Vermont Legislature SmartTranscripts:

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the house please come to order and members kindly take their seats? Will you please rise as page Eileen Corcoran of Montpelier leads us in the pledge of allegiance?

[Eileen Corcoran (House Page)]: I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and freedom for all. Ready? Okay. Take hand. Good

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: morning, members.

[Eileen Corcoran (House Page)]: Good morning. Happy

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: New Year. It's good to see all of you back in this chamber, back in this work, and back together. As we begin the second year, we have some new faces here. Will you please join me in welcoming representative Karen Leaders of Lincoln and representative Mike Hoyt of Hartford? And tomorrow, we will also be officially welcoming representative elect Valerie Taylor of Mendon. Will you please join me in welcoming them to the house? Members, we return to the second year of the biennium knowing the challenges we face and the limited time we have to meet the moment. We know the long nights, the difficult debates and we know this, we have done hard things before and for the greater good of Vermont, we will do them together once again. Let's be honest, last year was tough and anyone who tells you otherwise didn't sit where you are and confront the decisions that came before us in this chamber. We continued our efforts to alleviate the housing crisis that has plagued our state for years. We worked through our workforce challenges that have limited our economic growth and increased costs. We moved past the politics of federal inaction and acted on behalf of Vermonters impacted by the devastating floods. We listened, we disagreed, we compromised and we made progress. The proof of our work is already showing up in our communities. It shows up in the childcare centers opening across the state. While every state in the nation saw historic levels of women leaving the workforce, Vermont was the outlier, ensuring women and working families could succeed. We supported Vermonters burden with medical debt. Our legislation and $1,000,000 investment will lead to over a $100,000,000 in debt being erased for nearly 60,000 Vermonters. We stood with our immigrant communities by strengthening fair housing and civil liberty protections working to ensure all families are welcomed and treated fairly. We updated and reinforced Vermont Shield law protections reaffirming access to reproductive and gender affirming care was accessible and protected. We recognize the affordability challenges facing our state by capping hospital drug prices, expanding the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit and lowering taxes for military retirees and Vermonters on social security, making it easier for people to thrive in the communities they all call home. And our work shows up in the housing legislation that is supporting development across the state. Affordable housing is happening in Downtown Windsor being developed in former school buildings in Newport and Bennington and on sites previously considered Brownfields and Rutland and St. Albans. Last year, our budget invested over a $135,000,000 in housing and services, supporting programs that will aid first time home buyers, refugees, middle income and emergency housing for Vermonters from all walks of life. Housing is happening, and it's creating meaningful growth in our communities. This work matters, and it's critical to the success of our state. And here's the truth. If last year asked a lot of us, this year will ask even more. This session will be tough, but so will our resolve. Let us all remember that not one of us carries this responsibility alone. We must remember that the people of Vermont are asking us for progress, not perfection. We must make progress in continuing to find ways to lower costs for working families. We must make progress in continuing to increase affordable housing and we must continue the progress to transform our education system with a shared goal that every Vermont student has equal education opportunities no matter where they live. And members above all, we must continue to show Vermonters that we are here to work for them and meet the moment, that we are rooted in the strength and the resolve of the people and communities that make Vermont so incredibly special. So as we begin the second year together, I wanna remind you, we can do hard things and I look forward to doing this work with all of you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Members, since we adjourned in 2025, we had some changes in our membership. We received a letter of resignation from the member from Bristol, representative Marie Cordes. Please listen to the reading of the letter. I

