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Yesterday, the House gave final approval to H.969, the full FY21 budget. Below you'll find a point-by-point overview of the $88 million in recommended additional Economic Recovery Grants — to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic — that are contained within this massive 201-page bill. These allocations are from Vermont's final remaining federal CRF (Coronavirus Relief Fund) money.

An important reminder: This work is not yet final! From here the budget moves to the Senate for further consideration prior to final passage and, ultimately, the Governor's signature.

Here's what the House is proposing, and thanks to Rep. Charlie Kimbell (D-Woodstock) of the Commerce Committee for this synopsis. >>>

H. 969 alters the eligibility criteria from earlier bills (H. 966 and S. 350).

• Requires that grants be made on the basis of need demonstrated by economic loss instead of a formula. The current eligibility requirement is that a business show a 50% decline in revenue in any one month from 2019 to 2020 during the “covered period" of March 1 to September 1, and the grant is calculated at 10% of the 2019 revenues. That goes away in this new round of financing. If the business can demonstrate a loss, regardless of its comparison to the previous year, including things like the cancellation of contracts or reservations because of COVID, as long as the business was established before March 1st, they will be eligible. ACCD will establish standards to determine grant amounts.

• No requirement that the business have an employee. That means that the following businesses will be eligible now: Sole Proprietors, Partnerships, LLC’s with no employees, etc.

• Amended the provision of previous grants that Arts and Cultural Organizations could not include tax deductible contributions in estimating revenue loss. This frees up some money in one of the old funding sources, and clarifies for this new round of funding that non-profit organizations can submit economic loss based on all sources of revenue, including charitable contributions.

• Increased the maximum grant allowable to $300,000. ACCD had initially set the cap at $50,000 in previous grants, but found that it was not enough to meet the needs of businesses in the most affected sectors, particularly lodging and hospitality. Recently ACCD increased the cap to $150,000, but this provides more room to help important businesses survive. (By way of comparison, New Hampshire established a cap of $350,000 in their CRF grant program.)

• Removed the condition that a business could not have received grants from more than one source of CRF grants. In order to eliminate the confusion for businesses about which grant program they should apply to, this provision makes it possible for a business who received a grant in one program to apply for another grant, provided it is not for the same purpose, that they can still demonstrate economic need and they will not exceed the new cap of $300,000.

• Extends the period in which a business can demonstrate a loss to December 1st, previously it was September 1st, to include the important fall season.

Businesses who were denied funding or whose grant was limited because of the treatment of revenue or some other condition will be able to reapply. For instance, a Chamber of Commerce applied for a grant but much of the revenue loss they showed was in charitable contributions. They received a grant of under $3,000 but their need is much greater. They will now be eligible to reapply.

Stay tuned and remember -- this work is not yet final. From here the bill moves to the Senate. The bill must be approved by the legislature and signed by the Governor by October 1, and all federal CRF funds must be expended by December 30. ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago

>> H. 969 alters the eligibility criteria from earlier bills (H. 966 and S. 350). • Requires that grants be made on the basis of need demonstrated by economic loss instead of a formula. The current eligibility requirement is that a business show a 50% decline in revenue in any one month from 2019 to 2020 during the “covered period of March 1 to September 1, and the grant is calculated at 10% of the 2019 revenues. That goes away in this new round of financing. If the business can demonstrate a loss, regardless of its comparison to the previous year, including things like the cancellation of contracts or reservations because of COVID, as long as the business was established before March 1st, they will be eligible. ACCD will establish standards to determine grant amounts. • No requirement that the business have an employee. That means that the following businesses will be eligible now: Sole Proprietors, Partnerships, LLC’s with no employees, etc. • Amended the provision of previous grants that Arts and Cultural Organizations could not include tax deductible contributions in estimating revenue loss. This frees up some money in one of the old funding sources, and clarifies for this new round of funding that non-profit organizations can submit economic loss based on all sources of revenue, including charitable contributions. • Increased the maximum grant allowable to $300,000. ACCD had initially set the cap at $50,000 in previous grants, but found that it was not enough to meet the needs of businesses in the most affected sectors, particularly lodging and hospitality. Recently ACCD increased the cap to $150,000, but this provides more room to help important businesses survive. (By way of comparison, New Hampshire established a cap of $350,000 in their CRF grant program.) • Removed the condition that a business could not have received grants from more than one source of CRF grants. In order to eliminate the confusion for businesses about which grant program they should apply to, this provision makes it possible for a business who received a grant in one program to apply for another grant, provided it is not for the same purpose, that they can still demonstrate economic need and they will not exceed the new cap of $300,000. • Extends the period in which a business can demonstrate a loss to December 1st, previously it was September 1st, to include the important fall season. Businesses who were denied funding or whose grant was limited because of the treatment of revenue or some other condition will be able to reapply. For instance, a Chamber of Commerce applied for a grant but much of the revenue loss they showed was in charitable contributions. They received a grant of under $3,000 but their need is much greater. They will now be eligible to reapply. Stay tuned and remember -- this work is not yet final. From here the bill moves to the Senate. The bill must be approved by the legislature and signed by the Governor by October 1, and all federal CRF funds must be expended by December 30." data-querystring="_nc_cat=108&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=T-H4LfS-DzgAX-9CTpH&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&tp=6&oh=859140b546e88eef570de96ac0b0083f&oe=5F8B2D8E" data-ratio="1200" class="cff-multi-image" />

