Rep. Anne Lamy Mook

Mid-Session Legislative Report

0 Comments Published by Anne March 12th, 2009 in Uncategorized, Health Care, Energy, Education, Legislative Update, Agriculture, Budget, Housing, Crime.

Dear Friends: It is with pleasure to be representing Bennington #2-2 in the House of Representatives for my third term. My committee assignment is the Vice Chair of Education. What an honor! The following is a brief mid-session update on issues that matter to all Vermonters.

Thank you for your continued support and trust.

Education

Vermont students consistently rank among the best in the nation. The standards that the State has set to measure student achievement are among the highest. Even when our children do not meet our standards, they might surpass the standards set in other states. Schools face harder economic challenges - now balancing transportation, heating costs, health care, building maintenance and rising special education costs.

The legislature is particularly concerned that while at a time when school districts are being asked to reduce expenditures, there is also a push to ask schools to do more. The number of special education students has dropped, but the intensity and complexity of their needs has increased. The stimulus package does hold potential funding for special education, but caution is being taken. As of this writing, the impact on our school districts and supervisory unions is unclear.

As we move forward into the FY 2010 budget, there are going to be many discussions on how to balance the budget. One of the most controversial is the Administration’s proposal to transfer the Teacher’s Retirement Fund, which is in the General Fund of the State budget, to the Education Fund. That’s $60 million dollars worth! The impact of that transfer will be huge and will result in an increase in property taxes. I will continue to support that we not transfer the State Teacher’s Retirement Fund.

In the next year, much discussion will be held on the “transformation of education”. The delivery and substance of education will be impacted so that are students are ready for 21^st century global markets. It will be an exciting time.

Vermont Yankee Decommissioning Fund:

The legislature has not yet decided on the future continued operation of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear power plant. Regardless of whether the plant is shut down in 2012 or re-licensed through 2032, Vermont needs to be certain that the finances are in place to clean up the plant and remove the nuclear waste. This ‘decommissioning’ of the plant is estimated to cost $750 million in 2009 dollars. As it currently stands, the Decommissioning Fund contains only ~ $350 million and it is losing millions of dollars instead of earning them. We also need to prevent the closed plant and its waste from being left to deteriorate for 60 years while we wait for the fund to grow. The legislature is seeking assurance from the nuclear facility’s owner that the Decommissioning Fund will be fully funded prior to the earliest date that the plant may close in 2012.

Protecting our children from abuse

S. 13 is an Act Relating to Improving Vermont’s Sexual Abuse Response System. The bill was crafted with input from experts, advocates and citizens from around the State. Its aim is to help communities identify and prevent sex crimes, give law enforcement new tools to investigate crimes and help prosecutors put and keep criminals behind bars. The bill strengthens Vermont’s laws in four key areas: Prevention of abuse; strengthening investigation and prosecution of crimes; new, tougher sentencing measures; and stronger supervision of offenders after their release.

Prevention is the most important aim of this bill. Even one victim is too many, so it’s important that communities are doing all they can to prevent crimes. The bill calls for integrating sexual abuse prevention in school health curricula, conducting family and community outreach to raise awareness about child sexual abuse, changes the laws around criminal background checks for school personnel and strengthens the reporting requirements for offenders when they live with or near children upon release from prison.

Prosecution of criminals requires special investigation techniques not usually part of other crime investigation. The bill fully funds and staffs Special Investigative Units (SIU’s) around Vermont. (The one in Bennington County is very successful and has been a model for the rest of the state.) Stricter sentencing guidelines are created in the bill. Aggravated sexual assault of a child is a new crime and which would result in a mandatory 25 year minimum sentence. The bill also calls for greater coordination between state agencies during investigation, access to sealed juvenile records and permits the use of abuse and neglect registries in investigation reporting.

Supervision of criminals once they serve their sentence is also critical to keeping our communities safer. The bill allows courts to review and amend conditions of probation for sex offenders, can allow periodic polygraphs and supervision of computer activities as conditions of probation, can assign specialized probation officers to work with sex offenders and requires high risk offenders to serve at least 70% of their maximum sentence.

The bill makes some important improvements to Vermont’s sexual abuse prevention strategies. Prevention is still the most critical piece of this puzzle and it is something that starts at home and in our community. There is a lot we can do here to send the message that this kind of abuse is not tolerated. The safety of our children is the responsibility of ALL of us.

