The Montpelier Happy Hour: Recent Episodes
Olga Peters
This award-winning show, The Montpelier Happy Hour usually starts with a question and ends with a toast. Each week's conversation explores the stories, beliefs, and assumptions behind the policies that shape our lives. Host, Journalist Olga Peters and Regular contributor State Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, share their unique perspectives on Vermont, their communities, and government. Bring your curiosity, your inner geek, and your favorite beverage.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker.
September 12, 2025: Gov. Phil Scott surprised many when he vetoed H.91. Lawmakers designed the bill to address homelessness while phasing out what is commonly known as the emergency hotel/motel program.
This week's episode features a reading of the bill as it passed the Vermont Legislature and is one piece of multiple conversations exploring the thoughts and decisions that go into developing legislation. Why a full read? While this bill was discussed in the press, not all its details were printed, and we wanted audience members to receive a fuller picture. Many thanks go to Journalist Leah McGrath Goodman for helping read through the bill.
To view H.91: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.91
Gov. Scott's veto letter: https://governor.vermont.gov/document/h91-veto-letter
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
September 5, 2025: Rep. Leslie Goldman dives into systems and health care in this week's episode. Paraphrasing a former professor, Goldman said that systems get the results they were designed to achieve. If so, what does that say about health care in Vermont? Goldman represents Windham 3 and serves on the House Committee on Health Care.
Read S.27 (Act 21): https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.27
Read H. 71: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.71
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 29, 2025—Rep. Christopher Morrow weighs in on his first session as a new lawmaker. He's mulling over issues around leadership and investing in government oversight, education, and health care. Morrow represents the tri-county Windham-Windsor-Bennington district.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 22, 2025 (prerecorded 8/21): John Walters is back and sharing his concerns about Vermont's news (small and getting smaller) news environment. He discusses campaign finance filings and preparing for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 15, 2025 (First released April 5, 2019): Public policy creates systems that serve the public. But, we the public are very unpredictable. So what does that mean for our policy? Rep. Tristan Toleno opens the door on a concept called systems thinking and how it can inform our policy.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 8, 2025: Randy Holhut, news editor with Vermont Independent Media, and John Walters, the journalist behind The Vermont Political Observer, join today's discussion. They share thoughts on Gov. Phil Scott's approach to working with the Trump Administration and US Rep. Becca Balint's efforts to build alliances across the aisle.
Being journalists, we must also discuss the state of Vermont's newsrooms. That there are positives and challenges will surprise no one. But what about the use of AI-generated articles?
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 1, 2025: State Sen. Nader Hashim discusses his work on the Senate Education and Judiciary Committees. He breaks down the details of new legislation for adoptions and standby guardianships (H.98), expanding the scope of hate-motivated crimes (H.118), and clarifying how state agencies work with the federal government for immigration enforcement (S.44).
H.98: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.98
H.118: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.118
S.44: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.44
Find more information about filing paperwork with the Vermont Judiciary: https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/self-help
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 25, 2025: Zon, Emily, and Ian return to the show to discuss their first session in the State House. Is serving in Vermont's Citizen Legislature all they imagined?
Listen to Zon and Ian's Podcast THE ZIP: https://www.brattleborotv.org/the-zip/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 18, 2025 (First recorded on December 20, 2024): Three of Windham County's newly elected representatives join today's show. Emily Carris-Duncan, Zon Eastes, and Ian Goodnow discuss their expectations for January. Veteran Rep. Emilie Kornheiser shares her experience and thoughts for the upcoming biennium.
Follow the representatives' work at Vermont's legislative website: https://legislature.vermont.gov
Them music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 11, 2025: What's been happening in Vermont? Journalist John Walters and Olga discuss summer floods, mitigation plans, and election funding.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 4, 2025: Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun shares her thoughts on the session's big education bill, collaborating across the aisle on the Ag Committee, and how 2025 compares to previous years.
Read H.167: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.167
Read S.60: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.60
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 27, 2025: Rep. Mollie Burke (Windham-8) looks back at the recent session and her 17 years on the House Committee on Transportation and Climate Caucus.
This year was about "holding the line," said Burke, against several funding gaps and proposals designed to roll back climate policy.
Burke also outlines her reasons for voting "no" on the education reform bill.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
* Warning. This conversation includes: online violence and rape *
June 20, 2025: Vermont State Senator Wendy Harrison shares her take on the Legislative Session. She updates listeners on bills that received less media attention, such as Act 63, or the "Kids Code," which aims to protect young people online.
Read Act 63 "Kids Code: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.69
FBI warning parents about online violent groups targeting young people: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250306
RCMP warning parents about violent online groups targeting young people: https://rcmp.ca/en/news/2024/08/rcmp-reminds-canadians-about-violent-online-groups-targeting-youth
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
June 13, 2025: John Walters, the journalist behind The Vermont Political Observer, weighs in on Governor Phil Scott's veto of H.91. The bill was designed to replace the emergency hotel/motel program and strategically address homelessness. To date, Governor Scott has vetoed more than 50 pieces of legislation. John Walters also has thoughts on that.
And, for all your journalism nerds out there, John shares his experience at the Institute for Nonprofit News Conference.
Learn more about H.91: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.91
Read Governor Scott's H.91 Veto message: https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/H.91%20Veto%20Letter.pdf
The Institute for Nonprofit News: https://inn.org/
The Vermont Political Observer: https://thevpo.org/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net/
April 18, 2025: Vermont's education-related property taxes have jumped in recent years, increasing the sense of urgency to reduce costs. The Legislature is considering the education reform bill, H.454. The Scott Administration has its proposal to reform the state's public preK-12 system.
Analysts at the Public Assets Institute say the proposals may have unintended consequences. Executive Director Steph Yu and Senior Policy Analyst Jack Hoffman join today's discussion. They say Vermont's education spending and staff ratios have remained relatively flat. The deeper issue is that low- and moderate-income households feel the squeeze.
Follow H.454's path through the Legislature: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.454
Read Jack Hoffman's 4/15/25 blog post on the issue: https://publicassets.org/research-publications/education-reform-redux
PAI staff's 4/18/25 a FAQ-style blog on school tax fairness: https://publicassets.org/research-publications/how-to-make-school-taxes-fairer-this-year-and-beyond
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
January 10, 2025: Three journalists sit down for a podcast...
No, this isn't the start of a joke. But this conversation on the 2025 Legislative session is a reminder that what happens in Montpelier is seriously fun. Investigative Journalist Leah McGrath Goodman and Political Journalist John Walters share their insights on the state of the State of Vermont.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
January 3, 2025: In the new year's first episode, Olga and Emilie geek out on tax policy. Emilie shares her thoughts on how taxes can help Vermonters' household budgets and outlines tax policies likely to hit the wall for the new legislative session. We also share what we think will be the dirty words in the State House this year. Oh, and there's a bunny sighting.
Learn more about Public Assets Institute's three-part plan for property tax relief: https://publicassets.org/research-publications/property-tax-relief-for-vermonters
Follow the work of the Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont: https://education.vermont.gov/state-board-councils/commission-on-the-future-of-public-education
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 27, 2024: In our final episode of 2024, Amanda Kay Gustin, Director of Collections & Access at the Vermont Historical Society, shares her thoughts on Vermont's 74th governor. Davis is known for enacting the state's sales tax and land use law, Act 250. In this conversation, we use Davis' farewell address as a touchstone.
Read Davis' 1973 farewell address here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/guclccwd/davis1973.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 20, 2024: Three of Windham County's newly elected representatives join today's show. Emily Carris-Duncan, Zon Eastes, and Ian Goodnow discuss their expectations for January. Veteran Rep. Emilie Kornheiser shares her experience and thoughts for the upcoming biennium.
Follow the representatives' work at Vermont's legislative website: https://legislature.vermont.gov
Them music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 13, 2024: Representative Emilie Kornheiser and Host Olga Peters reflect on their end-of-the-year exhaustion and how to regain their curiosity. We also share our thoughts on the responsibilities of living in a democracy.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 6, 2024: It's that time of year again! If you're a tax nerd, it's exciting. For taxpayers, maybe not so much. The state Department of Taxes has released its annual December 1 education tax rate letter. In this letter, the department forecasts expected education tax rates and any projected increases.
