Dear Readers: We are pleased to bring back our regular series of columns from the Northshire’s delegation to the Vermont House of Representatives — Kathleen James and Seth Bongartz of
BENNINGTON — Municipal leaders around Vermont are looking for some relief from a potential wave of required property reappraisals prompted by spiking, pandemic-era real estate prices.
We get these in ME too. I generally put directly into the circular file!
Yeah, I got one of those in my mailbox too
Wowzah! Thank you so much got the heads up!
They actually did a pretty good job of rendering a surface appearance of actual journalism, with perhaps an investigative edge, but beneath that surface image, it's borderline Q-anon.
Got this “newspaper” once before. Could see it was extreme right-wing but did not know cult connection.
And it's important to know that the extravaganza Shen Yun is also a propaganda arm of the same ground. It is beautiful, no doubt, but there is a strong message in the production.
Rep. Kathleen James Assistant Majority Leader Email me: KJames@leg.state.vt.us Call me: 802.733.1435 (mobile), 802.366.1158 (home/office) And follow me on Facebook
Walk into Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center and prepare to be overwhelmed in the best possible way. The independent bookstore, a fixture in the center...
So pleased to hear The Northshire Bookstore is in new and capable hands. I worked there from 1998 until 2004 and enjoyed the experience more than I have words to describe. Wishing the new owners all the best!
My favorite bookstore!
I have friends around the country that talk about this bookstore!
At her fingertips this biennium will be a historic, veto-proof Democratic House majority. But she will also have to contend with a large crop of rookie lawmakers and tighter budget constraints.
Kathleen James VT State Representative
3 days ago
YOUR FRONT-ROW SEAT AT THE STATEHOUSE >>
"In a democracy, there’s nothing more important than transparency and accountability. Voters deserve to know what we’re doing and how we’re voting, because the laws we pass — and the programs we fund — impact your lives in a very real way. So here’s a quick guide to following our work from afar."
Read my latest column in the Manchester Journal to find out how to follow the Vermont House of Reps online!
... See MoreSee Less
Legislative corner: Technology gives you a front row seat at the Statehouse
http://www.manchesterjournal.com
Dear Readers: We are pleased to bring back our regular series of columns from the Northshire’s delegation to the Vermont House of Representatives — Kathleen James and Seth Bongartz ofShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Kathleen James VT State Representative
4 days ago
An important issue across many towns in Vermont. In the statehouse, the Ways and Means committee is considering solutions. Stay tuned:
... See MoreSee Less
Town manager hoping for legislative fix on reappraisal issue
http://www.benningtonbanner.com
BENNINGTON — Municipal leaders around Vermont are looking for some relief from a potential wave of required property reappraisals prompted by spiking, pandemic-era real estate prices.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Kathleen James VT State Representative
7 days ago
LET THE READER BEWARE:
Here's a disturbing development: Propaganda delivered directly to my mailbox — and that of all local residents, apparently — over the weekend.
It's an important reminder to always check the source of information. While Epoch Times claims to be "breaking through the suppression of Big Tech" by delivering "real news" and "honest journalism," in fact this is an assault on the truth and an assault on journalism.
Epoch Times is an extreme right-wing international newspaper and media company affiliated with the Falun Gong religious cult. Learn more at the articles below.
https://nytimes.com/2020/10/…
... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
We get these in ME too. I generally put directly into the circular file!
Yeah, I got one of those in my mailbox too
Wowzah! Thank you so much got the heads up!
They actually did a pretty good job of rendering a surface appearance of actual journalism, with perhaps an investigative edge, but beneath that surface image, it's borderline Q-anon.
Got this “newspaper” once before. Could see it was extreme right-wing but did not know cult connection.
And it's important to know that the extravaganza Shen Yun is also a propaganda arm of the same ground. It is beautiful, no doubt, but there is a strong message in the production.
View more comments
Kathleen James VT State Representative
1 week ago
MAKING VERMONT WORK FOR FAMILIES
Today H.66, a bill to create a statewide family and medical leave insurance (FMLI) program, was referred to the House Committee on General and Housing. I’m excited to be among 103 sponsors of this bill.
Supporting all families through this universal program is a top priority for the House Democratic caucus. Along with our work on childcare, we are delivering on our promise to help all families thrive across our state.
Supporting caregivers and helping to meet families' basic needs creates healthy, resilient communities. The creation of an FMLI program also assists Vermont businesses in recruiting and retaining employees to build a thriving and equitable economy.
After four years on House Education, this year I’m ranking member in General & Housing. Can’t wait to start taking testimony! ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 weeks ago
Every Vermont representative and senator has an official page on the General Assembly website. You can read our bios, see our committee assignments, and follow the bills we sponsor and our voting records. Check it out — it’s an excellent resource! Here’s my updated page for the new 2023-2024 biennium. You’ll see more bills and votes once things get rolling.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/single/… ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Thanks for being transparent
Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 weeks ago
CONSTITUENT COFFEE HOUR: SATURDAY ON ZOOM with Reps. Kath James, Seth Bongartz and Mike Rice >>>
Please join us for an online constituent coffee hour this Saturday, January 21, from 9 to 10 am on Zoom. We'll share updates from the first few weeks of the 2023 legislative session, answer questions, and discuss your ideas and concerns!
