On Friday, March 27, 2020, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which included the expansion of those eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefi...
On the evening of March 13, as Gov. Phil Scott declared a state of emergency, the Vermont House of Representatives unanimously passed two wide-ranging relief bills to help our state respond to the …
12:30 PM S. 224 - An act relating to evidence-based structured literacy instruction for students in kindergarten–grade 3 and students with dyslexia and to teacher...
Hi Rep. James, hope you are doing well. I was wondering if the house committee is discussing feedback or input from families? It’s great to hear from the agencies and professionals but please don’t forget to include some parent voices if you haven’t 🙂
UPDATE: Uphill Travel Policies at Vermont Ski Areas: UPDATE: Given the current situation with all Vermont alpine ski areas closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, skiers and riders should be awar...
The state will pay child care providers for lost tuition if they continue to pay their workers, and will pay a bonus to providers caring for the children of essential workers.
The Vermont Department of Taxes continues to carefully monitor the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working closely with the office of Governor Phil Scott, following changes...
Updated at 11:19 a.m. A massive federal relief package could direct nearly $2 billion to Vermont, according to Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). The $2 trillion bill,...
Kathleen - Thank you for having the fortitude to remark honestly on the actions of Representative Browning. In this day and age it is difficult to motivate our legislators to question and yes, even sometimes denounce the ways and means of their colleagues. You were polite, yet firm and principled with all of your commentary in questioning the highly questionable, 50,000 foot view of the present emergency, exercised by Representative Browning. Many thanks again for stepping up and being heard.
PS - You might want to consider emulating Representative Bates by laughing (BWAHAHAHA) at a Covid 19 post plus engage in far more online coloring.
Governor Scott’s March 24, 2020 Addendum 6 to Executive Order 01-20 requires businesses and non-profits that are not critical to the public health and safety, as well as economic and national securi...
Kathleen James VT State Representative
7 hours ago
NEW information on the federal CARES Act -- click on the link to learn more about unemployment insurance for self-employed and independent contractors, an additional $600 per week for all UI claims, and extended benefits. ... See MoreSee Less
CARES Act - Impact on Vermonters | Department of Labor
labor.vermont.gov
On Friday, March 27, 2020, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which included the expansion of those eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefi...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
16 hours ago
VERMONT: Medical Reserve Corp Volunteers Needed to Bolster Existing Health Care Workers
Those with medical experience or other health care background and the ability to volunteer are needed to bolster the ranks of Vermont’s current health care workforce.
The state’s volunteer website directs these individuals to Vermont’s MRC units, community-based groups of volunteers who can supplement local emergency, health care provider staff and public health resources. This is needed because Vermont’s existing health care workers are going above and beyond to respond to this challenge as it unfolds, and they are going to need reinforcements.
The Vermont Medical Reserve Corps is seeking these qualified and experienced volunteers:
Licensed and certified health care professionals;
People with mental health, or other types of clinical or professional experience;
Health care administrative experience, such as with medical data entry or language translators; and
People who have worked with displaced individuals, such as homeless shelter programs.
State officials emphasize this effort is about drawing more skilled personnel, such as retirees or those not currently employed in the healthcare field, into the response and not about redirecting existing healthcare workers.
Vermont has eased licensing requirements for the purposes of aiding this emergency response. Individuals who are licensed in other states or who were previously licensed should visit the Health Department website and review the guide on emergency licensure.