For FY26, the department projects a 5.9% increase in the average property tax bill.
The Montpelier Happy Hour's Regular Contributor and resident tax expert, Representative Emilie Kornheiser, explains what all this means.
To read the letter in full: https://tax.vermont.gov/press-release/commissioner-taxes-releases-fy2026-education-tax-rate-letter
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
(Rebroadcast 11/29/24)
This episode is the first episode of Civic Yarn, a short-lived project by John Hagen and Olga Peters. The episode was filmed on July 28, 2021 at ORCA Media in Montpelier. Brattleboro's BCTV provided editing and music.
Episode description: Senate Pro Tem Sen. Becca Balint and Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski share funny and poignant stories about serving in the state legislature. The leaders discuss how the January 6 riots in DC cast a long shadow over the 2021 session. Balint describes how a high school history class sparked her desire to run for office. Krowinski outlines the life experiences that prepared her for the role of Speaker.
Watch the video at BCTV's website: https://www.brattleborotv.org/montpelier-happy-hour/civic-yarn-ep1-rep-jill-krowinski-and-sen-becca-balint/
November 22, 2024: A couple of weeks have passed since the November 5 elections, but our conversations aren't done. Journalist John Walters says he's old enough to be repeatedly disappointed by elections. Today, he joins the show to share his take on what the recent state-level elections mean for Vermont.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
(Rebroadcast 11/15/24)
October 30, 2020 - For many, the pandemic and next week's presidential election are only the tip of the emotional iceberg that is 2020. On today's show, Olga and Emilie speak with therapist, activist, dancer, and mom, Emily Megas-Russell.
To learn more about EMR's work visit With Great Heart: http://www.wgreatheart.com
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
November 8, 2024: Olga and Emilie share their thoughts on the presidential and state elections and what they might mean for the 2025 Legislative Session.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
November 1, 2024: As part of our ongoing conversation on health care, we discuss Reference Based Pricing. Today's guests, Marilyn Bartlett, CPA and senior fellow with the National Academy for State Health Policy, and Mark Hage from the VT-NEA share their insights on how RBP works and how the state can potentially use it to reduce costs.
A 2023 presentation to the Green Mountain Care Board on RBP by Marilyn Bartlett: https://gmcboard.vermont.gov/sites/gmcb/files/documents/Referenced%20Based%20Pricing%20presentation%20-%2005.03.2023%20-%20Marilyn%20Bartlett%2C%20Chris%20Deacon%2C%20Mark%20Hage.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
October 25, 2024: Journalist John Walters weighs in on what seems new and different about the campaigns happening in Vermont this year. In a state that prides itself on make-nice politics, are we seeing more divisiveness in 2024?
John Walters' blog The Vermont Political Observer: https://thevpo.org
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
October 18, 2024: Lachlan Francis chairs the Windham County Democratic Committee. As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, Lachlan shares his insights on some of the quirks in voting styles and party affiliation that Vermonters are known for.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
October 11, 2024: Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher joins our ongoing conversations about health care in Vermont. He outlines the work of Vermont's Office of the Health Care Advocate, some of the issues facing people navigating the health care system, policy, and finding support.
The Office of the Health Care Advocate is available to all Vermonters free of charge. To ask questions, get support, or learn more visit: https://vtlawhelp.org/health
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
October 4, 2024: Rep. Lori Houghton, Chair of the House Health Care Committee, discussed health care in Vermont and the challenges associated with reforming the system. She provided an overview of the Act 167 Community Engagement report, which was prepared by the consulting firm Oliver Wyman. This report garnered attention for its recommendations to restructure hospitals and for identifying four " at risk" institutions, including Grace Cottage in Windham County.
To follow the House Health Care committee's work: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/detail/2024/15
Read the full Act 167 Engagement report: https://gmcboard.vermont.gov/sites/gmcb/files/documents/20240911_Act%20167%20Community%20Engagement_OW%20Exec%20Summary%20Report_v01.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
September 27, 2024: As Emilie and Olga prepare to dive into the topic of health care, we wanted to share with listeners this conversation with Vermont's Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher from December 15, 2023.
From the December 15, 2023 episode: Vermont Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher discusses the cost of health care. What options do we have to lower costs? This conversation builds off of last week's discussion about education taxes.
The Vermont Office of the Health Care Advocate: https://vtlawhelp.org/health
Bills* H.118 and S.61 which Mike Fisher discussed: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.118
https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.61
*Note: H.118 and S.61 are the House and Senate versions of the same bill. They may not move through the chambers at the same time, however, so keep an eye on both.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
September 20, 2024: Earlier this month, the State Auditor's office released its audit of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan outlines the state's responses to disasters such as flooding and infectious diseases. The audit concluded that there is room for improvement in the state's planning efforts. Auditor Doug Hoffer shared his office's findings.
Read full audit here: https://auditor.vermont.gov/sites/auditor/files/documents/StateHazardMitigationPlan-FinalReport_0.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
September 13, 2024: Leslie Black-Plumeau from VHFA joins this week's discussion.
Leslie is the Research and Communications Relations Director at VHFA and helped put together the Vermont Statewide Housing Needs Assessment 2025-2029 on behalf of the VT Department of Housing and Community Development.
The assessment's key findings outline how the state's housing shortage is pinching communities now and possibly into the future.
HUD requires the assessment for state that receive federal housing dollars.
Leslie summarizes the report in this post: https://vhfa.org/news/blog/vermonts-2025-2029-housing-needs-assessment-completed
Read the full Housing Needs Assessment here: https://accd.vermont.gov/housing/plans-data-rules/needs-assessment
HousingData.org is a useful source for housing information: https://www.housingdata.org
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
September 6, 2024: Last month, the Brattleboro Selectboard received crime data showing a 16 percent increase in calls to police. Many calls were to report violations such as burglary and assault.
Investigative Journalist Leah McGrath Goodman shares her views on the data and what it could mean for the town.
For more information, check out coverage from Journalist Kevin O'Connor at VTDigger:
Brattleboro seeks to boost police presence to address rising crime: https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/21/brattleboro-seeks-to-boost-police-presence-to-address-rising-crime/
Many police calls require social services. What if providers have no-trespass orders on those in need? https://vtdigger.org/2024/09/04/many-police-calls-require-social-services-what-if-providers-have-no-trespass-orders-on-those-in-need/
In other news... Public safety has been a growing concern for some in Vermont. Governor Phil Scott has issued a 10-point public safety enhancement and violence prevention plan. Learn more here: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-issues-10-point-public-safety-enhancement-and-violence-prevention
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 30, 2024 (prerecorded 8/29): Writer, communications consultant, and podcast host Kevin Ellis joins our conversation today. Where does Vermont (and Vermont voters) fit in the national political landscape? Do our votes matter in presidential elections? Or, are those the wrong questions in a state that guest Kevin says does democracy really well?
Learn more about Kevin and his work: https://www.kevinkellis.com/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 23, 2024: Esther Charlestin is the Democratic candidate for Vermont Governor. She joins the show to share her experience as an educator and small business owner and discuss the power of systems change. Esther also discusses how her experience has prepared her for elected office and how she plans to work with the Legislature.
Esther's campaign website: https://www.estherforvt.com/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 16, 2024 (prerecorded 8/15): John Walters of The Vermont Political Observer joins us to share his thoughts on the Aug. 13 primary. Rep. Emilie Kornheiser joins in with observations from her weeks spent door-knocking and the potential ripples of the Windham-1 race.
The Vermont Political Observer: https://thevpo.org
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 9, 2024 (prerecorded 8/5): Teacher, musician, conductor, and now a candidate for Windham-1, Zon Eastes, joins the conversation this week. We discuss how a career in the arts has prepared him for the State House, rural economies, and the difference Zon sees between politics and serving.
Zon's website: https://zoneastesvt.com/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 8, 2024: A quiz, dear listeners: In the 1970s, did the hippies A) save Vermont or B) ruin Vermont?
