January 26, 2023

Meeting was called to order at 8:02

Three main agenda items for today:

·       Overview of results from Omnibus Bill priority votes

·       Letter of Support for Dairy Farmers

·       Updates on Committee Bills

Omnibus Bill

·       An impressive number of ideas were shared and voted on which have been ranked 1-33 and hoping to include the top 10 for this year’s Omnibus Bill

·       If an idea is not included in the top 10, members are still encouraged to submit a stand-alone bill. If any members need assistance with this, reach out to Representative Hango

·       After today, leadership will work with the Legislative Council to bring Omnibus Bill together

·       Top 10 ideas:

1.     Rural Administrative Capacity

2.     Emergency Medical Services Stabilization

3.     Rural Workforce Housing Act

4.     Trades Education Feeder Program

5.     Disaster Mitigation & Community Resilience Infrastructure Fund

6.     Regional Small Business Assistance

7.     Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment

8.     State Funding for Meals on Wheels

9.     Rural Charging Infrastructure

10.  Prioritizing Village Water Infrastructure Prioritization

·       Without further suggestions, the top ten ideas were agreed upon

·       Leadership thanked all members for their participation

·       A sign up will circulate to collect signatures for the Rural Omnibus Bill

Letter of Support for Dairy Farmers

·       Tucker, an organic dairy farmer in Montpelier operating on over 3,800 acres shared the overall costs increases to farmers in Vermont specifically with feed, crop, labor, equipment repairs, etc. along with interest rates on variable loans. With the stagnant prices of milk, expenses are expected to be increasingly higher than income in 2023. Their farm has made significant improvements in their business over the years, including those that help with water quality, which will not continue into 2023. Tucker advocated for the Rural Caucus to support additional funding for dairy farmers.

·       Maddie Kempner of NOFA shared the impossible situation that has arisen within the farming industry and farmers are reaching out regularly unable to make payments. A loss of 28 organic dairy famers in 2021/2022 (and those expected in 2023) represent $214 million in economic activity in Vermont. There is a serious domino effect of the closure of dairy farms, including milk trucks not arriving in rural Vermont to pick up the milk.

·       Both Tucker and Maddie encouraged the Rural Caucus to sign in support of the allocation of funds through the Budget Adjustment Act to support Vermont dairy farmers.

·       Representative Sibilia shared that a letter of support is circulating membership to sign in support

·       Membership discussed the possibility of distinguishing conventional and organic dairy farming. Representative Sibilia read the current letter, which supports both and calls attention to the specific inititiative under consideration at House Appropriations.

·       The letter will be sent out this afternoon in hopes of sharing with the Appropriations Committee by the end of the day for their discussion tomorrow

Updates on Committee Bills

·       Representative Sims encouraged members to share other bills currently in their committees to raise awareness of them.

·       Rural Caucus members shared several updates with the group:

o   There is a theme around universal free meals within schools. Its impact on quality education and families. Have heard testimonies from many schools throughout Vermont. Would encourage this universal support

o   Reminder of BAA activity and the allocation of $3 million to support smaller towns advance projects

o   Tourism Day is happening on March 22 in the House. If members have any suggestions for organizations that they think should be involved, let Representative Jerome know

o   Discussions of school construction aid and thinking collectively on equal access on funding for construction projects for schools

o   The Hazardous Waste Bill is currently taking testimonies. This would take hazardous materials out of the landfill and transitioning the removal costs back to producers

o   Representative Sims has two bills that didn’t make it within the Omnibus Bill (to support Working Lands and outdoor recreation) and is looking for support. A sign on sheet will be circulated

·       Leadership hopes to set aside time at each meeting for these discussions

Next Steps:

·       Letters of support for BAA and organic dairy will be sent to members today. Review and sign on to one or both ASAP.

·       Leadership would like to finalize the full membership list for the Rural Caucus. Monique will send a reminder to confirm

·       A final thanks you to all who voted on priorities for the Omnibus Bill. Once this is back from the Legislative Council it will be circulated and press will be shared