Vermont Guard to Afghanistan

Beginning in November and December 2009, approximately 1,800 members of Vermont’s National Guard will be called to serve in Afghanistan, the largest call-up since World War II. Adjutant General Michael Dubie and other members of the Guard leadership are advising the Legislature on the deployment. We are becoming acutely aware of how significantly this call-up will affect troop members, families, and employers across the state. The military committee of the House is actively monitoring the preparations for the call-up and tracking the many services needed by active members of the Guard, as well as veterans of all armed services. If Guard members or their families need help in any way, the Vermont National Guard Family Assistance Center can be contacted at 1-888-607-8773, or at their website: http://www.vtguard.com/famread/index.htm

Housing and Conservation

Vermont has a unique and internationally recognized system of developing affordable housing and land conservation. It relies first on citizens who identify needs in their communities and then encourages public/private partnerships to build and maintain housing for their communities. For over twenty years, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) has been a cornerstone in these efforts. VHCB provides key financing that has assured the permanent affordability of thousands of housing units while also supporting working farm and land conservation. Governor Douglas has proposed that the 2010 budget cut VHCB funding by 70%. The Legislature is looking at the state budget and federal stimulus funds to sustain our strong commitment to affordable housing and conservation. Housing creation will put Vermonters to work and ensure the availability of permanently affordable housing now when Vermonters need it most. At the same time, farm and land conservation will preserve our family farms and working landscape.

Transportation

Vermont’s roads and bridges keep our economy moving. They get Vermonters to work and school and they enable our businesses to ship their products to markets. Without the strong backbone of our transportation infrastructure, our economy will grind to a halt.Vermont’s roads and bridges keep our economy moving. They get Vermonters to work and school and they enable our businesses to ship their products to markets. Without the strong backbone of our transportation infrastructure, our economy will grind to a halt. Yet our roads and bridges are crumbling! The State must face a $1 billion backlog of road and bridge repairs in communities around the state. This year (FY 09) alone, we have a $23 million Transportation Fund deficit. Cuts have been made to close much of this gap, but a $7 million deficit remains. The federal stimulus will help get our transportation infrastructure back on track. Vermont will receive approximately $125 million for highway, bridge and rail projects, and $5.6 million for public transit. The legislature is committed to getting this money into our communities quickly and put Vermonters to work fixing the roads and bridges in most need of repair.While the federal recovery package will go a long way toward fixing our roads and bridges, it falls far short of the $1 billion needed to get our roads, bridges and rail back up to the high standards Vermonters and Vermont businesses need.

The House is exploring proposals to increase our investment in Vermont’s roads and bridges, including raising motor vehicle fees and by bonding. Revenue bonding uses a five cent/gallon gas tax to raise nearly $20 million dollars annually on a $120 million dollar bonding package. This would be split between bridge construction, debt service, and operations and maintenance. When other businesses are experiencing a downturn, Vermont can offer hope of good jobs, smooth roads and safer bridges.

The Governor has proposed for FY 2010 freezing town highway aid. The legislature is very concerned about this, as it will either result in further deteriorating roads, or an increase on our property taxes. Neither is an outcome we support.

Human Services

The Agency of Human Services (AHS) addresses the needs of Vermonters who are often described as “the most vulnerable among us”: children, the elderly, people with disabilities, the poor, and people with chronic mental or physical health problems. This fall, $69 million was cut from these programs. Administration proposals in the current FY 09 Budget Adjustment, and in the FY 2010 proposed budget would impose even further cuts in the Department for Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and the Office of VT Health Access (OVHA). Just at a time when many need these services the most. The administration has done little to show how the proposed cuts in FY 2010 would bring greater efficiency in government or better value for the dollars spent. As we consider the 2010 budget for human services, we must look at how long term cost increases may occur as a result of some of these short term savings.The Agency of Human Services (AHS) addresses the needs of Vermonters who are often described as “the most vulnerable among us”: children, the elderly, people with disabilities, the poor, and people with chronic mental or physical health problems. This fall, $69 million was cut from these programs. Administration proposals in the current FY 09 Budget Adjustment, and in the FY 2010 proposed budget would impose even further cuts in the Department for Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and the Office of VT Health Access (OVHA). Just at a time when many need these services the most. The administration has done little to show how the proposed cuts in FY 2010 would bring greater efficiency in government or better value for the dollars spent. As we consider the 2010 budget for human services, we must look at how long term cost increases may occur as a result of some of these short term savings.One of the most disturbing recommendations from the Governor is the proposed elimination of VPharm, the program that helps low income senior citizens pay for their medications. The loss of VPharm would be devastating to many seniors who depend on it to get the medications their doctors have prescribed. The House version of the 2009 Budget Adjustment Act preserved VPharm through June 2009.