Or, there's C) From guest Amanda Kay Gustin: "History is more interesting when it's more complicated."
In this week's episode, we're going with "C" (as if regular listeners would be surprised). This week's guest, Amanda Kay Gustin, director of Collections and Access at the Vermont Historical Society, helps us dig into the stories around Vermont in the 1970s, the Counter Culture movement, and the myth of 50,000 hippies.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
Books and articles referenced in this episode include:
Jamestown Seventy by James F. Blumstein and James Phelan: https://openyls.law.yale.edu/bitstream/handle/20.500.13051/17840/09_1YaleRevL_SocAction55_1970_1971_.pdf?sequence=2
Taking Over Vermont by Richard Pollak: https://stevehickey.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/taking-over-vermont.pdf
Repeopling Vermont: The Paradox of Development in the Twentieth Century by Paul M. Searls: https://vermonthistory.org/repeopling-vermont
The Star that Set: The Vermont Republican Party 1854 - 1974 by Samuel B. Hand: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780739106006/The-Star-That-Set-The-Vermont-Republican-Party-1854-1974
July 26, 2024: Incumbent Rep. Emilie Kornheiser is seeking another term serving Windham 7. In this conversation, we discuss what she enjoys about serving in the State House, her ongoing policy efforts, and taxes.
Emilie's website: https://www.emiliekornheiser.org/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 19, 2024: Amanda Ellis-Thurber is running in the primary to represent people living in one of Brattleboro's three districts, Windham-7. Amanda co-owns and operates Lilac Ridge Farm with her husband, Ross. She holds a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
In this conversation, Amanda discusses why she chose to run, how Vermont could help small businesses and her concerns about affordability.
Amanda's website: https://www.thurber4vermont.com
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 12, 2024: Emily Carris Duncan is running as a Democrat to represent Windham-6 in the State House (Wilmington, Whitingham, Halifax).
She is an artist and educator who has returned to her home state after living in Philadelphia. In this conversation, she shares her thoughts on supporting a creative economy, what makes the Windham-6 towns unique, and her thoughts on where our systems need mending.
Emily's website: https://www.ecarrisduncan.com
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 5, 2024: This week, Emilie and Olga sit down with Democratic Primary Candidate Ian Goodnow, who is running to represent Windham 9. Lawyer and former Brattleboro Selectboard member Ian discusses affordability, housing, and the opportunities and challenges of making a life in Vermont.
Ian's campaign page: https://iangoodnow.com/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
June 28, 2024: David Gartenstein is running on the Democratic ticket to represent Windham 9 in the State House. David is a deputy state's attorney and has served on the Brattleboro Selectboard and School Board. In this conversation, he shares his thoughts on the state's mental health system, law enforcement, and his belief that government needs to be accessible and transparent.
David's campaign site: https://www.davidgartenstein.org
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
June 21, 2024: Rep. Emilie Kornheiser updates listeners on the 2024 veto session. What votes happened? What bills were left behind? And, what role did social media play in people's understanding of the veto overrides?
Read a detailed list of action taken by Governor Phil Scott during the 2024 session: https://governor.vermont.gov/governor-scotts-blog/action-taken-governor-scott-bills-during-2024-legislative-session
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
June 14, 2024: Emilie is busy in the Legislature this week and Olga is busy in the newsroom. This week's episode is a rebroadcast of a 2023 conversation on housing with Maura Collins from VHFA.
To learn more about VHFA: https://vhfa.org
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
June 7, 2024: After more than a decade in the State House, Rep. Tristan Toleno has decided to leave politics. In today's conversation, he reminisce about his early days in Montpelier, lessons learned, and the financial reality of a citizen legislature.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
May 31, 2024: Rep. Tristan Roberts who serves Windham-6 (Halifax, Whitingham, Wilmington) has decided to step down at the end of his term. In this conversation, he says good-bye to constituents, discusses why he decided to run for office in the first place, and what it's meant to serve the unique towns of Windham-6.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
To follow Tristan at Quill Nook Farm: https://www.quillnookfarm.com/home
May 24, 2024: Journalist John Walters and regular contributor Rep. Emilie Kornheiser share their perspectives on the Legislative session and Gov. Phil Scott's response to building policy.
The Vermont Political Observer (Walter's website): https://thevpo.org
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
May 17, 2024 (prerecorded 5/16): Speaker of the House Rep. Jill Krowinski joins the show to share her thoughts on the second half of the biennium. Along with Regular Contributor Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Krowinski discusses the legislative sleeper hits, education taxes, the upcoming veto session, and hope.
To follow the action taken by Gov. Phil Scott on recent bills: https://governor.vermont.gov/governor-scotts-blog/action-taken-governor-scott-bills-during-2024-legislative-session
VTDigger education article referenced by Emilie: https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/15/even-vermonts-low-spending-school-districts-are-struggling-to-pass-budgets/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
May 10, 2024 (prerecorded 5/7): Vermont's Attorney General Charity R. Clark and Shari, an advocate with The Woman's Freedom Center (WFC), discuss two efforts that passed the state House and Senate this session. S.120, focused on postsecondary schools and sexual misconduct. The Legislature also updated its revenge porn law to include nonconsensual deep fake porn.
As the WFC commemorates its 50th anniversary, Shari and Charity also reflect on what the last 50 years has meant for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
To read S.120: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.120
View AG Clark's testimony on S.120: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjRciMx9AZ0
We referenced the memoir, "Know My Name" by Chanel Miller: https://bookshop.org/p/books/know-my-name-a-memoir-chanel-miller/15735340?ean=9780735223721
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://www.rhtt.net/
May 3, 2024: Regular Contributor Rep. Emilie Kornheiser takes a break from legislative work to update us on education taxes and some of the other work of the House Ways and Means Committee.
To listen to the episode on Education Taxes from December we mentioned: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/understanding-vermonts-potential-18-5-education-tax-increase-hint-it-might-be-less
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
April 26, 2024: Groundworks Collaborative supports people in Windham County dealing with housing insecurity and hunger. Executive Director Libby Bennett and Board member Peter Elwell discuss homelessness in Vermont post-pandemic.
To learn more about Groundworks Collaborative: https://groundworksvt.org/
Do you know your state's housing wage? Learn more from the National Low Income Housing Coalition: https://nlihc.org/oor
April 19, 2024 (prerecorded 4/16): A study bill on regional governance, clarifying tax sales, and municipal ethics are a few of the bills being considered by the Legislature this session. Josh Hanford, director of intergovernmental relations, and Ted Brady, executive director of Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) provide a municipal perspective.
To learn more about VLCT: https://www.vlct.org
Some of the bills discussed:
S.159 - Regional Governance: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.159
H.629 - Tax sales and tax abatement: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.629
H.875 - State Code of Ethics: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.875
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
April 12, 2024: Rep. Tristan Toleno serves on the House Committee on Appropriations and the State Workforce Development Board. It's one of the reasons he read the entire State of Vermont Workforce Report. As he characterizes it, the state has a hiring AND retention problem. Tristan walks us through some of the issues he's seeing and the pressures its putting of the state budget.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
To read the report: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/sites/humanresources/files/documents/DHR-Workforce_Report_0.pdf
Additional information and notes from Tristan Toleno:
Vacancy Savings Notes
Governor is using 57m of anticipated workforce vacancies across all budgets and funding sources (including global commitment) to mask the pressure of his revenue and fee contractions and the negative impacts of the workforce crisis. They assert they are using “historical” data to determine the allocations, but there are several fundamental reasons to doubt that claim. The data suggests they took an overall level of savings to keep their top line budget close to the Governor’s guidance of 3% increases and to ensure more is available for carry forward reversions in Jan 2025.
How and why the line by line determinations were made is unclear and raises questions. Among them:
- Why would they budget a vacancy savings rate of nearly 30% for the budget for the Governor’s office, when they have only one open position?
- Why would they budget no vacancy savings for DOL, which has been dealing with significant staffing problems for years?