Seth and I welcome all residents of our Bennington-4 district (Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate and northwest Sunderland). We'll be joined at this meeting by Rep. Mike Rice (Bennington-Rutland district: Danby, Dorset, Landgrove, Mt. Tabor and Peru).
We had a lively crew at our first meeting on January 7 at Charlie's Coffee House. See below for our 2023 schedule, which includes in-person meetings across our district and a few Zoom get-togethers for good measure.
All meetings are held on Saturdays from 9 to 10 am. To attend a Zoom meeting, email me (KJames@leg.state.vt.us) at least 30 minutes prior for the link.
Constituent Coffee Hours: 2023
January 21: Online meeting (Zoom)
With Rep. Mike Rice
February 4: Wayside Country Store
3307 Vermont Route 313, West Arlington
March 4: Bonnie and Clyde’s
13 Old Mill Road, East Arlington
With Rep. Dave Durfee
March 4–7: See you at your annual town and school meetings!
March 18: Online meeting (Zoom)
With Rep. Mike Rice
April 1: Charlie’s Coffee House
39 Bonnet Street, Manchester Center
May 13: Wayside Country Store
3307 Vermont Route 313, West Arlington
May 20: Online meeting (Zoom)
With Rep. Mike Rice
June 3: Bonnie and Clyde’s
13 Old Mill Road, East Arlington
With Rep. Dave Durfee ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 weeks ago
Deadline today!There is still time to sign up or change plans through Vermont Health Connect for 2023 health insurance coverage! This deadline does not apply to you if you have Medicaid.
The Vermont Health Connect Open Enrollment Period ends on January 15th. Call Vermont Health Connect at 855-899-9600 to switch plans or sign up for health insurance. Their Customer Support Center will have extended hours:
1/11-1/13, from 8 AM-6:30 PM
1/14-1/15, from 8 AM-12 PM
You can also visit .
If you run into any issues signing up or if you have questions about your options, you can contact the Office of the Health Care Advocate at 1-800-917-7787 or visit . ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
I have to say, this year everything was super easy!!
Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 weeks ago
Yesterday in committee, I learned about a relatively new program that provides free landlord-tenant mediation for income-eligible Vermonters — folks who qualify for Reach Up or earn 80 percent or less of Area Median Income. The landlord and tenant work directly with a professional mediator to resolve disputes and come to mutually agreeable solutions, without the stress of going to court. The program is run by the Vermont Landlord Association, which provides many other resources. Here's the link -- check it out and please share!
... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Great idea!
Great to know!
Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 weeks ago
This session, I'm ranking member of the General and Housing Committee. We got down to work this week with introductory testimony from important partners like the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) and Capstone Community Action.
Over the past several years, the legislature has invested more than $375 million into housing and housing services. Committee priorities this year include:
• Follow-up and oversight of investments already made
• Continued funding of programs that support housing: building more housing, making more rentals available, helping folks buy, helping Vermonters who are unhoused, and providing services that support housing in all ways.
• Examining landlord-tenant laws and the rent and eviction processes
Our committee also considers matters related to labor, so we’re looking forward to working with other relevant committees on Family and Medical Leave Insurance ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Kathleen James VT State Representative
3 weeks ago
CONSTITUENT COFFEE HOUR: JOIN US!
Saturday, January 7: 9 to 10 am: Charlie's Coffee House
Please join me and Reps. Seth Bongartz and Mike Rice for our first constituent coffee hour of the 2023 legislative session! We'll be at Charlie's Coffee House in Manchester (39 Bonnet Street) this coming Saturday, January 7, from 9 to 10 am. See you there! Mike Rice for State Representative ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Looking forward to it!
Kathleen James VT State Representative is at Vermont State House.
4 weeks ago
The 2023 session is underway! Yesterday we re-elected Rep. Jill Krowinski to her second term as Speaker of the House, took our oath of office and received our committee assignments. I’ll be serving as Assistant Majority Leader (Whip) and ranking member of the General and Housing Committee, as well as the House and Joint Rules committees. ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
I’m so proud of you, Kath!
What great committee assignments, and you're going to be a great whip! Thank you for all that energy you give!
Great assignments!! Here’s to a good session!
Congratulations. May your will be guided by your heart for the families and constituents you serve.
Congratulations onward and upward 💛
Look at you go!!! Congrats kath!
Fabulous!!
View more comments
Kathleen James VT State Representative
4 weeks ago
Heading back up to Montpelier as soon as my packing pile passes Rosie’s inspection. The 2023 session starts tomorrow! Stay tuned for committee assignments and more. 😀 ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Thank you for your hard work & sacrifices. We are all better off for you being you!
Does Rosie go with you?
Here’s to a successful session, Kath!
Rosie has a job to do too!
