My legislative philosophy is that all policies should be judged on whether or not they expand or strengthen the middle class. A growing middle class is a sign of a healthy, robust economic and social community.
In my first term in the Senate, I was viewed as the most progressive member because of my commitment to that philosophy.
Below are the priorities I campaigned on in 2008, with a summary of my actions, and a brief statement of what’s needed looking forward.
Priority: HEALTH CARE FOR EVERY VERMONTER
What I Did: I was a sponsor of S.88, the underlying universal health care bill that served as the basis for the health care bill that became law this summer. I was one of a small group of Senators insisting that one of the universal delivery plans to be analyzed include a single payer system. In addition, out of concern with the dramatic increases in Catamount rates, I proposed lowering the compensation of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont Board of Directors. Though the proposal fell just short of passage, it raised the question of how some Board members could justify receiving up to $45,000/year for serving on a non-profit board while moderate income Vermonters are asked to pay significantly higher Catamount costs.
Looking Ahead: Analyses and implementation plans for three methods of delivering universal health insurance are due to the Legislature for the 2011 season. Though open minded to all plans that will be presented, it is my belief that the profit-motivated health care industry is the greatest strain on Vermont businesses. With Doug Racine and Peter Shumlin leaving the Senate, I will play a central role in advocating for a consumer-friendly, cost-containing universal health system in Vermont.
Priority: SUPPORTING THE LOCAL FOOD ECONOMY
What I Did: Each of the last two years I helped secure funding for the Farm-to-Plate program through the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. This initiative is mapping out all agricultural resources in the state, and creating a blueprint for future ag investments. At a cost of just $200,000, this has been an exciting effort that highlights the future of small-scale diversified agriculture. I also co-authored a small grant program called Farm-to-Institutions that is using stimulus dollars to make infrastructure grants to groups of farmers so they can aggregate their supply to sell to Vermont institutions like hospitals, colleges, and large businesses. Along with fellow members of the Senate Economic Development Committee, I helped preserve the Seal of Quality program. A Vermont tradition, this program, intended to guarantee the highest quality foods, has been stripped of its resources over the years and as of this winter had no inspection or quality control program in place. Rather than eliminate the program, we decided to allow maple and dairy producers to use the seal under a third-party verification system, while all other producers must await new guidelines from the Agency of Agriculture.
Looking Ahead: Under the Douglas Administration, there has been no economic plan for the state. As best I can tell, the approach of the last eight years was to shower cash incentives on any business threatening to leave or threatening not to locate in Vermont. We need to be making long term investments in our economic infrastructure, and small agriculture needs to be a part of that. Low-cost financing must be prioritized for diversified farms and those wishing to transition out of conventional dairy into more stable business models. We need to continue to support the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s efforts to preserve working landscape, and need to look to innovative farm support opportunities like switchgrass.
Priority: EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL
What I Did: In 2008, while other candidates tiptoed around the issue, I spoke clearly and plainly that not only did I support marriage equality, but I would push legislative leaders to bring it to a vote. On March 23, 2009 I was proud to be the first “YES” vote for marriage equality (helps to have a last name that begins with an A). A few short weeks later, it brought me great pleasure to vote to override the Governor’s veto.
Looking Ahead: Vermont has made tremendous strides in ensuring equal treatment of all residents under the law. As we’ve seen in places like California, states can take backward steps without constant affirmation of equality.
Priority: SMART PLANNING FOR OUR TRANSPORTATION AND ENERGY FUTURE
What I Did: One of the two most significant votes I cast in my two years in the Senate was to not relicense Vermont Yankee. Leaky pipes. Mismanagement. Radioactive fish. Collapsing towers. The building was intended to last 40 years and it shows. I simply cannot see how anyone, at this point, could argue the facility should be granted permission to operate beyond its intended life. On a positive note, I was a key supporter of legislation which passed that allows municipalities to create clean energy assessment districts. These districts would create low-cost financing mechanisms to allow homeowners to make energy-reducing investments in their properties and to pay the bill over a longer amortization schedule. In short, more homeowners will be able to afford the capital costs of home improvements that lower their electric, gas, and/or oil bills. In addition, I supported easing permitting processes for the installation of renewable energy producing equipment.
In terms of transportation, I supported a safe passing bill that gives cyclists some much-needed protection on Vermont roadways. I also supported allowing CCTA to manage public transportation options in central Vermont. CCTA does a great job, and is making strides with its commuter link shuttles. I campaigned on the need to repair out existing transportation infrastructure rather than build new roads. Thanks in part to the stimulus bill, Vermont has received a larger investment in roads and bridges than at any time in its history.
Looking Ahead: Closing the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant creates an immediate need to find replacement power. In my opinion, buying on the market is a second-best solution because much of that power is coming from coal plants. The state would be well-served to use its forest resources more effectively. Replicating the McNeil wood burning power plant in Burlington should be explored, utilizing existing transmission lines in various locations around the state. Some believe switchgrass could be part of our biomass future. Vermont needs to experiment in this area. We need to facilitate small hydro, utilizing existing underutilized dams.
Priority: CREATING MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
What I Did: There is no stronger supporter of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board in the Legislature. On the Senate Institutions Committee, I supported directing $5,000,000 in bonded money to VHCB. Communities throughout Vermont have seen the positive effects of this investment in affordable housing. I also co-authored successful language two years in a row to increase the Downtown and Village Tax Credit program. This private sector program helps ease the higher-than-normal cost of developing housing and commercial space in smart growth settings.
Looking Ahead: It is critical both for our working families and farmers to continue to support VHCB. It’s also my hope that 2011 will be a year to address the cost drivers of developing housing and commercial space in downtowns and village centers.