- Why would they direct (24,862) in savings to the Human Rights Commission, who are fully staffed, forcing them to possibly cut staff hours?
- What history is most predictive of how to budget well now? The Governors budgeted vacancy savings of 57m as applied by the Gov Rec against the personal services lines of these same dept and agencies = 3.3%. Personal services is a pretty good proxy for state workforce costs, though it does include some non-state workforce costs. The two year vacancy rate has been closer to 11% and the DHR data does not support the theory that we can return to a pre-pandemic “normal” history any time soon.
Budgeting slightly more now in vacancy savings is defensible, and we are also doing it in a way which doesn’t lead to the kind of distortions being experienced by the HRC, since we direct the Governor to find the additional savings across all of the budgets.
State Workforce Crisis Data
From DHR
Unique Applications for state jobs 2019 18,778 to 2023 12,690
Down to 10.8 Apps per Opening
“Even more striking is that nearly 70% of all job openings posted had 10 or fewer applicants.”
“The offer acceptance rate was 75.8%, which is low by most standards.”
Turnover Rate: 13%
Net gain of only 256 from last year
Higher rate than any year since 1998, even counting years with retirement incentives.
“For Fiscal Year 2023 nearly 75% (74.4%) of voluntary terminations occurred in the first five years of service. Nearly 40% occurred in the first year of employment. A startling 10% of hires didn't make it beyond 30 days. And over 26% did not complete six months.”
“Over that past five fiscal years the entire salary distribution has “shifted.” The number of employees decreased in the lower pay ranges and increased in the higher pay ranges.”
https://humanresources.vermont.gov/data/workforce-reporting
For watch Toleno's interrogations related to this issue: links are cued to the right point
DOL - https://www.youtube.com/live/z-Hf_Jjbjek?si=dR47w5gIAhTn5tVt&t=4524
DHR - https://www.youtube.com/live/sJ4q-0diCFA?si=35ZtGWBJPachyK5b&t=1681
Budget and Finance - https://www.youtube.com/live/pOOUTKoasWw?si=qqs4TGAKPZlgCrQL&t=1621
Record RFRs and Market Factor -Two years of record requests
69 days to hire from requisition to hire
https://humanresources.vermont.gov/data/workforce-reporting
Jan 2020 Labor Force 352193 Employed 344,899 Unemp 7294
Nov 2021 Labor Force 337,824 Employed 327,678 Unemp 10,146
Dec 2023 Labor Force 352,076 Employed 344,337 Unemp 7739
Data Source: http://www.vtlmi.info/laus.cfm
Toleno quoted older numbers about the Labor Force at one point. He looked again and they adjusted the old numbers up. Bottom line - we are at the same point we were pre-pandemic.
https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/DFM/Shared%20Documents/FY25%20Executive%20Budget%20Book/All%20Sate%20-%20Gov%20Rec%20Budget%20Detail%20Report.pdf
April 5, 2024: The State Auditor's office has released its assessment of Vermont's role in the Jay Peak, Burke Mountain, and AnCBio EB-5 fraud. Auditor Doug Hoffer joins the show to share his office's findings. We discuss how to prevent a similar situation as the EB-5 fraud happening again.
To read The Auditor's Report: https://auditor.vermont.gov/sites/auditor/files/documents/EB-5%20Final%20Report.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
March 29, 2024: John Walters of The Vermont Political Observer updates us on the state of the General Assistance housing program. Or, as John describes it: "We have a housing crisis at all price points. We have a humanitarian crisis at the lower-income end."
We also discuss potential legislation to support CUDs and Governor Phil Scott's latest pick for Secretary of Education.
To read John's work: https://thevpo.org
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
March 22, 2024: Okay, so the Public Assets Institute doesn't really give a thumbs up or down in it's annual State of Working Vermont report. Vermont's economy is a mix of both. PAI Executive Director Stephanie Yu walks us through this year's report. We discuss the labor market, wages, taxes, and income inequality.
Read the report here: https://publicassets.org/library/publications/reports/state-of-working-vermont-2023/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
March 15, 2024: Investigative Journalist Leah McGrath Goodman walks listeners through defining corruption or the abuse of the public trust for private gain. She also shares local examples of fraud - World Learning/SIT, Democracy Builders, the EB5 scandal - and their potential impacts on the community.
To follow Leah's work: https://leahmcgrathgoodman.com/
Or, to read Leah's Column C on Substack: https://columnc.substack.com/
To listen to the Brave Little State episode mentioned in our conversation: https://www.vermontpublic.org/programs/2016-09-02/does-vermont-really-have-an-embezzlement-problem
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net/
March 8, 2024: Meg Mott, Putney town moderator and proponent of a "good clash," shares her thoughts on this year's Annual Town Meeting. What civic muscles are we missing that can help us build a better town meeting and stronger communities?
The book Meg mentioned: All those in Favor: Rediscovering the Secrets of Town Meeting and Community, by Susan Clark and Frank Bryan. Find it here: https://vtinstituteforgovt.weebly.com/all-those-in-favor.html
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
March 1, 2024: Rep. Emilie Kornheiser makes a guest appearance! She breaks down the causes behind the reported increases in school taxes. Some increases are because of school districts' spending, but not all of them.
The December episode on School Spending referenced: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/understanding-vermonts-potential-18-5-education-tax-increase-hint-it-might-be-less
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
February 23, 2024: John Walters of The Vermont Political Observer stops by the show to discuss his work covering housing issues. But, since Vermont's housing crisis is not happening in a vacuum, we talked about so much more.
To read H.850: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.850
Governor Scott's press release on H.850: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/action-taken-governor-phil-scott-h850
Keys to the Valley bi-state housing study: https://www.keystothevalley.com/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net/
February 16, 2024 (prerecorded 2/12): Calling all democracy nerds! Vermont's Secretary of State, Sarah Copeland Hanzas, chats elections, getting ready for the primary, and programs to build civic skills in Vermont schools.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
February 9, 2024 (prerecorded 2/5): The Women's Freedom Center turns 50 this year. The local domestic and sexual violence organization serves Windham and Southern Windsor Counties. Advocate Shari joins today's show to share how the organization has evolved in its efforts to support survivors and end violence.
To learn more about the Women's Freedom Center's work: https://womensfreedomcenter.net/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
February 2, 2024 (Originally recorded on 10/28/22): It's a running joke on this show that whenever we discuss rural internet challenges, our internet blinks out. We like to think it's because we're special, but the only specialness going on is with the Community Union Districts (CUDs) and their efforts to bring high-speed internet to their member towns. Today, Christine Hallquist, executive director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB), updates us on rolling out broadband where none exists (yet).
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
January 26, 2024 (prerecorded 1/22): Rep. Seth Bongartz joins this week's show to continue the housing conversation. Bongartz has worked on a number of housing-related bills and will share his insight on what's working (or not).
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
January 19, 2024 (prerecorded 1/15): Last week, the State House of Representatives passed H.27. The bill adds coercive controlling behavior to the definition of abuse for the purposes of obtaining a relief from abuse order. Selene Colburn, co-director of Vermont's Council on Domestic Violence and member of the Vermont Network joins today's discussion.
To read H.27: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.27
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: https://rhtt.net
January 12, 2024 (prerecorded 1/8): Vermont Public Journalist Peter Hirschfeld shares his experience as a State House reporter. One of the topics we'll discuss is: How does a reporter decide which issues to cover?
January 5, 2024: Regular Contributor Rep. Emilie Kornheiser joins the show from Montpelier. She shares her experience of the first week of the session.
Transcript of Gov. Phil Scott's 2024 State of the State address: https://governor.vermont.gov/state-state-2024
Our reading of Gov. John E. Week's 1929 State of the State address: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/our-political-ancestor-gov-john-e-weeks
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 29, 2023 (prerecorded 12/22): Vermont Speaker of the House, Rep. Jill Krowinski joins the show to help us say see ya to 2023. Krowinski helps outline the House's priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
Previous episodes referenced in this show:
Seeking the (many) single solution to housing: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/seeking-the-many-single-solution-to-housing
Opiates and moving past approaches that don't help: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/opiates-and-moving-past-approaches-that-dont-help
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 22, 2023 (prerecorded 12/19): The Fund Vermont's Futute Coalition is advocating a proposal to raise $98 million in new tax revenue. The money could fund new infrastructure, schools, and be used to meet more Vermonters' economic needs. If passed, the proposal would levy a 3 percent personal income surcharge on annual incomes of $500,000 or more. Anika Heilweil, the Fair Share Campaign Manager joins the show.