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I need a copy!

This afternoon the House voted 140-4 to give preliminary approval to the full FY21 budget (H.969). We'll take our final vote tomorrow and then it will move over to the Senate. At $7.1 billion, it also includes more than $223 million in Vermont's remaining Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF).

This is a balanced budget that Appropriations Chair Kitty Toll describes as "steady state." With input from key policy committees (including the committee I serve on, House Education), this bill is consistent with House spending priorities, keeps our reserves full, and did not require cuts to essential services or programs.

[As an aside: In the many committee hearings and other meetings I've attended to discuss this bill, one interesting factoid I learned was that, among all 50 states, Vermont ranks near the very top for per-capita CRF funds received from the federal government. We received $1.2 billion for our 600,000+ residents, apparently boosted by a "small-state" minimum written into the CARES bill.]

Some of the highlights include:

• $23.8 million in "bridge funding" for the Vermont State Colleges

• $3 million for grants to regional Communication Union Districts (CUDs) that are working to extend broadband across Vermont

• The recommended CRF allocations include $32 million for K-12 schools to cover COVID-related costs, $10 million for independent colleges, $2 million to help support adult day providers, and another big $100 million shot to the Agency of Commerce for economic development (business grants, tourism, workforce).

Below I've linked the full 201-page bill for anyone who would like to read or download. Remember, this is not a final product — next stop, the Senate.

https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2020/… ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

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Today the House passed the Global Warming Solutions Act (H.688) by a strong 102-45 veto-proof majority. I'm a proud co-sponsor of this bill, which will help Vermont reduce its greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, from transportation and heating to agriculture and utilities.

By promoting strategic and cost-effective solutions, the GWSA will protect our environment, save Vermonters money, and transition our economy away from its reliance on imported fossil fuels to the clean, renewable energy of the future.

For more than a decade, Vermont has had goals in statute to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. But we’ve failed to achieve those goals. In fact, among Northeastern states Vermont is alone in having higher emissions rates today than in 1990. And several neighboring states — including Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut and New York — have enacted similar laws to cut down on pollution while jump-starting the clean-energy economy.

I spoke on the virtual House "floor" today in support of this bill, and here's what I had to say:

From warmer winters to damaging floods, Vermonters are feeling the impact of climate change. Around the world and here in the Green Mountains, it is a rapidly escalating environmental, economic and public-health crisis that requires an immediate and strategic response.

The longer we delay, the more difficult and costly that response will become. And as the next generation knows, we’ve already waited far too long.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that responding to climate change also offers a tremendous opportunity. By passing the Global Warming Solutions Act and creating a thoughtful, forward-looking Climate Plan, Vermont will:

• Reduce carbon emissions across all sectors, from transportation and heating to agriculture and utilities

• Protect our environment, protect our working lands, and protect public health

• Lower Vermonters’ energy bills and save them money

• And transition our economy away from its reliance on imported fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources — building the resilient, sustainable and fast-growing economy of the future.

The Climate Council created by the GWSA brings together cabinet-level members from across state government with a diverse and balanced group of stakeholders. The plan they create must prioritize solutions that are cost-effective and feasible. And it must take into account the energy burden and how any strategy will impact — and be targeted specifically to help — rural and low-income Vermonters.

In other words: This is exciting, optimistic, inclusive and very important work.

In the legislature and across Vermont, we’re all engaged in an urgent conversation about how to recover from COVID-19. How to make Vermont more affordable. How to build an economy that works for all of us, that attracts and retains new residents, that offers our owns children a pathway to a promising future.

