IN APRIL 20’S FINAL READING:
— The Senate chamber met virtually to pass two procedural bills. The first bill, S.340, loosens the treasurer’s ability to borrow and spend state funds to keep the state’s economy stable as it reacts to the Covid-19 crisis. The move would “keep the state solvent and allow us to pay our bills,” said Sen. Ann Cummings, D-Washington.
Another bill, S.341, was passed, which would allow the tax commissioner to release 1099 forms or personal income filing documents belonging to self-employed or contracted workers to the Department of Labor. The department needs this information to calculate benefits for these workers under the pandemic unemployment assistance program. – Grace Elletson
— Senate lawmakers threw out ideas — and their frustration — in an afternoon call about how to save the Vermont State Colleges System from shuttering three college campuses. Some pointed out that Vermont has been underfunding its colleges for years. Others pushed back and questioned why the state should fund college systems that don’t have financially sustainable business models.
“I think we have to take responsibility ourselves,” said Sen. Anthony Pollina, P/D-Washington, who has long been advocating for investments in higher education. “We talk about how the colleges need $30 million and we give them $1 million and pat ourselves on the back and say ‘See we’re giving the colleges increased funding.’ Well actually what we’re doing is hanging them out to dry.”
Multiple lawmakers suggested that outside experts should be brought in to assess the systems’ weaknesses. “You can’t just throw money at it,” said Sen. Bobby Starr, D-Essex-Orleans. “You’ve got to fix the problem.” – Grace Elletson
— Vermont has received the largest portion of its $2 billion Covid-19 stimulus package from the federal government: $1.25 billion. Lawmakers on Monday indicated that they want to give Gov. Phil Scott the ability to spend some of that money without immediate legislative approval, in emergency situations.
“If something goes seriously wrong and they’ve got to get enough protective gear to get the Champlain Valley fairgrounds running as a hospital … I think we want there to be some flexibility there,” said Sen. Ann Cummings, D-Washington, the chair of the Joint Fiscal Committee.
But legislators say the bulk of the money will go through the traditional appropriations process. They noted that in particular they want to have oversight over how the money is spent on Covid-19 economic recovery initiatives. – Xander Landen
— Senate Appropriations continued to iron out the wrinkles in a plan to give essential workers monthly grant payments. During today’s discussion, lawmakers decided to up the eligibility for the program to those who are making $25 an hour.
After the idea was announced last week, senators said they’ve been receiving many messages from constituents advocating for professions to be added into the program’s eligibility, like domestic violence advocates and farm workers.
However, Senate Appropriations Chair Jane Kitchel, D-Caledonia, said not all will be able to claim a benefit under the program — only those who work directly with the public who face a greater risk of contracting the virus. Kitchel said she wants the committee to vote out the bill as soon as possible. “Maybe even tomorrow,” she said. – Grace Elletson