Moving Vermonters out of poverty has a great economic benefit to the State. Working Vermonters are able to spend money in their community, pay taxes instead of requiring state services, and their children are better able to be successful in school. Vermont’s Reach Up Program is intended to help low income families with children by providing assistance for basic needs and s remain independent of state services support work and self-sufficiency. As the legislature considers the 2010 budget, we hope to maintain the goal of empowering Vermonters to become and remain independent of state services.

Health Care

Vermont’s work last year on health care reform puts us in a great position to work with the Obama administration on national health care reform. Until that happens, we will be able to take excellent advantage of federal stimulus money now available – which includes funding for Medicaid and other state health care programs and for health information technology. Unlike other states, Vermont already has a plan in place to do these things. Help from Washington will buy us time to evaluate thoughtfully how we can continue to advance health care reform and maintain the gains Vermont has made. We must continue health care reform, because we cannot afford not to.

FY 2009 Budget Adjustment

The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Legislature understands that these items are important to the well-being of Vermonters and to our health care delivery system. The House passed a Budget Adjustment Act which restored cuts to these services for the remainder of FY09 with $3 million of federal stimulus money. This buys a little time to carefully consider these programs in the context of the overall budget picture, including alternative cost saving measures.

Stimulating Vermont’s Economy

Vermont is going to see its way through this current financial storm. We will do that by working together creating jobs in the short-term, and building our infrastructure for long-term growth. Consider this an opportunity for Vermont. But, we cannot depend on Washington’s recovery plan alone.Jobs creation will come in the Vermont tradition – from hard working entrepreneurs, small businesses and new special markets. We will need to look at possibilities in energy efficiency, ‘green jobs’, weatherization, forestry, and biomass, as well as tourism. Jobs will come in the form of long needed help to our infrastructure of Vermont roads and bridges. Any further stabilization will need to address the continuation of obtaining statewide broadband access, create affordable housing, support innovative training programs, provide quality childcare, and delivery of affordable health care.

Web sites of interest:
http:/www.leg.state.vt.us/jfo/Federal%20 Stimulus%202009.htm
http://recovery.vermont.gov/

Unemployment Insurance. Outcomes of the federal recovery package (America’s Recovery and Reinvestment Act) include:

Provides for up to 33 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to workers who have exhausted their regular benefits through December 31, 2009.
Increases weekly unemployment compensation benefits by an additional $25 through December 31, 2009.
Temporarily suspends federal taxation of the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits per recipient for taxable year 2009, and
Provides premium subsidies for continuation of halth care insurance (COBRA) for unemployed workers and their families for up to 9 months.

e-Commerce

Last year Vermont made national headlines when we passed a House-initiated program to allow for incorporation of businesses that exist without having physical locations. New Jersey, the home to billions upon billions of tax revenue for being the favorite home to corporations nationwide, is looking over their shoulder ever since Vermont took a first step forward in this new e-world. Our next step is to create clear regulations that enable companies to build software platforms that will enable future e-companies to take advantage of this new opportunity.

Renewable Energy

Vermont knows how to be an environmental leader. Now is our time to use that experience to create hundreds of new jobs in the renewable energy sector. Here in Vermont, when steps are taken to help stop global warming, we benefit by creating new “green” jobs and by dramatically lowering our electric and heating bills.

This year the legislature is looking at the infrastructure that Vermont needs for a green economy. Proposals are being put together that will create jobs and strengthen our environment. The legislature is also discussing authorizing municipalities to create residential solar and renewable energy programs for homeowners, wind energy development, and expansion of Clean Energy Development Fund eligibility to include innovative thermal projects. Encouraging the development of solar, wind, and forest-based biomass energy in Vermont will advance innovation and in-state job creation. Keeping Vermonters working, our environment clean, and our energy costs low makes common sense.