https://www.vermont.gov/volunteer ... See MoreSee Less
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
1 day ago
In recent days, I've gotten some good questions from constituents about how the House of Representatives is keeping its doors open — figuratively speaking — with 150 legislators working remotely from home. To answer those questions, I wrote a column that appears in today's Bennington Banner in which I explain how the public can follow our work and an evolving legislative process that, in some ways, is more open than ever. Give it a read! — and see you on YouTube! 🙂
https://benningtonbanner.com/stories/…? ... See MoreSee Less
Rep. Kathleen James: Closed doors, open meetings
http://www.benningtonbanner.com
On the evening of March 13, as Gov. Phil Scott declared a state of emergency, the Vermont House of Representatives unanimously passed two wide-ranging relief bills to help our state respond to the …Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 days ago
If anyone would like to tune in, the House Education Committee is meeting today via Zoom, with a livestream on our YouTube channel. We'll be taking testimony on how schools are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and also discussing several other bills we'd been working on prior to our March 13 adjournment. I've posted the agenda below, and it includes a link to the livestream. We're on starting at noon.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/agenda/… ... See MoreSee Less
House Committee on Education Agenda
legislature.vermont.gov
12:30 PM S. 224 - An act relating to evidence-based structured literacy instruction for students in kindergarten–grade 3 and students with dyslexia and to teacher...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Hi Rep. James, hope you are doing well. I was wondering if the house committee is discussing feedback or input from families? It’s great to hear from the agencies and professionals but please don’t forget to include some parent voices if you haven’t 🙂
Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 days ago
Hey, friends: I just donated to the COVID-19 Relief Fund at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in honor of my wife, Alex Heintz, who along with so many of her SVMC colleagues is helping our community and our hospital to respond to this global pandemic. All donations up to $100,000 will be matched.
The COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide critical support to Southwestern Vermont Healthcare during this pandemic, including the creation of negative pressure rooms, the purchase of life-saving supplies (ventilators, respirators, personal protective equipment), implementation of the surge plan to expand patient care, and support of employees in distress.
I am proud of Alex's contributions and grateful to all of the frontline workers at SVMC — the very definition of essential workers at a time of dire need. Please join me! ... See MoreSee Less
Give Now | Southwestern Vermont Health Care | Bennington VT
svhealthcare.org
SVHC Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
3 days ago
This just in: More clarity and tighter restrictions on lodging restrictions (including short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb), travel to Vermont from COVID-19 "hot spots," and the guidance that anyone and everyone arriving from out of state — including Vermonters and non-Vermonters — must quarantine for 14 days (with exceptions for essential purposes). Read below, see link, and please share.
GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ISSUES ORDER ON TRAVEL AND LODGING RESTRICTIONS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH “STAY HOME, STAY SAFE” ORDER AND NEW CDC GUIDANCE
Calls for Compliance with CDC Travel Guidance for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
Orders 14-Day Home-Quarantine for Anyone Traveling to Vermont
Updates Guidance and Compliance Measures for Lodging Operations
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today ordered additional restrictions on travelers arriving in Vermont and announced additional guidance for the lodging industry to enhance compliance with his Stay Home, Stay Safe order.
The measures under the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, effective March 25, were implemented in consultation with the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health to minimize all unnecessary activities outside the home to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect the public.
Governor Scott is taking additional action to encourage compliance with newly released CDC guidance around interstate travel from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, which advised residents of those states to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days.
In light of the significant risk posed by the further spread of this dangerous virus to Vermonters and the viability of Vermont’s health care system, this new order directs residents and non-residents coming from outside the state for anything other than an essential purpose to home-quarantine for 14 days and strongly discourages travel to Vermont by those located in COVID-19 “hot spots.” Details and exemptions are outlined in Addendum 7.
The Governor’s order also provides additional guidance to lodging providers to ensure compliance with the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, which suspended lodging operations.
The order makes clear that lodging facilities – which includes hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, short term rentals (e.g. VRBO, Homeaway, Airbnb, etc.), and all public and private camping facilities and RV parks – are to be closed except for stated exemptions when supporting the state’s COVID-19 response. Additionally, the Governor has suspended online lodging reservations.
Under this order, the Vermont State Police and local law enforcement will monitor lodging providers for compliance and work with the Attorney General’s Office on additional compliance measures if needed.
Addendum 7 provides lodging operations with additional details on requirements, and state agencies will also be reaching out to these businesses directly.
