It is hard to believe that we are already one month into the 2023 legislative session, things are getting busy and they are getting busy fast. We passed H.42 and the Governor signed it this week - this is a temporary measure to allow towns to continue to have flexibility around how they meet and conduct town meetings. This is the same flexibility we have granted towns through COVID and is a bridge measure as we have a larger discussion about open meeting rules in light of the technology we started widely using during COVID.

Burlington will be mailing ballots to all registered voters for Town Meeting day voting, however, Essex, Winooski, and Colchester will not be universally mailing ballots for town meeting day, if you want an absentee ballot you can request yours through the My Voter webpage or by calling your town clerk. https://mvp.vermont.gov

In Government Operations we began to look at 4 important issues this week, the regulation of Sheriffs, changes to the presidential primary election, modernizing the pay and benefits to make the Vermont state legislature more accessible, and emergency dispatch and e-911. Did you know that Vermont has a system of text to 911 if you are unable to call, learn more here https://e911.vermont.gov/text-911

In Judiciary we have been exploring diversion, probation, the department of corrections, public defender expansion, and ways in which we can prevent violence in our communities. These have all been heavy and at times charged topics and I have been deeply grateful for the many thoughts, perspectives, and feedback we have gotten both in committee and from constituents as we try to navigate a just and transformative path forward.

The Senate Democratic caucus has also been discussing some of the issues facing Vermonters like the childcare crisis, the housing crisis, paid family medical leave, and our overarching climate goals. There are many difficult issues facing us and it will be challenging to address them but I have faith that we can work together to help Vermonters thrive.

If you have thoughts, questions or concerns please consider joining Senator Gullick and myself on Sunday, February 5th at Uncommon Coffee in Essex Town at 1 pm for our first constituent coffee hour and always feel free to reach out directly tvyhovsky@leg.state.vt.us

Other Upcoming Meetings
Winooski Just Cause Eviction Public Hearing February 4th, 11 am at the O'Brien Center

Senator Tanya Vyhovsky

May 1, 2024, 10 AM to 12 PM

May 1, 2024, 6 to 8 PM

May 5, 2024, 4 to 5 PM