Childcare as Economic Development: Some parents cannot afford to work due to the high costs of childcare. The State helped solve that barrier for low and middle-income families by providing subsidies. However, those subsidies are set at levels that are ten years old, not taking into account inflation. In order to keep parents on the job, there are efforts underway to remedy the problem.

Weatherization: Stretching our dollar as far as possible in this economic climate is imperative. Heating and cooling our homes is very costly, but in order to improve efficiency, in some cases money will have to be spent up front. If someone decides to put solar panels on their home or new windows to help in weatherization, the costs for these things can be prohibitive because often the terms of a bank loan are too short. There is a bill (H. 61) in the Legislature that would allow towns to establish a fund so property owners or businesses can borrow money to finance renewable energy projects. The bill allows towns to raise funds by bonding. The repayment schedule is twenty years and would appear on the borrower’s property tax bill. If the property is sold, the debt stays with it and is passed onto the new owner. Property owners are responsible for the repayment.

Farm-to-Plate. Vermonters spend over $2 billion annually importing out-of-state food. If we can find ways to buy more foods locally, we will create thousands of jobs and generate millions of commerce for our communities. H.231, the Farm-to-Work bill, will do just that by identifying where the challenges are in the links between farmers and consumers. Once those weak links are identified–such as holes in storage capacity, slaughter facilities, marketing support, distribution networks, etc.–grants and technical assistance will build the missing infrastructure.

Streamlining government: The Legislature is always looking for ways to streamline government and make it more efficient and accountable. The Government Operations Committee has been asked to create a Department of Economic, Housing, and Community Development by merging Economic Development with Housing & Community Affairs within the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. The consolidation of these two agencies would provide a more robust program and increase efficiency under one commissioner. The duties of these two combined departments will be imports and exports, trade shows, training and education programs. Across the two departments, municipal planning, revitalization, setting housing standards and establishment of new business will be addressed. This will also address the pressing issue of providing and maintaining an adequate supply of housing for Vermont’s workforce. The merger of these two agencies is moving forward for the welfare and to benefit the needs of Vermonters.

Stewardship of Vermont dollars: The Ways and Means committee oversees all fees and taxes in Vermont. Our taxes go toward the services we expect from government; good roads, safe bridges, police and court protection, schools, day-to-day support for our senior citizens and health care for vulnerable Vermonters. As stewards of Vermont’s tax dollars, the Ways and Means committee has spent the first half of the session answering three basic questions: How will the federal tax cuts in the recovery act affect the revenues of Vermont; How will we fund the transportation infrastructure bond called for by the Governor, the Treasurer and the Speaker; and how can we equitably raise additional revenues, if needed, to sufficiently fund government programs?