The Stay Home, Stay Safe order and today’s updated travel and lodging order are in effect until April 15, 2020, though may be extended or shortened as needed. For full details, please see link below.
https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/… ... See MoreSee Less
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
3 days ago
Governor Scott will hold a press conference today at 11 am with updates on how the state is responding to COVID-19. It will be livestreamed on many Vermont radio and broadcast stations, including Vermont Public Radio: Link below.
https://www.vpr.org/online-streams#stream/0 ... See MoreSee Less
Online Streams
http://www.vpr.org
Listen to all of VPR's online streams - VPR News, VPR Classical, Replay, The BBC and the Vermont Statehouse - using your computer's browser orShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
4 days ago
Reminder: All alpine ski areas in Vermont, including Bromley and Stratton, are closed. Please check out this link to see whether your favorite ski area is allowing any kind of access, including snowshoeing or skinning up to ski down. (Bromley's ban is crystal clear.) Stay safe, everyone! >>
https://skivermont.com/update-uphill-travel-polici… ... See MoreSee Less
UPDATE: Uphill Travel Policies at Vermont Ski Areas — Ski Vermont
skivermont.com
UPDATE: Uphill Travel Policies at Vermont Ski Areas: UPDATE: Given the current situation with all Vermont alpine ski areas closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, skiers and riders should be awar...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
5 days ago
Resources for small businesses, compiled by Main Street Alliance of Vermont: Check out the PDF at link below:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/… ... See MoreSee Less
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
5 days ago
Do you know someone who needs health insurance during the COVID-19 crisis? Uninsured Vermonters can sign up for Vermont Health Connect until April 17, no matter how long you've been uninsured. Also, eligible Vermonters can continue to apply for, and enroll in, Medicaid at any time.
Apply now by calling Vermont Health Connect at 1-855-899-9600.
For free help, call the Health Care Advocate at 1-800-917-7787 or online at: https://vtlawhelp.org/vhc-coronavirus ... See MoreSee Less
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
5 days ago
In case you missed it ... >>>
"The state has promised a massive bailout to Vermont’s child care providers to stabilize the sector amid the coronavirus pandemic. In guidance issued [on March 26], the Department for Children and Families assured child care facilities that the state will cover the lost tuition they would have received from families if they hadn’t shut their doors to slow the spread of COVID-19."
https://vtdigger.org/2020/03/… ... See MoreSee Less
To save child care sector during crisis, Vermont promises to cover tuition
vtdigger.org
The state will pay child care providers for lost tuition if they continue to pay their workers, and will pay a bonus to providers caring for the children of essential workers.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
6 days ago
The new normal: The House Education Committee meeting this morning by Zoom, livestreamed on our new YouTube channel. Plus, a few innovative ideas from around the country, from the Education Commission of the United States.
"While states and school districts already have plans for emergency management and temporary school closures for natural disasters and other events beyond our control, this is the longest sustained disruption to the idea of normalcy in American life — and American schools — that many of us have encountered. In times such as these, it’s important to look to one another for answers, examples and inspiration." Blog link below:
https://ednote.ecs.org/adjusting-to-a-new-normal-i… ... See MoreSee Less
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
6 days ago
Vermont Tax Commissioner Craig Bollio provided an update to lawmakers at yesterday's meeting of the Joint Rules Committee. Highlights below, and see link for additional information.
Given the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. Treasury Department and IRS moved tax filing deadlines from April 15 to July 15. Vermont’s filing dates have also been moved to July 15, and the Vermont Tax Department is actively providing guidance to tax preparers and the public about how it impacts the process. The Department continues to process refunds and returns. Online filing of personal income taxes remains the quickest way to get a refund.
Income Taxes: The Tax Department issued income tax filing guidance on 3/23. The following tax categories had their due date pushed back from April 15 to July 15:
Vermont personal income tax
corporate income tax
fiduciary income tax
Vermont Homestead declaration: The homestead declaration due date was moved from April 15 to July 15. This poses a process challenge, as the Department must send all property tax credit information to municipalities by July 1. In turn, municipalities typically bill for the amount in July. The Department will work with VLCT and other stakeholders to develop a plan to address this timing issue.
Processing of returns: Even with much of the workforce functioning remotely, the Tax Department is actively processing returns and refunds.