More information about Fair Share Vermont and the coalition: https://fairsharevt.org/
Read economic reports from The Public Assets Institute: https://publicassets.org/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 15, 2023 (prerecorded 12/12): Vermont Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher discusses the cost of health care. What options do we have to lower costs? This conversation builds off of last week's discussion about education taxes.
The Vermont Office of the Health Care Advocate: https://vtlawhelp.org/health
Bills* H.118 and S.61 which Mike Fisher discussed: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.118
https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.61
*Note: H.118 and S.61 are the House and Senate versions of the same bill. They may not move through the chambers at the same time, however, so keep an eye on both.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 8, 2023: Every year, the state Tax Commissioner releases a document outlining education taxes. The letter serves as a "pulse taking" to help school districts understand where taxes sit going into the budget-building season.
This year's letter highlighted a potential 18.5 percent increase. On this show, we try to help Vermonters recover from their collective sticker shock by breaking down the commission's letter and education spending.
Read the Commissioner's letter and access other resources: http://tax.vermont.gov/press-release/FY2025-Education-Yield-Letter
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 1, 2023 (prerecorded 11/29): James Pepper from the Cannabis Control Board joins today's show to talk about developments in the state's market.
Follow the Cannabis Control Board's work: http://ccb.vermont.gov/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
November 24, 2023 (prerecorded 11/20): This is the Montpelier Happy Hour's 250th episode! Thank you to all the listeners and guests who made reaching 250 thoughtful and fun. Maura Collins of the VHFA joins today's celebration.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
November 17, 2023 (prerecorded 11/14): Rep. Katherine Sims discusses H.105, which would establish a grant to fund community mitigation and resilience projects. Ideally, these projects would reduce damage from future events such as flooding.
Read H.105: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.105
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
November 10, 2023: Communities across Vermont are witnessing more people struggling with opioid misuse. While the cry goes out to "do something!" it also seems that programs that could reduce harm are being overlooked. David Mickenberg with the Drug Policy Alliance and Brattleboro Selectboard Member Daniel Quipp join today's discussion.
To learn more about the Drug Policy Alliance visit: https://drugpolicy.org/
November 3, 2023: Substance misuse, gun violence, and poverty are issues that communities across the state are trying to solve. Recently, however, the impacts of people's struggles have become more visible in communities that previously - perhaps - seemed immune. So what does this mean for Vermont communities? And what stories have we been telling ourselves?
More housing data available through the VHFA's Housing Data site: https://housingdata.org/
Information on Barre City and the recovery of North End: https://www.barrecity.org/north-end-recovery-and-resiliency.html
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
October 27, 2023: Several state and federal-level lawsuits have been filed against Meta. Vermont's lawsuit alleges the company designed its social media platform Instagram to cause teens to use the site "compulsively and excessively." AG Charity Clark discusses the filing on today's show.
Read the state's complaint here: https://ago.vermont.gov/sites/ago/files/2023-10/Complaint%20-%20Redacted.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
REBROADCAST 10/20/23
October 29, 2021 (prerecorded 10/28): A conversation about issues facing rural communities is a nuanced one in Vermont that is... well... rural. But are some communities more rural than others? And if so, do their economic challenges differ from the less rural - or is it more urban? - communities?
Member Rep. Charles Kimbell (D-Woodstock)of the Rural Economic Development Working Group (REDWnG) joins the conversation to share what issues the caucus has been working.
As food for thought on our recent conversations around tourism, below are links to two videos about Vermont made by visitors. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can email themontpelierhappyhour@gmail.com:
"VERMONT: Exploring Woodstock & More!" by James and Meg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk7slCS8Rmo
"How is Life in Rural Vermont?" by Jon Wason: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioah69_EGCk&t=25s
Hello lovelies! Olga Peters here. I'm feeling nostalgic and so wanted to share with you the very first episode of the Montpelier Happy Hour Emilie and I recorded in February 2019.
REBROADCAST 9.22.23 - Feb. 8, 2019: In this first episode, a Lemon, Lime, and Bitters meets a Bourbon Negroni. Guest Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and host Olga Peters discuss what happened in Montpelier this week.
Kornheiser shares about taking testimony on Act H.57, economic development, and raising wages.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
September 15, 2023 (prerecorded 9/13): 1976 was the last time the State of Vermont underwent an impeachment process. In May, a seven-member special committee for the House of Representatives began investigating whether to impeach two elected officials.
The process has proved complex and raised questions about accountability. Chair of the special committee, Martin LaLonde, and Vice-Chair Michael McCarthy discuss impeachment on today's episode.
The Special Committee on Impeachment Inquiry's memos, agendas, and other reports are here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/detail/2024/381
These documents are a good starting point...
Memorandum - Information regarding impeachment: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Government%20Operations/Bills/H.R.11/Drafts,%20Amendments,%20and%20Legal%20Documents/H.R.11~BetsyAnn%20Wrask~Memo%20to%20Speaker%20re%20Impeachment~5-5-2023.pdf
H.R. 11 (House Resolution): https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/RESOLUTN/HR0011/HR0011%20As%20adopted%20by%20the%20House%20Official.pdf
Special Committee's Rules and Procedures (don't worry, it's short): https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Impeachment/Documents%20and%20Testimony/Legislative%20Counsel/W~Jen%20Carbee~Special%20Committee%20on%20Impeachment%20Rules%20and%20Procedures~5-23-2023.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
September 8, 2023 (prerecorded 9/7): State Auditor Doug Hoffer discusses his office's findings on the state's dam inspection program and the state Department of Labor's slow response to COVID-19 UI overpayments.
The Auditor Office's Dam Safety Report: https://auditor.vermont.gov/sites/auditor/files/documents/Final%20Report%20DEC%20Dam%20Safety%20Program.pdf
Doug Hoffer's memo to the VDOL: https://auditor.vermont.gov/sites/auditor/files/documents/UI%20memo%208-18-23.pdf
The Auditor's Office produces newsletters. They're here: https://auditor.vermont.gov/content/newsletter
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
September 1, 2023: Wow! It's September. Where did the summer go? This week, we will hear from the last governor in our series: Philip Hoff. Hoff is known as the first Democratic governor elected in Vermont since 1853. He is also known for expanding several of the state's services during his tenure. In 1964, he established the Governor's Commission on the Status of Women, now known as the Vermont Commission on Women.
Read the 1967 speech here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/hlsbga0p/hoff1967.pdf
We debated about reading the 1965 speech. Here it is if you're curious: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/ldxpfkvo/hoff1965.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 25, 2023 (prerecorded 8/24): In this episode, we'll hear the January 1941 inaugural address of former Gov. William H. Wills. While serving as governor, Wills oversaw minimum wage legislation for teachers and enacted emergency wartime powers for the state.
Read the full speech here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/s0bj1emk/wills1941.pdf
August 18, 2023 (prerecorded 8/10): On this week's show we hear from our political ancestor Gov. John E. Weeks. So far, this is our favorite speech we've read in this series. Weeks lead the charge to pave Vermont's highways as well as helped the state recover from the flood of 1927.
Read the full speech: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/posnwasb/weeks1929.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 11, 2023 (prerecorded 8/8): We continue hearing from our political ancestors this week with the 1862 inaugural address of Governor Frederick Holbrook. During his lifetime, Holbrook served as a Captain in a Connecticut militia, a farmer, a Vermont State Senator, and finally, Governor during the Civil War.
Read the full speech: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/v2gl1h43/holbrook1862.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
August 4, 2023: We've been thinking a lot about transitions lately and inheritances. As modern Vermonters we have passively inherited VT from our forbearers AND are actively creating the future Vermont.