Most of us—individuals and employers alike—are worried about the rising cost of health care. The makes more people afraid of losing coverage. Our country’s health care system is immensely complex, and reforming it is equally so, but Vermont leads the way. Green Mountain Care program includes Catamount Health, VHAP, Dr. Dynasaur, and Medicaid. With these programs more Vermonters had health insurance this December than a year earlier. If you’ve lost your job or your insurance, or know someone who has, call 1-800-250-8427 to see if you qualify, or check on line.The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Legislature understands that these items are important to the well-being of Vermonters and to our health care delivery system. The House passed a Budget Adjustment Act which restored cuts to these services for the remainder of FY09 with $3 million of federal stimulus money. This buys a little time to carefully consider these programs in the context of the overall budget picture, including alternative cost saving measures. Most of us—individuals and employers alike—are worried about the rising cost of health care. The makes more people afraid of losing coverage. Our country’s health care system is immensely complex, and reforming it is equally so, but Vermont leads the way. Green Mountain Care program includes Catamount Health, VHAP, Dr. Dynasaur, and Medicaid. With these programs more Vermonters had health insurance this December than a year earlier. If you’ve lost your job or your insurance, or know someone who has, call 1-800-250-8427 to see if you qualify, or check on line.The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Legislature understands that these items are important to the well-being of Vermonters and to our health care delivery system. The House passed a Budget Adjustment Act which restored cuts to these services for the remainder of FY09 with $3 million of federal stimulus money. This buys a little time to carefully consider these programs in the context of the overall budget picture, including alternative cost saving measures. Vermont has a unique and internationally recognized system of developing affordable housing and land conservation. It relies first on citizens who identify needs in their communities and then encourages public/private partnerships to build and maintain housing for their communities. For over twenty years, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) has been a cornerstone in these efforts. VHCB provides key financing that has assured the permanent affordability of thousands of housing units while also supporting working farm and land conservation. Governor Douglas has proposed that the 2010 budget cut VHCB funding by 70%. The Legislature is looking at the state budget and federal stimulus funds to sustain our strong commitment to affordable housing and conservation. Housing creation will put Vermonters to work and ensure the availability of permanently affordable housing now when Vermonters need it most. At the same time, farm and land conservation will preserve our family farms and working landscape.Vermont’s roads and bridges keep our economy moving. They get Vermonters to work and school and they enable our businesses to ship their products to markets. Without the strong backbone of our transportation infrastructure, our economy will grind to a halt. The Agency of Human Services (AHS) addresses the needs of Vermonters who are often described as “the most vulnerable among us”: children, the elderly, people with disabilities, the poor, and people with chronic mental or physical health problems. This fall, $69 million was cut from these programs. Administration proposals in the current FY 09 Budget Adjustment, and in the FY 2010 proposed budget would impose even further cuts in the Department for Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and the Office of VT Health Access (OVHA). Just at a time when many need these services the most. The administration has done little to show how the proposed cuts in FY 2010 would bring greater efficiency in government or better value for the dollars spent. As we consider the 2010 budget for human services, we must look at how long term cost increases may occur as a result of some of these short term savings. Most of us—individuals and employers alike—are worried about the rising cost of health care. The makes more people afraid of losing coverage. Our country’s health care system is immensely complex, and reforming it is equally so, but Vermont leads the way. Green Mountain Care program includes Catamount Health, VHAP, Dr. Dynasaur, and Medicaid. With these programs more Vermonters had health insurance this December than a year earlier. If you’ve lost your job or your insurance, or know someone who has, call 1-800-250-8427 to see if you qualify, or check on line.The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Legislature understands that these items are important to the well-being of Vermonters and to our health care delivery system. The House passed a Budget Adjustment Act which restored cuts to these services for the remainder of FY09 with $3 million of federal stimulus money. This buys a little time to carefully consider these programs in the context of the overall budget picture, including alternative cost saving measures. Stretching our dollar as far as possible in this economic climate is imperative. Heating and cooling our homes is very costly, but in order to improve efficiency, in some cases money will have to be spent up front. If someone decides to put solar panels on their home or new windows to help in weatherization, the costs for these things can be prohibitive because often the terms of a bank loan are too short. There is a bill (H. 61) in the Legislature that would allow towns to establish a fund so property owners or businesses can borrow money to finance renewable energy projects. The bill allows towns to raise funds by bonding. The repayment schedule is twenty years and would appear on the borrower’s property tax bill. If the property is sold, the debt stays with it and is passed onto the new owner. Property owners are responsible for the repayment. . Vermonters spend over $2 billion annually importing out-of-state food. If we can find ways to buy more foods locally, we will create thousands of jobs and generate millions of commerce for our communities. H.231, the Farm-to-Work bill, will do just that by identifying where the challenges are in the links between farmers and consumers. Once those weak links are identified–such as holes in storage capacity, slaughter facilities, marketing support, distribution networks, etc.