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: am writing to formally tender my resignation from the Vermont House of Representatives effective today, which was 06/19/2025. It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of my district and the state of Vermont. I would cherish the relationships we've built together, doing hard but good work from standing up a health care system that would support Vermont through COVID to adding protections against gun violence and ensuring the right to abortion care. There's so much more than I'm proud of. I know you know it all. I'm also incredibly proud of our all women leadership team with you as its lead. I'll be cheering you on from afar and close-up when I'm back for visits. Thank you again for your leadership and support. I always knew I could count on you even or especially during struggle. Onward. Respectfully, Marie k Cordis, RN state representative, Addison Ford District.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Members, we received a letter of resignation from the member from Barnard representative Heather Supernaught. Please listen to the reading of the letter.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: To the office of speaker, often a resignation can appear to the outside viewer that something must have gone awry. Yet in my experience, it has been just the opposite. There isn't an isolated moment that has led to my decision to step away. Simply, I've come to realize for myself that I can serve my community in so many abundant ways that don't put a strain on my values or my farming career. I spent these past five years working to understand a system that has the sincere intention to best serve all Vermonters, and I have such genuine respect for each of you who continue to show up with this work with humility, integrity, and selflessness. I've gained so much from being in this role and will always feel gratitude towards my community who trust me to be their voice. I've also learned that it's brave and compassionate to leave something that no longer makes space for you to be your best self. I believe that when we've outgrown our willingness to acquiesce, then it's time to step aside for someone else who can and who wants to. Going forward, there's so much work that I'm excited to engage with that allows for my passion in agriculture to be the focal point of my energies and efforts. I wish you all productive and collaborative second half to the biennium. I know how hard you work, and I hope each of you finds ways to ground yourself when the challenges arise. As for me, I'll be touching Earth and taking all I've learned from within the chamber to build stronger and more resilient communities from outside these walls. With sincere thanks to you all, Heather Supernaught.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Members due to these resignations, we have two new members to welcome to our chamber. Both of these members have taken their oath of office and are ready to be seated. So at this time, I ask our two newest members, the member from Lincoln and the member from Hartford to please proceed to the front doors of the chamber so they can be officially escorted to their seats. First, we welcome representative Karen Leaders of Lincoln. Will the clerk please read the governor's letter of appointment?

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: Dear speaker, have the honor to inform you that I have appointed Karen Leaders of Lincoln, Vermont to serve in the general assembly representing House District Addison 4. Sincerely, Philip B. Scott, governor.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Madam sergeant at arms.

[Janet Miller (Sergeant at Arms)]: Madam speaker, I present to you representative Karen Leaders of Lincoln representing House District Addison 4.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the sergeant at arms please escort representative Leaders to her seat, which is Seat Number 123. Congratulations member from Lincoln. Now we welcome representative Michael Hoyt of Hartford. Will the plea will the clerk please read the governor's letter of appointment?

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: Dear speaker Kowinski, I have the honor to inform you that I have appointed Michael Hoyt of West Hartford to serve in the general assembly representing House District Windsor 4. Sincerely, Philip B. Scott, governor.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Madam sergeant at arms.

[Janet Miller (Sergeant at Arms)]: Madam speaker, I present to you representative Michael Hoyt of Hartford representing House District Windsor 4.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the sergeant at arms please escort representative Hoyt to his seat, which is Seat Number 10. Congratulations member from Hartford. And now members we received a letter from the member from Chittenden, the town not the county. Will the clerk please read the letter from representative Harrison?

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: Dear Betsy Anne, it is with apprehension that I will be resigning from the Vermont House of Representatives effective 01/06/2026. That's today at 12:00 noon. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as a state representative for the past eight and a half years. For personal and family reasons, we will move moving soon, which will sadly mean my tenure at the state house will end. While we all have different perspectives in this chamber, I have valued how much we can all get along as friends and colleagues regardless of the political stripes we may carry. Members of the house have even tolerated me with my March madness announcements. Serving has been a rewarding experience. I appreciated the work within our appropriations committee, being able to come together when it really counts. The professionalism of our joint fiscal team and legislative council has been superb. And of course, I will miss the support of our rock star house clerk in her office. I owe a great deal of thanks to the governor for giving me the opportunity when he first appointed me to fill the unexpired term of my predecessor and to the voters of the towns I represent for electing me four times. I thank the speaker for having enough confidence in me to serve alongside our house appropriations chair. Finally, and most importantly, I wanna thank my wife, Pat, for her support and counsel throughout my tenure as a legislator. From campaigning to reviewing my updates to acting as a sounding board. She has been there for me. I will miss you all. Sincerely, representative Jim Harrison of

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: We wish you all the best. We wish you all the best member. Don't be a stranger. So members due to these changes in house membership, the chair announces the following changes to house standing committees. The member from Linden, representative Feltus is appointed vice chair of the committee on appropriations. The member from Heartland, representative Bartholomew, is appointed vice chair of the committee on agriculture, food resiliency, and forestry. The member from Newport, representative page is appointed to the committee on ways and means. The member from Milton representative Leon Morgan is appointed to the committee on education. The member from Saint Albans town representative to is appointed to the committee on agriculture, food resiliency and forestry. The member from Derby representative Nelson is designated ranking member of the committee on agriculture, food resiliency and forestry. The member from Lincoln representative leaders is appointed to the committee on health care and a member from Hartford representative Hoyt is appointed to the committee on environment. Members, we have over 60 bills for introduction today. So with that member from can you please offer us a motion to suspend our rules to introduce bills by number only?

