of the minority Republicans and
Progressives for the good of all Vermonters, and she expressed the
hope that the legislature can work more collaboratively with the
Governor during this session.
Day two saw the swearing in of the
statewide elected officials and the inauguration of the Governor with
the General Assembly of the House and Senate meeting in a joint
session. In his inaugural speech the Governor noted that Vermonters
can be proud to live in a state where we can solve problems with
civility despite our differences. This character, he said, is rooted
in the good that comes from our communities and the good in our
hearts and minds. Regarding the economy, he urged us to work together
for a prosperous state, a quality educational system, and to provide
our neighbors with what they need most when they need it the most. To
reverse our population decline, we need to do a better job of
advertising the qualities of Vermont as well as provide more
affordable housing and access to child care. He spoke of the need
for clean water, funding our pension systems, and growing our working
population. However, I was disappointed that he did not mention the
need to address climate change, a global problem which requires
global participation, including ours.
Our first week also included training
sessions on sexual harassment, physical security and cyber security,
problems that are much too prevalent in today's society. We also had
time to meet our 40 new legislators as well as renew acquaintances
with returning members. I was reappointed to the Energy and
Technology Committee which now has nine members including two
freshman members. Only three members of the committee were held over
from the last session. All of the fourteen committees of the House
post their ongoing activities, including bills assigned to the
committee and documents presented in testimony before the committee
on the committee websites which can be found at
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/list/2020/House-Standing#House-Standing.
During this session I plan to hold
several constituent meetings for anyone who wants to talk to me
personally. The first one will be this Saturday from 10 a.m. until
noon at the Charlotte Library. Drop by for a chat. I will also be at
the Charlotte Senior Center for the Monday lunch at 11:30 on January
21st. Of course, I welcome your emails
(myantachka.dfa@gmail.com)
or phone calls (802-233-5238) as well.