So, let's hear from some of our political ancestors. On today's show, we'll read two speeches from Vermont's first governor, Thomas Chittenden.
To read Chittenden's 1779 speech here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/8d88cb74dddcc24/chittendent1779.pdf
Chittenden's 1796 speech is here: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/8d88cbd021631ec/chittendent1796.pdf
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
REBROADCAST JULY 28, 2023
May 27, 2022 (prerecorded 5/19): Vermont's tourism economy. Yep, we're poking at it again. According to the state, Vermont welcomes more than 13 million visitors every year. This $3 billion industry supports 30,000 jobs. But how does this industry shape Vermont's jobs, incomes, policy, and personal identity? Journalist Anne Wallace Allen of SevenDays joins the conversation.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 21, 2023: People are cleaning their basements and rebuilding after the floods earlier this month. This is the hard part... insurance forms, finding contractors, and navigating state programs. Yet, this next phase of the recovery is essential. The decisions we make now may determine what happens in the next crisis.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
July 14, 2023: Earlier this week, heavy rains led to flooding across multiple towns in Vermont. Several towns in Rep. Laura Sibilia's district were hit. In this episodes she discusses climate change and that rebuilding what is, may no longer work.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
February 3, 2023: The budget process has begun in the State House. The House passed the Budget Adjustment Bill today. Gov. Phil Scott outlined his $8.37B budget last month. Lawmakers will soon present their version.
But will either budget meet people's needs? And what happened to "The People's Budget"? Amy Schollenberger of the political strategy firm, Action Circles joins the conversation.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
Hello Beautiful People! Emilie Kornheiser and I are away this week. Please enjoy this rebroadcast of our conversation on civil discourse with Professor Meg Mott.
February 26, 2021 (rebroadcast 6/30/23): Self described Constitution Wrangler Meg Mott is holding a series of events around civil debate. So why does debate matter? Why does Vermont need to practice these skills?
"What we're trying to do with the Vermont Futures Project is trying to dispel the zero-sum myth.
As if you can only choose the environment or the economy of equity, when really a throng future for Vermont includes all of those things." - Kevin Chu
May 19, 2023 (prerecorded 5/15): Kevin Chu, executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, shares with us a vision for an equitable, sustainable, and resilient economy. But does that vision, and the accompanying data, match the stories we tell about ourselves and Vermont?
To learn more about the Vermont Futures Project: https://vtfuturesproject.org/
March 31, 2023 (prerecorded 3/27): Rep. Kathleen James joins today's show to discuss S.5, the Affordable Heat Act. The act is designed to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions created by heating homes while improving conditions for low- and moderate-income Vermonters. Concerns have been raised in OpEds in multiple news outlets about whether the act can achieve both goals.
Follow S.5's progress through the State House: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.5
Connect with Rep. Kathleen James: https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/single/2024/30945
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
"For the storms in our own lives we'll have this public system in place that we've funded together so we're ready for that [storm]," - Emilie Kornheiser
March 24, 2023 (prerecorded 3/20): Today, we circle back to H.66, the Paid Family and Medical Insurance bill.
If passed, the insurance program would provide people with up to 12 weeks of leave to care for themselves or family members. Emilie fills us in on where the bill is in the legislative process.
To read H.66: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.66
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
“People are perfectly willing to invest in what they see as a functioning government doing good things. “ - John Walters
March 17, 2023 (prerecorded 3/13): John Walters of The Vermont Political Observer is back to chat Town Meeting. What did communities vote on this year?
To read John Walters' blog: https://thevpo.org
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net/
March 10, 2023 (prerecorded 2019): An episode from the before times! We're taking this week off to focus on Town Meeting and local elections. We hope you enjoy this replay of our interview with Susan Clark, co-author of 'Slow Democracy.'
Here is the text from the original broadcast:
Why do we need direct democracy? This is one of many questions host Olga Peters and contributor Emilie Kornheiser ask guest Susan Clark. Clark is a Vermont-based author, democracy wonk, and town moderator.
To learn more about Slow Democracy and its co-authors Clark and Woden Teachout: http://slowdemocracy.org
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
March 3, 2023 (prerecorded 2/27): The Legislature is considering a bill to legalize and regulate online sports betting. According to recent reports, approximately 140,000 Vermonters have accessed (or tried to) sports betting sites in other states where betting is legal. But, opponents have raised concerns about a potential increase in gambling addictions. Rep. Mike McCarthy joins today's conversation.
- You can follow the progress of H.127 here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.127
- To read the 2022 Sports Betting Committee's report: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/Sports%20Betting/Reports%20and%20Resources/W~Tucker%20Anderson~Report%20and%20Recommendations%20of%20the%202022%20Sports%20Betting%20Study%20Committee~12-13-2022.pdf
- Remember "geofencing"? Here is GeoComply's data on Vermonters accessing mobile gambling apps: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Government%20Operations/Bills/H.127/Witness%20Documents/H.127~John%20Pappas~Vermont%20Data%20Analysis%20~2-9-2023.pdf
"There's more of a likelihood of a rainy day happening if we're not taking care of our people - because that's the crisis that's looking. It's not a lack of money that's looming."
- Amy Schollenberger
February 3, 2023: The budget process has begun in the State House. The House passed the Budget Adjustment Bill today. Gov. Phil Scott outlined his $8.37B budget last month. Lawmakers will soon present their version. But will either budget meet people's needs? And what happened to "The People's Budget"? Amy Schollenberger of the political strategy firm, Action Circles joins the discussion.
Vermont State Statute - Title 32: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/32/005/00306a
Action Circles: https://www.action-circles.com
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
January 27, 2023 (prerecorded 1/23): We wish people a Happy and healthy New Year. What does a healthy policy look like? And is it possible to design policies with positive outcomes that last longer than our New Year's resolutions?
Guest Anne N. Sosin, is a policy fellow at Dartmouth's Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and the Social Sciences and interim director of the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition (VAHC).
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
January 20, 2023 (prerecorded 1/16): H.66, a bill to enact a paid family medical leave insurance program, was submitted this week. Two of the bill's sponsors - The MHH's own Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and Rep. Robin Scheu - join us this week to outline the program's benefits. In the second half of the show, Emilie and Olga share their thoughts on MLK Day.
To read H.66: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.66
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
January 13, 2023 (prerecorded 1/9): Windham County's new State Senator Wendy Harrison sits down with us to share her experience as the session begins.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
January 6, 2023: Hello to the New Year and a new legislative biennium! The Legislature opened this week. Governor Scott gave his fourth inaugural speech. AND we have some new committee leadership. Whew! Busy week in Montpelier. Journalist John Walters joins us to weigh in.
To read the full text of Governor Scott's inaugural address: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-fourth-inaugural-address
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 30, 2022 (prerecorded 12/23): We celebrate our last show of 2022 with a breakdown of the annual State of Working Vermont report. The theme of this year's report: 'Vermont needs a new normal.' Stephanie Yu of the Public Assets Institute joins the show.
To read the State of Working Vermont 2022 report: https://publicassets.org/library/publications/reports/state-of-working-vermont-2022/
Here is the supplemental jobs and wages report Stephanie referenced: https://publicassets.org/library/publications/monthly-jobs-report/blame-wages-not-inflation-if-vermont-is-unaffordable/
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 23, 2022 (prerecorded 12/22): As vice-chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, it's Rep. Emilie Kornheiser's turn to discuss the policy she's anticipating in the new biennium. We also discuss how revenues flow through Vermont's government and the philosophy of taxes.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 16, 2022 (prerecorded 12/15): Rep. Theresa Wood sits down with us today to discuss the potential work that the House Committee on Human Services will be looking at for the 2023 session.
Learn more about the Human Services Committee here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/detail/2022/16
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
December 2, 2022 (prerecorded 11/22): Rep. Michael McCarthy serves on the House Committee on Government Operations and joins today's show to share what he expects to see in the new legislative session.
Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
October 7, 2022: We continue our conversation on Proposition 2. Former State Senator Debbie Ingram was one of the early lawmakers to bring the Constitutional revision to the State House. She did this after conversations with last week's guest, Rev. Mark Hughes of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance. Today, Debbie, is also the executive director of the Vermont Interfaith Alliance which is one of the lead organizations supporting Proposition 2. To listen to our conversation with Rev. Hughes: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/abolishing-slavery-in-vermont (https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/abolishing-slavery-in-vermont) To read Proposition 2: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/PR.2 (https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/PR.2) To learn more about the VIA: https://viavt.org (https://viavt.org) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
September 30, 2022: Vermonters will consider two amendments to the state constitution this November. Proposition 2, makes it clear that slavery and indentured servitude are prohibited. In so doing, the amendment would close a loophole that currently exists. Rev. Mark Hughes, Executive Director of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, joins the show to discuss the Proposition. To read Proposition 2 in full: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/PR.2 (https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/PR.2) Vermont Racial Justice Alliance: https://www.vtracialjusticealliance.org/ (https://www.vtracialjusticealliance.org/) Abolish Slavery Vermont campaign: https://abolishslaveryvt.org/ (https://abolishslaveryvt.org/) To locate the book mentioned in this episode, "The Problem of Slavery in Early Vermont, 1777 - 1810" by Harvey Amani Whitfield: https://vermonthistory.org/problem-of-slavery (https://vermonthistory.org/problem-of-slavery)
September 23, 2022: Brenda Siegel is campaigning against incumbent Vermont Governor Phil Scott. A small business owner, teacher, dancer, and mom, today Brenda joins us to discuss housing. To learn more about Brenda visit: https://www.brendaforvermont.com (https://www.brendaforvermont.com) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
September 16, 2022 (prerecorded 9/10): Rick Morton is running to be one of Windham County's next state Senators. Today he joins the show to discuss the state constitutional amendment, Article 22. If passed by voters in November, Article 22 would enshrine reproductive freedoms as a constitutional right. Article 22 (Prop 5) as passed: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/Docs/BILLS/PR0005/PR0005%20As%20adopted%20by%20the%20Senate%20and%20the%20House%20Official.pdf (https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/Docs/BILLS/PR0005/PR0005%20As%20adopted%20by%20the%20Senate%20and%20the%20House%20Official.pdf) Richard "Rick" Morton's candidate website: http://morton4vtsenate.com/ (morton4vtsenate.com) or email him at: morton4vtsenate22@comcast.net Rick also shared information on Article 22 he felt listeners might find useful: Vermonters for Good Government : https://vermontersforgoodgovernment.org/ (https://vermontersforgoodgovernment.org/) Vermont Family Alliance : https://www.vermontfamilyalliance.com/ (https://www.vermontfamilyalliance.com) Vermont Right to Life : https://www.vrlc.net/ (https://www.vrlc.net/) Previous episode "Protecting reproductive freedom" about Article 22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKppWSHJHdc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKppWSHJHdc) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
September 9, 2022 (prerecorded 9/7): Journalist John Walters takes a break from writing about the lead-up to the General Election to discuss the state's ratcheting back of emergency housing assistance. Vermont's response to keeping people housed during the deepest of the pandemic was stellar. What now? Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
September 2, 2022 (prerecorded 8/31): Tim Wessel is running as an Independent for one of two Windham County Senate seats. He joins today's show to discuss the state of childcare in Vermont. To read Act 45: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.171 (https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.171) Find the Vermont Child Care and Early Childhood Education Systems Analysis report here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/Legislative-Reports/Vermont-Child-Care-and-Early-Childhood-Education-Systems-Analysis-Final-Report_July-2022.pdf (https://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/Legislative-Reports/Vermont-Child-Care-and-Early-Childhood-Education-Systems-Analysis-Final-Report_July-2022.pdf) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
June 24, 2022 (prerecorded 6/22): Rep. Charlie Kimball is running to become Vermont's next Lieutenant Governor. Today he is discussing rural vitality. While many may agree that our rural communities are the weft to the warp that makes the fabric of Vermont, not everyone agrees on how to keep those threads strong. Charlie's candidate website: https://charliekimbell.com (https://charliekimbell.com) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
June 17, 2022 (prerecorded 6/16): AG candidate Charity Clark joins us this week to discuss data protections and how Vermont could do better. To learn more about Charity: https://www.charityforvermont.com/ (https://www.charityforvermont.com/) H.570 is the data privacy bill under consideration in 2022. Here is a copy of the bill with comments: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/House%20Commerce/Bills/H.570/Witness%20Documents/H.570~Ryan%20Kriger~Consumer%20Privacy%20Language~3-16-2022.pdf (https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/House%20Commerce/Bills/H.570/Witness%20Documents/H.570~Ryan%20Kriger~Consumer%20Privacy%20Language~3-16-2022.pdf) The AG's office wrote a memo to the Legislature, January 2022, with recommendations for data privacy legislation H.570. Check out the memo here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/House%20Commerce/Bills/H.570/Witness%20Documents/H.570~Charity%20Clark~Report%20to%20General%20Assembly%20on%20Privacy~3-16-2022.pdf (https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/House%20Commerce/Bills/H.570/Witness%20Documents/H.570~Charity%20Clark~Report%20to%20General%20Assembly%20on%20Privacy~3-16-2022.pdf) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net/ (http://rhtt.net/)
June 10, 2022 (prerecorded 6/9): Former Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, Mike Pieciak, is running this year to become Vermont's next State Treasurer. Today, he's chatting policy with Emilie and Olga. The role of debt and bonding as well as the state pension system are all on deck. Mike's campaign website: https://www.mikeforvermont.com (https://www.mikeforvermont.com) Theme music by: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
June 3, 2022 (prerecorded 6/2): Emilie and Olga take one last look at the biennium and state budget. What a ride it has been. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
May 27, 2022 (prerecorded 5/19): Vermont's tourism economy. Yep, we're poking at it again. According to the state, Vermont welcomes more than 13 million visitors every year. This $3 billion industry supports 30,000 jobs. But how does this industry shape Vermont's jobs, incomes, policy, and personal identity? Journalist Anne Wallace Allen of SevenDays joins the conversation. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
May 20, 2022: Journalist John Walters joins the show this week to help us sum up the biennium. What bills didn't make it through to a vote? Who has decided to retire? What did this COVID biennium achieve? Read more of Walter's work at his blog, The Vermont Political Observer: https://thevpo.org/ (https://thevpo.org/) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net/ (http://rhtt.net/)
May 13, 2022: In honor of the Vermont Legislature adjourning the biennium yesterday, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and Host Olga Peters are taking a week to recharge. We will return next week with guest and Journalist John Walters. Please enjoy this rebroadcast of our reading of the Vermont Constitution. Part 2: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/reading-and-reflecting-on-the-vermont-constitution (https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/reading-and-reflecting-on-the-vermont-constitution) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net/ (http://rhtt.net)
"It's always been a controversial law and I think that's because it touches upon some very important issues. That is, how do we regulate what people can do with their land? More importantly, why do we even regulate it?" -Judge Thomas Durkin- April 15, 2022 (prerecorded 4/8): Judge Thomas Durkin joins the show to talk about land use in Vermont and Act 250's role in that use. Act 250 is a landmark law that almost everyone knows of, but few actually understand. More about the Act 250 program: https://nrb.vermont.gov/act250-program (https://nrb.vermont.gov/act250-program) Vermont Historical Society's Act 250 page and interview with former Gov. Deane C. Davis and Rep. Lillian B. Carlisle: https://vermonthistory.org/act-250-1970 (https://vermonthistory.org/act-250-1970) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net/ (http://rhtt.net/)
"The voices that matter aren't legislators's." Rep. Tiff Bluemle
April 8, 2022 (prerecorded 4/6): H.96, legislation to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has passed the House and has moved to the Senate. Rep. Tiff Bluemle joins the show this week to talk about what such a commission would do and why it could play an important role in the lives of many Vermonters. Follow H.96 at https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.96 (https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.96) To learn more about The Center for Transitional Justice: https://www.ictj.org (https://www.ictj.org)