Much work
Off to do good things!!
Hi Judy Murphy!
Thank you!
View more comments
Kathleen James VT State Representative
4 weeks ago
Happy New Year! The legislative session starts on Wednesday. Read our newsletter to see and save the dates for our 2023 office hours (starting next Saturday). We hope you'll join us! Plus: Important resource guide to help eligible low-income Vermonters with heating fuel, energy costs, utilities and more ... how to navigate the General Assembly website to research legislation and watch our committee and floor proceedings .. and an application for the new Manchester Housing Task Force. Check it out and all best to everyone in 2023: >>>
... See MoreSee Less
2023 Constituent Coffee Hour Schedule ☕
mailchi.mp
Rep. Kathleen James Assistant Majority Leader Email me: KJames@leg.state.vt.us Call me: 802.733.1435 (mobile), 802.366.1158 (home/office) And follow me on FacebookShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Kathleen James VT State Representative
4 weeks ago
The 2023 legislative session begins on Wednesday. Read our newsletter to save the dates for our regular constituent coffee hours that start next weekend! We hope you will join us. Plus: Important resource guide, housing task force application. - https://mailchi.mp/leg.state.vt.us/… ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Kathleen James VT State Representative
1 month ago
During this holiday season, we’ve been able to spend time with every single one of our kids … and their wonderful partners … and our granddaughters! Feeling awfully fortunate and 💕💕💕. ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Sounds y’all had a great holiday! ❤️
Colorful for sure!!!
Kathleen James VT State Representative
1 month ago
Important safety announcement: ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Kathleen James VT State Representative
1 month ago
Great article on our local treasure, the Northshire Bookstore!
... See MoreSee Less
Under New Owners, Northshire Bookstore's Legacy as 'a Family Kind of Place' Lives On
m.sevendaysvt.com
Walk into Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center and prepare to be overwhelmed in the best possible way. The independent bookstore, a fixture in the center...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
BEST bookstore EVER!!!
So pleased to hear The Northshire Bookstore is in new and capable hands. I worked there from 1998 until 2004 and enjoyed the experience more than I have words to describe. Wishing the new owners all the best!
My favorite bookstore!
I have friends around the country that talk about this bookstore!
Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 months ago
An honor well deserved! 👏👏 Proud to be serving in the legislature under Speaker Krowinski and Majority Leader Long. ... See MoreSee Less
Jill Krowinski nominated to serve 2nd term as Vermont House speaker - VTDigger
vtdigger.org
At her fingertips this biennium will be a historic, veto-proof Democratic House majority. But she will also have to contend with a large crop of rookie lawmakers and tighter budget constraints.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Congratulations!
Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 months ago
ARPA RECOVERY GRANTS: LEARN MORE!
Excellent meeting today at the Manchester Community Library with almost a dozen high-ranking leaders from the Scott administration to talk about the many grant programs that are up and running, or in the works, using federal ARPA stimulus and recovery dollars. A full house with attendees from town and county government, businesses, nonprofits and community service agencies. The first stop to learn more is our own Bennington County Regional Commission, as well as the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. Over the past two years, the legislature has allocated more than $1 billion to help across a wide range of sectors, including water and sewer, economic development, hospitality, the arts, agriculture, housing and much more. Reach out to the BCRC to learn more. ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
What does the acronym stand for? Please and thank you.
Thanks for attending. Great turnout and know progress will be made.
Sorry, I didn't hear about this one.
Kathleen James VT State Representative
2 months ago
RETURNING TO THE LEADERSHIP TEAM!
Full house in the statehouse yesterday as the Democrats gathered to select our 2023-2024 leadership team and brainstorm priorities and policies for the upcoming session! Rep. Jill Krowinski will return as Speaker and Rep. Emily Long as Majority Leader. I’m excited to be returning to the leadership team as Assistant Majority Leader (Whip). In this job, I’ll work closely with the Speaker and Majority Leader — and all 104 members of the House Democratic caucus — to bring the best possible legislation to the floor, with the broadest possible consensus. The session starts January 4! ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Thanks so much for stepping up Kath! You are going to be great.
All best wishes!!
Fabulous!! ❤️
Most incredible day! Congratulations and looking forward to an equally incredible session.
Congratulations!!
Congrats Kathleen.
Good luck!!
Lotta serious issues to work on
Congrats!!
Congratulations and good to know that you'll still be on the leadership team. Looking forward to a good, productive session. Happy holidays!
You’re one of the many awesome women who are saving our country! 👍❤️
Onward with all the good conversations and work!!
Congratulations!!! It’s so exciting to have such a rockstar team at the lead!
I LOVE how many women are in office!! #thefutureisfemale
Congratulations Kath! This is great news!
Thank you for representing us so well!
So glad you are there!!
Wonderful news! Congratulations, so proud to have you representing us .
Best wishes. Congratulations
This is fantastic! Congratulations!
Congratulations, Kath!
Congrats, Kathleen!
Congrats!
Awesome!
Congratulations. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.
View more comments