Dear Neighbors,
This coming Monday, March 22, will be our second of two meetings for the month of March.
The zoom link to the meeting is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81074168163
You can also join the meeting via phone: 1(312) 626-6799, Webinar ID: 810 7416 8163
Or, please join us via the CCTV link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljLFn4BZd2PwCge7lNoKug676jIf_iUA
You are welcome to speak during our public forum, beginning at 7:30 completing the form at this link: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum
The first item on our agenda is a briefing from Vermont's US Congressman Peter Welch on the American Recovery Act. The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. It includes expanded unemployment benefits through Labor Day, $1,400 direct payments to individuals, expanding the child tax credit, grants to small businesses, funding for housing, rental assistance, COVID funding, $350 billion to help states and local and tribal governments among many other provisions. The State of Vermont is scheduled to receive $2.7 billion in COVID relief funds that include formula funding and direct payments to Vermonters. Of this amount, $1.3 billion will be from the COVID Relief Fund which includes $113 million for infrastructure and $197 million for Vermont municipalities. The City of Burlington is to receive approximately $19 million of that allocation. Congressman Welch has been making the rounds to City Council meetings around the state to discuss the Plan and will be with us this coming Monday.
Following this presentation and discussion, we have several items on our deliberative agenda.
We will receive an update for several members from the Vermont House and Senate on education funding and tax reform.
We have two resolutions on our agenda. The first is regarding joining the Vermont Coalition for Equity in Education. The second is a resolution recognizing the 200th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating democracy in Greece and the United States. This resolution will include recognition for the many contributions of cultural vibrancy that the Greek Church has made to Burlington.
We will have a second, and final, reading on an ordinance regarding changes to energy efficiency and weatherization in rental housing.
As always, I welcome your questions, concerns, and comments, so please be in touch. Your voice matters and I am grateful for your input. It looks like we are in for some glorious weather this weekend. I hope you are able to get outside and enjoy this first official weekend of spring.
My best,
Karen
PS Please keep in mind the MARCH FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENT IS NEXT SATURDAY, MARCH 27. Lots of overloaded bags of groceries and gift cards with anyone in need welcome to come by the Champlain Elementary parking lot. The event begins at NOON. Interested in volunteering or donating to this community effort. Please email me for details.
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