December 7, 2022
Rural Caucus - 12/7/2022
Welcome and introductions
Election of Officers:
Elections for the 2023 Rural Caucus were conducted with the need to fill four positions including three co-chairs and one clerk.
Democratic Co-Chair: Katherine Sims expressed interest in the position, providing her deep belief in the Caucus.
The motion to approve Katherine Sims as the Democratic Co-Chair was approved and passed unanimously.
Republic Co-Chair: Lisa Hango expressed interest in the position, has been a member of the Caucus for many years.
The motion to approve Lisa Hango as the Republican Co-Chair was approved and passed unanimously.
Non-Republican/Democratic Co-Chair: Laura Sibilia expressed interest in the position, has been involved in the Caucus for several years and shared the need to think about legislation through this lens.
The motion to approve Laura Sibilia as the Non-Republican/Democratic Co-Chair was approved and passed unanimously.
Clerk: A nomination was made for Monique Priestley who is unable to attend but has expressed interest in the position. Monique lives in Bradford, is the Director of the Space on Main, and has supported the Caucus in previous years.
The motion to approve Monique Priestly as the Clerk was approved and passed unanimously.
Background
The Co-Chairs of the Rural Caucus plan to continue and expand the priorities for the Rural Omnibus Bill presented last year. A statement was made last year as a Caucus on the needs of rural Vermont, resulting in the Rural Omnibus Bill. The process included members sharing their ideas (and solutions) and the top priorities with the most support were introduced into the bill as one larger statement as well as individual bills and were closely followed throughout the session.
Members Top Priorities for 2023:
Rural Housing & Regulatory Reform**
Emergency Services (compensation, dispatch, Fire/EMS/law enforcement)*
Rural Public Transportation/Transit
Rural Municipal Capacity (& municipal funding equity for competitive funding)***
Agriculture Diversification
Unpaved Roads/Not Posted with Speed Limits*
Grant Aid Programs to Towns - roads
Ryegate Power Plant
Housing for Seniors in Village Centers
Stormwater Mitigation/Utilities
Equitable Adaptation to Climate Change
Workforce Dvelopment/Training**
Wastewater
Tech/Trade Feeder Programs **
Continued Funding for VOREC
Climate Resilience (waste management and conservation districts)
Support for Local Food Systems
Housing Regulations
Cell Service
Food Insecurity
Increasing Accessibility for Mental Health Programs
Access/Treatment Opiod Use
Housing Prices & Impact on Homeownership (raise income sensitivity cap)
Support for Outdoor Recreation
Short Term Rentals (impact)
RDC Support
Build Purchasing for State Resources
Value Added Management in Ag
Home Health Care
Preventing Closures of Elementary Schools
Reducing Match Funds for Small Businesses
Municipal Energy Investments
Community Schools
Literacy Supports
Educator Attraction and Retention
School Facility Assessment w/Funding Allocations for Deferred Maintenance
Lack of Appraisal Firms
Update Language on Delinquent Tax Letters
The idea was also presented that the Tourism Caucus merge with the Rural Caucus as there is some duplicative efforts and meeting times. Members shared strong support of this. Stephanie Jerome will begin next steps and driving this conversation.
Next Steps
Feedback from the Caucus resulted in future meetings being hybrid.
The next meeting will be Thursday, January 5 at 8 a.m. and take place weekly after that.
Follow up from this meeting will include minutes, steps to share future ideas/priorities, and room location/virtual meeting information.