By investing in climate resilience and developing a blueprint for a sustainable economy right here at home, the Global Warming Solutions Act is a powerful tool to help accomplish those goals.

From here, H.688 will move to the Governor's desk. Vermonters support climate action. Please reach out to Governor Scott and tell him you support the GWSA. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

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This is great news. I thought VT was doing a good job due to the incentives for efficient water heaters, heat pumps, energy star (efficient ) and solar panels. How will this bill improve matters? With Energy Efficient Vermont we're moving in the right direction. Well, there's always room for improvement. Good luck!

Thank you for your steadfast commitment to the State of Vermont, and the integrity that I immediately felt from you. Trusting my heart has NEVER led me astray. You are an authentic, beautiful, and giving person. Vermont is extremely lucky to have you as our State Representative. Your commitment and honesty are felt throughout the community. Thank You! 👍🏽

Congratulations. Thank You!!! Wonderful news.

Thank you!!!!

Yard sign?

Thank you, Kathleen!

Totally awesome!!!

This is great. Thank you!

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Tomorrow the Global Warming Solutions Act (H.688) will be up for action. I'm proud to be one of 87 legislators who sponsored this bill and one of 105 who voted for it in February. I'll vote for it again tomorrow.

As I said on the floor in February, it's long past time to talk about how we'll address climate change ... someday. At its heart, the GWSA is about helping Vermont transition from its reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy. I think most folks understand that this is the economy of the future.

The GWSA is about strategic planning and responsible governance. In the face of a rising and urgent challenge, it requires Vermont to act now and to act in concert — creating a climate council that will work across state agencies, and with representation from rural communities, small businesses, municipal governments, environmental advocates and more — to write a forward-looking, strategic roadmap ... and to hold the state accountable for accomplishing that work.

In this effort, Vermont will join Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York — neighboring states who have enacted similar legislation.

Climate change is not someday. It’s today. It's time for Vermont to plan the work …and work the plan.

In today's VTDigger, a colleague I respect quite a lot, Rep Laura Sibilia (I-Dover), a lead sponsor of the bill, points out the benefits of the bill for our economy and our rural communities, and addresses some of the confusion that's been created about this bill by special interest groups that oppose it. Please give it a read. I'll be posting more about this bill in the days to come. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

Laura Sibilia: Global Warming Solutions Act has tripartisan support - VTDigger

vtdigger.org

Vermont legislators across the political spectrum agree that Vermont’s residents, businesses, economy, and environment are already bearing the effects of climate change.

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A long time ago but seems like yesterday: a time when the first day of school, for my own girls, was all about two new matching backpacks and walking far enough ahead of us to feel like big kids. Sending out heartfelt support today for all of the students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators as an unprecedented academic year begins. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

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So sad Kathleen ., first time I’m happy Joel is not young again .. miss those years .. just 2 cute your photo .. I remb first day at mems . I worried so .. he came home happy with a heart around his neck with Joel written on it ..

Nearly $50 million remains in the Economic Recovery Grants Fund.
Sharing below a post from a colleague on the Commerce Committee, with information and links. Meanwhile, the legislature is working on a new round of grant allocations to reach an even broader swath of businesses, including sole proprietors. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

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Yesterday I drove past the new Black Lives Matter street mural in downtown Bennington. I was horrified to read about the protesters — at least one of them armed — who used tactics that were clearly intended not just to deface the artwork but to intimidate those who had gathered to create it. Fear is a powerful tool.

At a meeting this morning of the legislative Social Equity Caucus, we listened as Black Vermonters described the ongoing and escalating acts of racism, hatred and white supremacy that they and their families are experiencing across Vermont.

In a letter to the Manchester Journal in June, Seth and I wrote that "we can no longer shake our heads in disgust, but otherwise stay silent." And after the caucus meeting today, our chair encouraged all of us to "be a presence in these communities, to decry this hate speech, and to strengthen policies" that will advance racial justice.

So from a few miles up the road, sending respect to the many community leaders in Bennington who are working so hard in your community for justice.

https://vtdigger.org/2020/08/… ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Four arrested in confrontation over Black Lives Matter mural in Bennington - VTDigger

vtdigger.org

Residents who came to help paint the mural circled around it, hand in hand, to block protesters.

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Will you please cross post to the Northshire group or would you like one of us to do that?

Thank you for addressing this.

Thank you for this post!!!

Thank you for putting your attention on gathering first hand information from black Vermonters.

Thank you!

