It’s an honor to serve as your State Representatives.One year ago, Governor Phil Scott declared a state of emergency as the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Vermont. Since then, the General Assembly has been meeting remotely, with legislators attending committee hearings and participating in floor debates via Zoom. Despite these challenges, the House and Senate are making steady progress on important policy goals, including:
• Creating an equitable COVID recovery plan that rebuilds the economy in all 14 counties
• Increasing affordable housing options for Vermont’s working families plus safe housing for people who are homeless
• Investing in childcare to improve access, affordability and quality
• Expanding broadband service to rural communities and “last mile” roads and regions for telehealth, education and remote work
• Crafting policies with a revised lens of racial and social equity We work hard to build positive, productive relationships in the virtual statehouse—collaborating closely with each other, within our party and across the aisle to be effective and respected voices for Bennington-4. Our shared priority is advancing policies that will help our communities not only to recover from the pandemic, but to thrive.
Seth’s election in 2020 marks his third stint in the Vermont legislature, having served in the House from 1981 to 1985 and the Senate from 1987 to 1989. He’s been named to the House Natural Resources Committee, where he can build on his experience as founder of the Manchester Community Land Trust and 18-year role as the visionary president of Hildene. He’s also been appointed to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR), which provides oversight as state agencies develop detailed rules to implement statutes.
Kath serves on the House Education Committee, and last summer was appointed to the Select Committee on the Future of Public Higher Education in Vermont, a statewide panel tasked with developing an action plan to transform the Vermont State Colleges. She also serves on the board of delegates and legislative advisory council of the New England Board of Higher Education. Through NEBHE meetings and resources, she learns about shared challenges and innovative solutions from postsecondary institutions across the region.
We are both active in several issues-oriented caucuses, rotating the meetings and keeping each other informed. These include the Climate Solutions Caucus, a broad coalition of 80-plus legislators dedicated to advancing cost-effective and equitable energy policies to transition Vermont to a sustainable future. We’re deeply engaged in the Tourism Caucus and the Rural Economic Development Working Group, while also following the important social and racial justice work of the Social Equity Caucus.
Politics is mostly about policy. But it’s also about people. Through our committee and caucus work, our shared strategy is to identify and join teams of legislators — all of whom have different ideas and perspectives — to make progress together on tough issues that matter to Vermonters. At our legislative pages, you can see every bill we’ve sponsored and our voting records. Click here for Kath and here for Seth.