Online filing: The quickest way for an individual to file and receive an income tax refund is by filing online. Many Vermonters qualify for free e-filing.
Penalties and Interest: The Tax Department has waived penalties and interest, so long as the Department receives payments by July 15.
Meals and Rooms and Sales and Use Taxes: On March 23, The Tax Commissioner exercised his authority to waive penalty and interest for businesses who were unable to meet the March 25 and April 25 deadline to pay these taxes. This decision provided flexibility but did not abate taxes due.
March 25 due date: Most businesses have filed and paid the meals and rooms and sales and use taxes for March 25.
Businesses who cannot make payment: Businesses who cannot make payment should still file if able. This provides additional information so the State can draw on data in their projections.
https://tax.vermont.gov/coronavirus ... See MoreSee Less
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE: INFORMATION FOR TAXPAYERS | Department of Taxes
tax.vermont.gov
The Vermont Department of Taxes continues to carefully monitor the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working closely with the office of Governor Phil Scott, following changes...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
6 days ago
Today, the House Education Committee will be taking testimony on how schools are responding to the COVID-19 crisis. This meeting will be livestreamed at our new committee YouTube channel, and anyone can listen — or watch later — by clicking on the link below.
Sessions start at 9 am and 1:45 pm, and witness include Agency of Education Secretary Dan French; the executive directors of the Vermont Superintendents Association, VT-NEA and VT Principals' Association, and BRSU superintendent Jackie Wilson. I've also posted a link to our agenda. Please tune in if you are able!
https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/agenda/…
https://youtube.com/channel/… ... See MoreSee Less
Vermont House Committee on Education
http://www.youtube.com
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Thanks! Listened in. Helped me compare education monies (13.5 billion nationwide) to other allocations listed in the stimulus package
Kathleen James VT State Representative
6 days ago
Friends: By now, most of you have likely heard that Vermont schools will be closed through the end of the school year, though remote learning will continue. This tough decision, while absolutely necessary, will have a tremendous impact on families, on communities and on teachers and school administrators. I'm sure we'll all have many questions.
Governor Scott is holding a press conference today — Friday, March 27 — at 11 am. You can watch this event live on his Facebook page (@GovPhilScott). Also, the House Education Committee will be taking testimony today and you can watch this on YouTube — for details on that, see my next post!
https://vtdigger.org/2020/03/… ... See MoreSee Less
Schools dismissed through end of school year
vtdigger.org
The governor ordered schools to have plans for remote teaching by April 13. The order also pulls back on requiring schools to provide child care.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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M e thinks Trump will take credit for putting N END TO SCHOOL SHOOTINGS
Kathleen James VT State Representative
6 days ago
New features on the Vermont Department of Health website, including the "Ask A Question" box and fact sheets translated into nine languages. Press release below:
A new section called “Ask a Question" allows visitors to type questions about COVID-19 in Vermont into a box. The information we currently have available will be provided as an answer. We appreciate your patience as we continue to update this information regularly.
A new COVID-19 web page to meet the specific needs of health care providers. It includes current guidance, health alerts, and resources for protecting patients and health care workers in different settings. It can be found at healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers.
Fact sheets with COVID-19 information for health care workers, in addition to Vermonters who are awaiting test results for COVID-19, diagnosed with COVID-19, or a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
Translated Materials
The Health Department has fact sheets translated into nine languages on its website What You Need to Know About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
You can also find links to translated videos created by the Spectrum Multicultural Youth Program, Howard Center and other Burlington community members.
Find these at healthvermont.gov/covid19 under “Translated Materials." ... See MoreSee Less
COVID-19 Resources for Health Care Professionals
healthvermont.gov
This page contains information concerning COVID-19 specifically for the health care community.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
6 days ago
Rundown on the estimated $2 billion that will be coming to Vermont via the federal relief legislation.
From the article: "The stimulus package — the largest of its kind in U.S. history — includes $1,200 checks for most Americans, an expansion of unemployment benefits, support for major industries and small businesses, and grants to hospitals and state governments."
