By Anne Gallivan, State Representative, Rutland-Windsor 1
posted
Feb 14, 2013
The State House was a busy place this week: Many visitors came
to testify for or against the end-of-life choice legislation. Bill
McKibben delivered a rallying cry for action against the causes of
climate change. Vermont's digital gaming industry showcased their
presence in the economic scene. The American Heart Association
threw themselves behind proposed legislation to tax sugar-sweetened
beverages (or SSB). Opponents of wind power made a return visit to
reiterate their desire for a moratorium on new projects. And that
is only the short list of activity.
The transportation committee was busy reviewing budget proposals
from all of the Agency of Transportation and from the Department of
Motor Vehicles with an eye to improving efficiency with
forward-reaching investments.
Among the topics broadly discussed across legislative committees
was the Governor's proposal to increase childcare subsidies in part
by reducing state earned income tax credits by 17%. It is
proposed as a trade-off expense, but it appears that many people at
or below 100% of the federal poverty level will actually lose
ground. The earned income tax credit (EITC) is acknowledged as one
of the most successful anti-poverty programs in the country. Some
are questioning the same-sum result of the trade-off of EITC for
free childcare. The Vermont Public Assets Institute, an independent
(left-of-center) think tank, testified before the House Human
Services Committee to point out the increased burden of the
Governor's proposal. Legislators want to evaluate the proposal
carefully before approving the budget plan.
On the fun side, Wednesday night was Farmer's Night in the house
chambers and offered a performance by Rick and the Ramblers. They
are described as a western swing band, and they are celebrating
their 50th anniversary with a tour in their renowned tour bus - The
Pickle. One of the more entertaining songs recalled a reality of
small town life in Hardwick: When prom time came around in the
early 60's, the only way to buy flowers for a date was from the
local funeral parlor, and the shared space in the formaldehyde
cooler made for an altered floral scent for prom night. It was a
classic small town story, and the song is one you would do well to
seek out. Like Rick said, "you can't make this stuff up."