[Representative Patricia McCoy]: Madam speaker, I make a motion to suspend rules in order to introduce bills by number only.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The member from moves that we suspend our rules to introduce bills by number only. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it and you have suspended rules to introduce bills by number only. Please listen to the first reading of bills by number only.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five two two To health care. H five two three.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To human services.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five two four.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To health care

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: h five two five

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To commerce and economic development

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: h 526

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To commerce and economic development

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: h five two seven

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To energy and digital infrastructure

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: h five two eight

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To judiciary.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five two nine.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To judiciary.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five thirty.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To judiciary.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five thirty one.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To government operations and military affairs.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five thirty two.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To general and housing.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H 533.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To human services.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five thirty four.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To human services. H five thirty five. To judiciary.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five thirty six.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To human services.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five thirty seven.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To agriculture, food resiliency, and forestry.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five thirty eight.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To government operations and military affairs.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five thirty nine.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To government operations and military affairs.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five forty.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To corrections and institutions.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five forty one.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To government operations and military affairs.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five forty two.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To education.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five forty three

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: to judiciary.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five forty four

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: to judiciary.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five forty five

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: to human services. H five forty six to judiciary. H five forty seven To judiciary. H five forty eight. To general and housing.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five forty nine.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To corrections and institutions.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five fifty.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To corrections and institutions.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five fifty one.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To general and housing.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five fifty two.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To general and housing.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five fifty three.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To health care.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five fifty four.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To human services. H five fifty five. To government operations and military affairs. H five fifty six. To general and housing.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five fifty seven. To health care. H five fifty eight.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To health care.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H 559.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To corrections and institutions.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H 560.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To energy and digital infrastructure.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five sixty one.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To energy and digital infrastructure.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five sixty two.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To general and housing.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five sixty three.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To judiciary. H five sixty four. To judiciary. H five sixty five. To general and housing.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five sixty six.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To judiciary. H five sixty seven. To government operations and military affairs. H five sixty eight. To education.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five sixty nine. To health care.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: H five seventy. To general and housing. H five seventy one. To judiciary.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five seventy two.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To judiciary.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five seventy three.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To health care.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five seventy four.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To human services.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five seventy five.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To general and housing. H five seventy six. To health care.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five seventy seven.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To health care.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H five seventy eight.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To judiciary.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H 579.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To environment.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H 580.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To health care.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: H 581. To health care. H five eighty two.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To human services.

[BetsyAnn Wrask (House Clerk)]: And H five eighty three.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: To healthcare. Members, we have a house resolution to take up at this time. HR 10 is a house resolution amending house rules related to bill draft request and approval deadlines in the second year of the biennium offered by the committee on rules. Please listen to the reading of the resolution by title only.

[House Reading Clerk (name not stated)]: House resolution amending house rules relating to build draft request and approval deadlines in the second year of the biennium.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Now the resolution has been read and is placed on the calendar for action on the next legislative day pursuant to house rule 52. Are there any announcements? Member for Middlebury.