–grants and technical assistance will build the missing infrastructure.Most of us—individuals and employers alike—are worried about the rising cost of health care. The makes more people afraid of losing coverage. Our country’s health care system is immensely complex, and reforming it is equally so, but Vermont leads the way. Green Mountain Care program includes Catamount Health, VHAP, Dr. Dynasaur, and Medicaid. With these programs more Vermonters had health insurance this December than a year earlier. If you’ve lost your job or your insurance, or know someone who has, call 1-800-250-8427 to see if you qualify, or check on line.The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Legislature understands that these items are important to the well-being of Vermonters and to our health care delivery system. The House passed a Budget Adjustment Act which restored cuts to these services for the remainder of FY09 with $3 million of federal stimulus money. This buys a little time to carefully consider these programs in the context of the overall budget picture, including alternative cost saving measures. Most of us—individuals and employers alike—are worried about the rising cost of health care. The makes more people afraid of losing coverage. Our country’s health care system is immensely complex, and reforming it is equally so, but Vermont leads the way. Green Mountain Care program includes Catamount Health, VHAP, Dr. Dynasaur, and Medicaid. With these programs more Vermonters had health insurance this December than a year earlier. If you’ve lost your job or your insurance, or know someone who has, call 1-800-250-8427 to see if you qualify, or check on line.The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Legislature understands that these items are important to the well-being of Vermonters and to our health care delivery system. The House passed a Budget Adjustment Act which restored cuts to these services for the remainder of FY09 with $3 million of federal stimulus money. This buys a little time to carefully consider these programs in the context of the overall budget picture, including alternative cost saving measures. Vermont has a unique and internationally recognized system of developing affordable housing and land conservation. It relies first on citizens who identify needs in their communities and then encourages public/private partnerships to build and maintain housing for their communities. For over twenty years, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) has been a cornerstone in these efforts. VHCB provides key financing that has assured the permanent affordability of thousands of housing units while also supporting working farm and land conservation. Governor Douglas has proposed that the 2010 budget cut VHCB funding by 70%. The Legislature is looking at the state budget and federal stimulus funds to sustain our strong commitment to affordable housing and conservation. Housing creation will put Vermonters to work and ensure the availability of permanently affordable housing now when Vermonters need it most. At the same time, farm and land conservation will preserve our family farms and working landscape.Vermont’s roads and bridges keep our economy moving. They get Vermonters to work and school and they enable our businesses to ship their products to markets. Without the strong backbone of our transportation infrastructure, our economy will grind to a halt. The Agency of Human Services (AHS) addresses the needs of Vermonters who are often described as “the most vulnerable among us”: children, the elderly, people with disabilities, the poor, and people with chronic mental or physical health problems. This fall, $69 million was cut from these programs. Administration proposals in the current FY 09 Budget Adjustment, and in the FY 2010 proposed budget would impose even further cuts in the Department for Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and the Office of VT Health Access (OVHA). Just at a time when many need these services the most. The administration has done little to show how the proposed cuts in FY 2010 would bring greater efficiency in government or better value for the dollars spent. As we consider the 2010 budget for human services, we must look at how long term cost increases may occur as a result of some of these short term savings. Most of us—individuals and employers alike—are worried about the rising cost of health care. The makes more people afraid of losing coverage. Our country’s health care system is immensely complex, and reforming it is equally so, but Vermont leads the way. Green Mountain Care program includes Catamount Health, VHAP, Dr. Dynasaur, and Medicaid. With these programs more Vermonters had health insurance this December than a year earlier. If you’ve lost your job or your insurance, or know someone who has, call 1-800-250-8427 to see if you qualify, or check on line.The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Legislature understands that these items are important to the well-being of Vermonters and to our health care delivery system. The House passed a Budget Adjustment Act which restored cuts to these services for the remainder of FY09 with $3 million of federal stimulus money. This buys a little time to carefully consider these programs in the context of the overall budget picture, including alternative cost saving measures. Vermont has a unique and internationally recognized system of developing affordable housing and land conservation. It relies first on citizens who identify needs in their communities and then encourages public/private partnerships to build and maintain housing for their communities. For over twenty years, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) has been a cornerstone in these efforts. VHCB provides key financing that has assured the permanent affordability of thousands of housing units while also supporting working farm and land conservation. Governor Douglas has proposed that the 2010 budget cut VHCB funding by 70%. The Legislature is looking at the state budget and federal stimulus funds to sustain our strong commitment to affordable housing and conservation. Housing creation will put Vermonters to work and ensure the availability of permanently