I took a picture of main Street in Manchester vt . of the Ewuanok golf course which is 50 feet from the Lincoln's kids house....the most powerful people in the world are members. They have a 120 year old policy...you won't find anywhere in writing... We need to put a BLM painting in the road in front of the entrance ...your protesting down at the roundabout... Tell the kids the truth and move up to Ewuanok ! ...go to the front..with the fight ... It's doors of. Institutional racism that we don't hear close like at the golf course in the middle of cute little Manchester Vermont .. Where you from Kathleen ? Tell Seth and Bob to gives you a local history lesson.. ? .. It stinks like dead bodies in your yard too?

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A busy afternoon for the House Education Committee. Rep. Peter Welch joined us to provide an update from Washington, where he's working hard to secure greater flexibility for states on how we can use our federal CARES funding (which must be spent by December 31) and also to secure passage of the $3 trillion HEROES Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives 100 days ago and is now mired in the Senate. This second federal relief bill would bring an additional $3 billion in COVID aid to Vermont, with fewer strings attached. Go, Peter!

Speaking of CARES money: Before we adjourned in June, the legislature directed $50 million in CARES funds to Vermont's preK - 12 schools to cover eligible COVID costs — like retooling for remote instruction last spring, delivering meals, and safely reopening this fall. According to the Joint Fiscal Office estimate, costs will exceed that amount and our schools will need an additional $32 million of our federal CARES money to cover these important and necessary expenditures. Anticipating that scenario, the legislature had set aside up to $100 million to cover.

This conversation will now play out in the Appropriations Committee, while legislators iron out differences between Governor Scott's recommended CARES allocations and recommendations arriving from policy committees, like House Education. Before we adjourn in a few weeks' time, we will pass a full budget for FY21 and allocate all remaining CARES dollars. At this link, you can see the doc that gives a rundown on the House Education recommendation to Approps:

https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2020/… ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

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Am I looking up at Rep. Conlon?

The pace of the legislative session has been intense, so I have a few posts to catch up on.

First: Today the House passed S.337 by a wide margin of 107-19. This bill establishes a pilot program that gives Efficiency Vermont the flexibility to redirect up to $2 million of its existing revenues toward programs that will help Vermonters save money in the transportation and "thermal" (ie, heating a building) sectors.

By way of background, Efficiency Vermont was established in 1999 by the legislature for the purpose of helping consumers reduce their electricity consumption. Its budget is funded by an energy efficiency charge that consumer pay on their electric bills, at a rate set by the Public Utility Commission. Through 2018, investments made by Efficiency Vermont have generated $2.4 billion in energy savings for Vermonters, using $658 million in ratepayer funds -- an ROI of 4:1, according to the floor report by Rep. Michael Yantachka. And at the same time, our electric rates are 10 percent lower than average New England electric rates, thanks in part to this work.

While the original focus of Efficiency Vermont was solely to reduce electricity usage, the state's official energy policy has evolved to include reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Right now, transportation and heating account for 56 and 34 percent of Vermont's greenhouse gas emissions, respectively. As Rep. Yantachka said, this is where S.337 comes in. For no additional cost and no additional charge to consumers — simply redirecting a portion of current annual revenues — Efficiency Vermont can try new programs that can help Vermonters make the switch to cleaner, more sustainable ways to get around and heat their homes. This is a good bill, which is why it won such broad tripartisan support on the floor. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

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Great to hear on S.337! We need more incentives in thermal and trans categories

Year round now? When you going to pass the budget and go home ? Rumors of bullet voting .. Bob causing trouble again .. # Rico..any thoughts on impeaching Erika and Chad yet? I got a bill right here waiting for you ? 😆.. # rico .

Good column by statehouse reporter Greg Sukiennik of the Banner and Journal on the crisis facing the Vermont State College system and the crucial conversations taking place in the legislature this week — as the Appropriations Committee hammers out the state's FY21 budget — about the need to find bridge funding to stabilize VSC during the critical upcoming academic year. I've been named to the statewide Steering Committee on the Future of Public Higher Education, a task force that in the coming months will take a hard look at how VSC can find innovative solutions for the future. The committee is just getting underway, with its final report due to the legislature next April 2021.

https://benningtonbanner.com/stories/… ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago

Greg Sukiennik | Look Ahead Vermont: State college funding now a priority

http://www.benningtonbanner.com

If you listened in on any committee hearing dealing with spending in the Vermont Legislature, then you've probably heard at least one lawmaker remind his or her colleagues that money needs to be set �...