[Representative Robin Scheu]: Madam speaker, it's not often the vice chair of the house appropriations committee leaves office in the middle of a biennium, but that's what representative Harrison is doing today. However, we couldn't let him get away without a proper goodbye. Therefore, the House Appropriations Committee offers this house resolution relating to the hasty departure of our colleague, representative Jim Harrison. Whereas representative Jim Harrison officially joined the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, 01/06/2021 when the committee met remotely during the COVID nineteen pandemic, bravely navigating both state budgets and the mute button. And whereas in January 2025, he became vice chair of the house appropriations committee and played a key role in negotiating a compromised f y twenty six budget that emerged from committee by unanimous vote, an achievement widely regarded as either a miracle or proof that humor can be a negotiating strategy. Whereas in January 22, when the committee resumed after meeting in person, representative Harrison proposed beginning each day with a joke or two, a suggestion that was agreed to before anyone had fully considered the consequences. And whereas representative Harrison soon became known as a connoisseur of comedy, a guardian of good humor, a man who could spot a joke from miles away, though has often took the scenic route, missed the exit, and stopped to ask for directions. And whereas, despite repeated failure of his jokes to land, representative Harrison has nonetheless succeeded time and again in bringing joy, good spirits, and the occasional extended silence to those around him. And whereas state representative Jim Harrison has served the people of this state with great dedication, integrity, and the remarkable ability to approach a punch line without actually ever reaching it, and where and and whereas he has long championed fiscal restraint, famously reminding the committee that $50 is $50, even as he has quietly, generously, and deliciously undermined that principle by supplying a steady surplus of Jones doughnuts, which we will miss. Whereas representative Harrison has embodied the true spirit of March Madness by sponsoring the committee pool year after year, steadfastly ignoring logic, probability, and his own consistently dismal performance. Now therefore be it resolved by the house appropriations committee that the house of representatives hereby commends state representative Jim Harrison for his years of devoted public service, his extraordinary contributions to the state, and his inspiring, if not entirely effective pursuit of levity, good sportsmanship, and joy in public life. And be it further resolved that Jim Harrison is officially recognized as the legislature's most likely to almost tell a joke, a title he has earned with every brave attempt and every valiant, hilarious stumble, and be it further resolved that the house encourages representative Harrison to continue his noble comedic efforts because, frankly, the chamber has not had this much fun being confused in years. Thank you, Jim.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from Chinden.

[Representative Jim Harrison]: Thank you, madam speaker. I was presented that resolution two weeks ago when I came back to appropriations committee meeting that was starting to work on the annual budget adjustment act. And quite frankly, I am confused because I really don't know the remarkable ability to approach a punchline without ever reaching it. I my jokes were funny in my mind. Anyhow, madam speaker, I would be lying if I didn't say that today was bittersweet for me. And, yes, our house clerk is a rock star. Always has and always will be. We are fortunate to have people like that working in this building. I will certainly miss our floor deliberations where we can vote on every bill that passes this chamber. Madam speaker, I consider myself a good republican, but also believe we should often check our party labels at the door, which means I might occasionally vote differently than the person behind me. I will not, however, miss the good natured kicks from that person.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: I

[Representative Jim Harrison]: will, however, miss the opportunities to recognize my friend from Newport on the house floor. The one who made a name for himself as a big deal. Please know that a couple of members have offered to take my place in this regard. And as a self appointed commissioner of the State House March Madness competition, I took liberties and given nicknames to fellow legislators and state officials and lobbyists that participated and pointing out who might be doing even worse than me in the standings. All in good fun. Stay tuned while this self appointed individual names a new commissioner to also be self appointed to make sure the fun continues. Of course, I may need to come back for that all important press conference to announce the winners at the end. I will miss the vanilla flavored coffee during the governor's weekly coffee hour and checking to see if that photo I had autographed for him has a bit of humor was still on his desk. And of course, our appropriations chair will not miss me coming down to committee with that fresh aroma of vanilla coffee, which she is not a fan of. I want to thank Pat for her ongoing support while I served in this chamber. I will have no more excuses to get out of things at home. It's been a real honor to serve in this building with all of you, and I mean that sincerely. We may not always agree on the approach to various issues, but I'm confident we all want the best for Vermonters. Thank you all for stepping up to serve the people of Vermont, and thank you for allowing me to be part of that.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: We'll miss you, member. Member from Burlington.

[Representative Lori Houghton]: Madam speaker, we have another new face in the chamber this morning if you haven't noticed. It only seems fitting to make this announcement. My now husband and I had our first date here at a farmer's night. He then proposed up in the balcony a year later, and we actually got married on the front steps of the State House. So it's only fitting we shared the latest family news.

[Representative Kate Logan]: This is baby Salem. He was born this fall, and he will be joining us a lot this session. And in addition, I want to recognize and celebrate and welcome, my better half, my partner in crime, the person who makes this possible. My my greatest love, my husband, captain Ryan Fisher, who will be joining us here, for the next three months because he's on parental leave from the US air force. So welcome him and baby Salem to the chamber.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest of the member from Burlington please rise and be recognized? Member from Pulteney.

