January 15, 2025
Agenda
• Welcome
• Biennium Organization
• Mission & Membership
Minutes
• Welcome/Introduction
Legislative members shared their names, districts, and committee assignments.
• Caucus Overview
Rep. Sibilia provided a history and purpose of the Rural Caucus, highlighting its tripartisan nature and focus on policies impacting rural Vermont. Previous work has included members sharing bill ideas and voting on caucus priorities. As the session progresses, the Rural Caucus may weigh in on policy through letters and amendments. Caucus members have the option to sign on.
• Organization Details:
Rep. Priestley explained that members will receive a form to get on the caucus's distribution list. The public can sign up to receive updates at vtruralcaucus.com (bottom of the home page). Legislative caucus members will also receive a form to submit rural policy initiatives, at a later date members will vote on caucus priorities.
• Leadership Elections:
The meeting included the nomination and election of co-chairs and a clerk, ensuring tripartisan leadership. Rep. Jed Lipsky nominated Rep. Lisa Hango (Republican), Rep. Monique Priestley (Democrat), Rep. Laura Sibilia (Independent) for positions of Co-Chair and Rep. Lucy Boyden as the Clerk. Voice vote, all in favor, no objections.
• Discussion on Priorities/Open Forum:
Members shared their concerns and priority issues for their districts. Topics included property tax reform, school closures, affordability, public safety, education funding, healthcare, housing, mental health, working lands sector, food/value added production, municipal capacity, flood recovery and emergency preparedness.
• Procedures and Next Steps:
The caucus discussed the process for setting priorities and opportunities to work together on tracking legislation affecting rural communities.
Members can submit their rural policy initiatives for caucus prioritization consideration by Wednesday 1/29. There will then be an opportunity to vote to identify the top focus areas for the caucus for the coming session.
• Closing:
The meeting ended with reminders about the upcoming meetings and procedures for submitting and prioritizing bills. The caucus plans to meet weekly and work collaboratively on the issues identified.