Grateful for the role our U.S. congressional delegation played in getting this deal done.
https://sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/… ... See MoreSee Less
Vermont to Receive $2B From Coronavirus Bill Backed by Leahy, Sanders
http://www.sevendaysvt.com
Updated at 11:19 a.m. A massive federal relief package could direct nearly $2 billion to Vermont, according to Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). The $2 trillion bill,...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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I won’t see a penny
Kathleen James VT State Representative
7 days ago
As a member of the Vermont legislature, I have many opportunities to both demonstrate and learn about leadership. Yesterday, leaders from all parties, led by Speaker Mitzi Johnson, demonstrated the power of unity and consensus by passing resolutions that will allow the House to continue its work remotely, and — most important of all — by passing two significant COVID-19 relief bills. See below for more details — and more to come.
HOUSE PASSES COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE & REMOTE VOTING PROVISIONS
MONTPELIER, VT - Today the Vermont House gave final approval to H.681 and H.742, the legislature’s COVID-19 relief package. H.681 contains several updates to our elections and open meeting laws to ensure local municipal meetings and state elections can be conducted safely in the current public health crisis. H.742 updates our unemployment insurance program and gives greater flexibility to our health care system to meet the unknown needs we will be facing. Both bills originated in the House and were part of the package passed on March 13, 2020.
Additionally, the House passed several resolutions today to (1) declare a state of emergency in the Legislative branch, (2) permit committees to vote on legislation remotely and (3) permit the House of Representatives to vote remotely. The House has already begun remote committee meetings via video conference. Live-streaming links are available on the committee pages of the Legislative website.
“I want to thank the Governor for his leadership and the steps he’s taken to keep Vermonters safe in our current public health crisis,” said House Speaker Mitzi Johnson (D-South Hero). “I also want to thank the Senate for their partnership and for working with our committees and chairs to ensure this legislation could move forward swiftly. These bills are critical to our state’s response to COVID-19 and will make a tremendous difference to struggling Vermonters in the coming weeks and months.
“The resolutions passed today will help provide that the legislature can continue to work on COVID-19 relief and other important issues without risking community spread of the virus. We are in an unprecedented time and do not take these changes to how we conduct business lightly. We will continue working hard for Vermonters in the coming weeks and months to be responsive to their ongoing needs. Every step we take, we must take together.” ... See MoreSee Less
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Kathleen - Thank you for having the fortitude to remark honestly on the actions of Representative Browning. In this day and age it is difficult to motivate our legislators to question and yes, even sometimes denounce the ways and means of their colleagues. You were polite, yet firm and principled with all of your commentary in questioning the highly questionable, 50,000 foot view of the present emergency, exercised by Representative Browning. Many thanks again for stepping up and being heard. PS - You might want to consider emulating Representative Bates by laughing (BWAHAHAHA) at a Covid 19 post plus engage in far more online coloring.
Kathleen James VT State Representative
7 days ago
Vermont Strong: As this article reports, every school district is providing meals to students in some way. Bagged grab-and-go lunches, dropping off meals at delivery sites, and in some cases, even home delivery. After a rough day yesterday, this morning I'm even more inspired by what we can accomplish when we stand and work together. Thanks to our local leaders at the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union and the Battenkill Valley Supervisory Union!
https://vtdigger.org/2020/03/… ... See MoreSee Less
How Vermont school districts are providing hundreds of meals a day
vtdigger.org
Most are either furnishing bagged breakfasts and lunches at grab-and-go sites, dropping food off along regular routes using school buses, or both.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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Kathleen James VT State Representative
7 days ago
In the wake of Governor Scott's stay-at-home directive, the Vermont Agency of Commerce continues to add more guidance about which businesses and nonprofits are considered essential. Learn more at this link:
https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19-guidance/… ... See MoreSee Less
Stay Home Stay Safe FAQs for Businesses | Agency of Commerce and Community Development
accd.vermont.gov
Governor Scott’s March 24, 2020 Addendum 6 to Executive Order 01-20 requires businesses and non-profits that are not critical to the public health and safety, as well as economic and national securi...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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