[Representative Patricia McCoy]: Madam speaker, I have no formal words to, say regarding the member from Chittenden's leave of the house permanently. I know personally, I will miss him. I know we've had a lot of humor between us with the you know, when he goes one way and I go the other way on votes. I'm not quite sure if any of you have heard me go, Jen, after he makes his vote, but all in good fun, all in good jest. I think Rutland County will miss him incredibly. He has been a force for our our county leadership, and it's a huge hole for us to fill as as the county legislation. I think I I speak for all caucus members when I say that it's gonna be in a big void for our caucus, not only for the appropriations committee, but for other many other committees as well. And I I'm going to leave the humor and yield the floor to the member from Newport.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The member from Fulton East to the member from Newport City.

[Representative Woodman Page]: Madam speaker, I originally was not going to speak regarding the departure of our member from Chittenton, Vermont. But then I thought to myself, you cannot miss out on an opportunity like this to make a few comments. So, madam speaker, the words I am about to say are my own, And they're not from the member from Rutland 11 District. As you know, there have been numerous instances when the Rutland member has asked me to speak on his behalf for one event or another, and it has mainly been with the March Madness contest. But this is not one of those times. The member has not provided me a script regarding his departure from this body, and I am I am a little nervous. I'm a little nervous about what I'm about to say since these are my own words, and they're not from the member from Rutland. I'm actually here to praise our friend from Rutland to the service he has provided to his community and our state. It is my opinion that the member has been an exceptional has done an exceptional job in representing his district. I also want to recognize the member's wife, Pat. I have some experience dealing with the Rutland member here within this body, and I just can't imagine what it will be like for her to have the member home all the time. I wish Pat all the very best, and I know that the two of them will be very happy in starting over in their new home. I'm also very thankful some things from my Rutland eleven friend, and others, not so much. Much of the banter between the two of us over the years is familiar to this body, and there are time limits for what I can actually say. So I will simply make this one final comment. I do not think that it is an exaggeration to say that our colleague knows everyone in this building and within the same government within our state government. He genuinely likes everyone, and they like him as well. Madam speaker, I have a quote that I would like to, say if with your permission.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: You may.

[Representative Woodman Page]: Madam speaker, the quote is from the humorous Will Rogers. The humorous Will Rogers once say once said that he never met a person he didn't like, end of quote. Our Rutland friend is, in my opinion, the Will Rogers of our state house. It has never mattered to the member who you were, what organization you were with, or where you sat in this body. You as a person, him as a person, would be liked by the member, and anyone who has ever met him would like him as well. He's made an impression on all of us. In closing, I thank the member for being a friend to me and to all of us and wish him and Pat the best of times ahead as they begin their next adventure together. And I would also conclude by saying the member from Rutland, he is the big deal around here, not me. Thank you.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Thank you. Member from Burlington.

[Representative Barbara Rachelson]: Thank you, madam speaker. Today we are joined. I am hopeful that we are joined because I've been trying to locate them, but believe that I have. In the balcony, five foreign exchange students, who are in the balcony and visiting us and visiting the senate today. We have with us Emily from Germany, Liliana from Poland, Isis Jocelyn from France, Maharam from Tajikistan, and Daphne from France. Please, I want to invite members of the house to welcome them here.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest and the member from Burlington please rise and be recognized? The chair has an introduction to make. I'm so, lucky to have joining us today two of my dearest closest friends, Helen Reed and Moore Graff. Will you please help me in joining them to the house? Member from Colchester.

[Representative Sarah "Sarita" Austin]: Madam speaker, today someone returns to the house, perhaps only someone returns only person who returns more frequently is perhaps our representative from Springfield. But Glenn Russell, photographer with Vermont Digger, may have stepped out at the moment. But in reading Vermont Digger, B. T. Digger, is returning for the fortieth year to this chamber. Glenn has worked for a number of different media outlets here in Vermont. He has helped bring his keen eye and enormous skill to the stories published by the publications he's worked with. He's helped deliver the human side of those stories. And on behalf of the representative of Jericho and myself, will you help us welcome him to the chamber?

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Will the guest member from Colchester please rise and be recognized? Are there any further announcements? Member from Hultney.

[Representative Patricia McCoy]: Madam speaker, I would like the remarks of the member from Middlebury journalized.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The member from Hultney moves that we journalize the remarks of member from Middlebury. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. Nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it, and you have journalized the remarks of the member from Middlebury, member from Pulton.