affordable housing now when Vermonters need it most. At the same time, farm and land conservation will preserve our family farms and working landscape.Vermont’s roads and bridges keep our economy moving. They get Vermonters to work and school and they enable our businesses to ship their products to markets. Without the strong backbone of our transportation infrastructure, our economy will grind to a halt. The Agency of Human Services (AHS) addresses the needs of Vermonters who are often described as “the most vulnerable among us”: children, the elderly, people with disabilities, the poor, and people with chronic mental or physical health problems. This fall, $69 million was cut from these programs. Administration proposals in the current FY 09 Budget Adjustment, and in the FY 2010 proposed budget would impose even further cuts in the Department for Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and the Office of VT Health Access (OVHA). Just at a time when many need these services the most. The administration has done little to show how the proposed cuts in FY 2010 would bring greater efficiency in government or better value for the dollars spent. As we consider the 2010 budget for human services, we must look at how long term cost increases may occur as a result of some of these short term savings. Most of us—individuals and employers alike—are worried about the rising cost of health care. The makes more people afraid of losing coverage. Our country’s health care system is immensely complex, and reforming it is equally so, but Vermont leads the way. Green Mountain Care program includes Catamount Health, VHAP, Dr. Dynasaur, and Medicaid. With these programs more Vermonters had health insurance this December than a year earlier. If you’ve lost your job or your insurance, or know someone who has, call 1-800-250-8427 to see if you qualify, or check on line.The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Legislature understands that these items are important to the well-being of Vermonters and to our health care delivery system. The House passed a Budget Adjustment Act which restored cuts to these services for the remainder of FY09 with $3 million of federal stimulus money. This buys a little time to carefully consider these programs in the context of the overall budget picture, including alternative cost saving measures. Vermont has a unique and internationally recognized system of developing affordable housing and land conservation. It relies first on citizens who identify needs in their communities and then encourages public/private partnerships to build and maintain housing for their communities. For over twenty years, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) has been a cornerstone in these efforts. VHCB provides key financing that has assured the permanent affordability of thousands of housing units while also supporting working farm and land conservation. Governor Douglas has proposed that the 2010 budget cut VHCB funding by 70%. The Legislature is looking at the state budget and federal stimulus funds to sustain our strong commitment to affordable housing and conservation. Housing creation will put Vermonters to work and ensure the availability of permanently affordable housing now when Vermonters need it most. At the same time, farm and land conservation will preserve our family farms and working landscape.Vermont’s roads and bridges keep our economy moving. They get Vermonters to work and school and they enable our businesses to ship their products to markets. Without the strong backbone of our transportation infrastructure, our economy will grind to a halt. The Agency of Human Services (AHS) addresses the needs of Vermonters who are often described as “the most vulnerable among us”: children, the elderly, people with disabilities, the poor, and people with chronic mental or physical health problems. This fall, $69 million was cut from these programs. Administration proposals in the current FY 09 Budget Adjustment, and in the FY 2010 proposed budget would impose even further cuts in the Department for Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), the Department of Mental Health (DMH), and the Office of VT Health Access (OVHA). Just at a time when many need these services the most. The administration has done little to show how the proposed cuts in FY 2010 would bring greater efficiency in government or better value for the dollars spent. As we consider the 2010 budget for human services, we must look at how long term cost increases may occur as a result of some of these short term savings. Most of us—individuals and employers alike—are worried about the rising cost of health care. The makes more people afraid of losing coverage. Our country’s health care system is immensely complex, and reforming it is equally so, but Vermont leads the way. Green Mountain Care program includes Catamount Health, VHAP, Dr. Dynasaur, and Medicaid. With these programs more Vermonters had health insurance this December than a year earlier. If you’ve lost your job or your insurance, or know someone who has, call 1-800-250-8427 to see if you qualify, or check on line.The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) makes changes to the current budget because of unanticipated needs and changes in revenues. The Governor’s budget adjustment recommended sudden, drastic cuts in programs for the last quarter of FY09. Some of those cuts included: eliminating the VPharm programs which provides pharmaceutical coverage to seniors who do not get enough coverage by Medicare Part D; cutting Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) benefits for families with a disabled family member; cutting reimbursement rates by 4% to many Medicaid providers including primary care providers and Visiting Nurses Associations (VNAs); and reducing dental benefits for Medicaid recipients from $495 to $200 per year.The Legislature understands that these items are important to the well-being of Vermonters and to our health care delivery system. The House passed a Budget Adjustment Act which restored cuts to these services for the remainder of FY09 with $3 million of federal stimulus money. This buys a little time to carefully consider these programs in the context of the overall budget picture, including alternative cost saving measures.

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Rep. Anne Lamy Mook

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