[Representative Patricia McCoy]: Madam speaker, I would like the member the remarks of the member from Newport journalized.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The member from Pulton moves that we journalize the remarks of the member from Newport City. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay.

[Representative Woodman Page]: Aye. The

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it, and you have journalized the remarks of member from Newport City. Are there any further announcements? Seeing none, member from Essex Junction.

[Representative Lori Houghton]: Members, democrats for caucus in Room 11, ten minutes after the floor.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Member from Holdeny.

[Representative Patricia McCoy]: Madam speaker, house Republicans will not caucus today.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: A member from Burlington.

[Representative Robin Scheu]: Madam speaker, house progressives will caucus at noon in Room 44.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? Seeing none. Orders of the day. Members, we have one bill on our action calendar today. House bill 91 is an act relating to the Vermont homeless emergency assistant and responsive transition to housing program. Member from Waterbury. Madam speaker, I move that H 91 be committed to the committee on human services. The member from Waterbury moves to commit house bill 91 to the committee on human services. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. Aye. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it and you have committed house bill 91 to the committee on human services. Members, that completes the orders of the day. Members, we have received, from the senate a message containing joint senate resolution 30 which is a joint resolution to provide for a joint assembly to receive the state of the state message from the governor. It was offered by senator Bartholomew and was read and adopted on the part of the senate. Please listen to the reading of the resolution.

[House Reading Clerk (name not stated)]: Resolved by the senate and house of representatives that the two houses meet in joint assembly on Wednesday, 01/07/2026 at 02:00 in the afternoon to receive the state of the state message from the governor.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Now you've heard the reading of the resolution, and the question is, shall the house adopt the resolution in concurrence? Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it, and the resolution is adopted in concurrence. Member from Pulte, can you please offer us a motion to suspend our rules to message our action on JRS 30 to the senate forthwith?

[Representative Patricia McCoy]: Madam speaker, I make a motion to suspend rules in order to message our actions on JRS 30 to the senate forthwith.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The member from Pulte moves that we suspend rules to message our action on JRS 30 to the senate forthwith. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it. And you have suspended rules to message our action on JRS 30 to the senate forthwith. Are there any announcements? Member for Middlebury.

[Representative Robin Scheu]: Madam speaker, this is not about representative Harrison. The house appropriations committee is hosting a series of budget workshops so that members can, better understand how budgets work here at state budgets and this is prior to us receiving the FY twenty seven budget. So, it's not specifically about that budget. Our first workshop is going to be this Friday, January 9 at noon. It's gonna be in Room 10 and it will be focusing on the timeline for the budget process. Why do we have one? Sort of budget one zero one. How do departments and agencies what do they need to think about before this happens? We're going to have a fun exercise where you will get to decide how to spend some money. So this is an interactive workshop. The second workshop will be two weeks from Friday on January twenty third, also in Room 10. And we'll delve more into the budget documents so you can understand how they work. And again, we're going to have a fun exercise that may involve prizes at the end. So, in order to attend, we are asking for you to sign up. I'm going to be sending an Email out to All House later this morning so that you can sign up there. And if you joint fiscal office is gonna be leading these workshops. So if you have questions, you can ask them or ask me, but we look forward to seeing many of you on Friday. Thank you.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: Are there any further announcements? The chair has two announcements. In a moment I'll ask for a motion to adjourn until tomorrow at 3PM but please remember that house members need to be in the chamber tomorrow at 01:45 so that we can meet the senate for our 2PM joint assembly to receive the governor's state of the state address. So a reminder to be here in the house chamber at 01:45. Also, if you haven't noticed, our incredible clerk staff has created yearbooks for all members for 2025. They are personalized, so please check your names in there to make sure that you have received the the yearbook and huge, gratitude and thanks for the staff for putting those together for us. Are there any further announcements? Seeing none, member from Pultely, can you please offer us a motion to adjourn until Wednesday, January 7 at 3PM?

[Representative Patricia McCoy]: Madam speaker, I make a motion this body stand in adjournment until Wednesday, 01/07/2026 at 3PM.

[Representative Jill Krowinski (Speaker of the House)]: The member from Fulton Eastes that we adjourn until Wednesday, January 7 at 3PM. Are you ready for the question? If so, all those in favor, please say aye. Aye. All those opposed, please say nay. The ayes appear to have it, the ayes do have it and this body stands in adjournment until tomorrow at 3PM.