“That is a choice. We’ve chosen that we’re comfortable with 1,100 people being homeless in this state. “ - Maura Collins. April 1, 2022: Vermont has launched a grant program to help homeowners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maura Collins of the VHFA outlines the program. But why stop there? We discuss Vermont’s housing shortage. Find more information on the Vermont's Homeowners Assistance Program at: https://www.vhfa.org (https://www.vhfa.org) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
March 25, 2022: Vermont's anti-poverty program for families, Reach Up, is undergoing changes this legislative session. H.464, if approved, would allow families to keep more of their wages in addition to the funding they receive through the program. To read H.464: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.464 (https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.464) You can connect with Rep. Tylor Small on https://twitter.com/TaylorSmallVT?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Twitter @TaylorSmallVT) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
March 18, 2022 (prerecorded 3/14): In this episode we reflect on our experience of what's old is new. Again. In other words, building policy to address society's complex issues - climate change, education funding, housing - can take years. A deep, collaborative, thorough process might create better policy, but it can also lose people (and trust) along the way. How can we balance these competing needs and experiences? To listen to our previous show on Redistricting: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/redistricting-and-what-changes-it-may-bring (https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/redistricting-and-what-changes-it-may-bring) Them music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
March 11, 2022 (prerecorded 3/10): Ted Brady from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) helps us digest the many votes, amendments, and results from Vermont's Annual Town Meeting 2022. More information on the VLCT available: https://www.vlct.org (https://www.vlct.org) To check out the VLCT's Town Meeting preview visit: https://www.vlct.org/sites/default/files/TM2022_Preview.pdf (https://www.vlct.org/sites/default/files/TM2022_Preview.pdf) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
March 4, 2022 (prerecorded 2/21/22): In recent news interviews, several Governors have said it's time to transition from approaching COVID-19 like a pandemic. Is it time to move to endemic planning with COVID? Are we ready? Public Health researcher Anne N. Sosin joins today's show to discuss the issue. Anne N. Sosin at The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy: https://rockefeller.dartmouth.edu/people/anne-n-sosin (https://rockefeller.dartmouth.edu/people/anne-n-sosin) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net
February 25, 2022: Join us for this rebroadcast of a 2019 interview with author and activist, David Poses. In this episode, David shared with us what it means to build policy that support and cares for people with substance misuse disorder. David passed a way in February. He will be missed. To learn more about David's work visit his website: https://davidposes.com/home (https://davidposes.com/home) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
February 18, 2022 (prerecorded 2/16): Today, we discuss vetoes. How they work and how is the Legislature responding to Governor Phil Scott's decisions to veto some key bills. To date, Scott holds the distinction of vetoing the most pieces of legislation in Vermont's history.
February 11, 2022 (prerecorded 2/6/22): Last year a task force met to decipher a path forward for plugging a multimillion dollar gap in the state employee and educator pension fund. Senator Jeanette White and Educator Molly Stoner join today's show to discuss the task force's work and the Legislature's process. For more information on the task force's work: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/document/2022/367/Date/1-10-2022#bills-in-out (https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/document/2022/367/Date/1-10-2022#bills-in-out) Read the January 2022 report here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/PensionTaskForce/Documents%20and%20Testimony/W~Rebecca%20Wasserman~Pension%20Task%20Force;%20Final%20Report%20and%20Recommendations;%20January%202022~1-10-2022.pdf (https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/WorkGroups/PensionTaskForce/Documents%20and%20Testimony/W~Rebecca%20Wasserman~Pension%20Task%20Force;%20Final%20Report%20and%20Recommendations;%20January%202022~1-10-2022.pdf) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
February 4, 2022: Rep. Emilie Kornheiser discusses efforts to expand the state's Child Tax Credit for income-eligible families. Proposed bill H.510 would provide a credit to an estimated 51,000 children in the state ages 0 - 6. But, the measure could also cost the state more than $50 million. The legislation is modeled after the federal enhanced Child Tax Credit provided to families last year under ARPA. To follow H.510: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.510 (https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/H.510) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
January 28, 2022 (prerecorded 1/25/22): Rep. Mike McCarthy joins us today to talk about the redistricting process happening in Vermont right now. Today we'll dive into the it's history, the process, next steps, political considerations... all of it. To view the committee's maps and follow the redistricting process, visit: https://legislature.vermont.gov/reports-and-research/research/reapportionment/ (https://legislature.vermont.gov/reports-and-research/research/reapportionment/) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
January 7, 2022: Hello Beautiful People! We are happy to start our fourth year here on the show. This week a new Legislative Session started. We are talking about the Governor's State of the State address and what's ahead for our lawmakers. (And yes, Emilie, according to Merriam-Webster, stolid is a word: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stolid (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stolid)) To read Governor Phil Scott's 2022 State of the State Address: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-2022-state-state-address (https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-2022-state-state-address) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
December 31, 2021: In 1997, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled in favor of plaintiffs in the Brigham v. State court case. This landmark case stated that funding public schools through town-by-town property taxes created inequalities for students. This, said the court, was unconstitutional. The Brigham decision sparked the passage of Act 60 and an overhaul of how the state funded public schools. As we end 2021 and prepare for the new Legislative Session, Olga and Emilie read the Brigham decision and reflect on how it has shaped Vermont. To read the decision: https://law.justia.com/cases/vermont/supreme-court/1997/96-502op.html (https://law.justia.com/cases/vermont/supreme-court/1997/96-502op.html) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net/
December 24, 2021: As 2021 draws to a close, we are going back in time to read the 1985 inaugural address of Vermont's first female governor, Madeleine M. Kunin. Some of what Kunin discusses in her address still hold for Vermont and, many things have changed. Much fodder for thought. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net) For a copy of Kunin's address visit the VT Secretary of State's webpage: https://sos.vermont.gov/media/zl3nshog/kunin1985.pdf (https://sos.vermont.gov/media/zl3nshog/kunin1985.pdf)
November 26, 2021 (prerecorded 11/24): The Legislature convened Monday for a special session to vote on allowing municipalities to pass mask mandates during COVID. Rep. Emilie Kornheiser was there and updates us on what happened. To read S.1 (Act 1) in full: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2021.1/S.1 (https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2021.1/S.1) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
November 19, 2021 (prerecorded 11/17): James Pepper, chair of the state Cannabis Control Board, is back! He updates us on what still needs to happen to launch Vermont's regulated recreational cannabis market. There is a May 1, 2022 deadline after all... To follow the Cannabis Control Board's work, read their reports, or submit public comment visit the board's page: https://ccb.vermont.gov (https://ccb.vermont.gov) Videos of the board's meetings available at ORCA Media's website: https://www.orcamedia.net/series/cannabis-control-board (https://www.orcamedia.net/series/cannabis-control-board) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
November 12, 2021 (prerecorded 11/8): Cary Brown of the Vermont Commission on Women and Al Johnson-Kurts of Change the Story help us revisit the pandemic and its impact on women. While we have discussed the pandemic's disproportionate effect the female workforce, what else have we learned and what else do we need to change? To read the survey Cary and Al reference: https://women.vermont.gov/covid19 (https://women.vermont.gov/covid19) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
November 5, 2021 (prerecorded 11/3): Emilie updates listeners on a task force charged with developing an action plan for implementing recommendations around how Vermont funds education. The task force will deliver its report to the Legislature in December. Find more information at the JFO's website: https://ljfo.vermont.gov/committees-and-studies/task-force-on-the-implementation-of-the-pupil-weighting-factors (https://ljfo.vermont.gov/committees-and-studies/task-force-on-the-implementation-of-the-pupil-weighting-factors) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
October 29, 2021 (prerecorded 10/28): A conversation about issues facing rural communities is a nuanced one in Vermont that is... well... rural. But are some communities more rural than others? And if so, do their economic challenges differ from the less rural - or is it more urban? - communities? The rural Economic Development Working Group (REDWnG) of the Vermont House of Representatives is hosting a public hearing on Nov. 2. Member Rep. Charles Kimbell (D-Woodstock) joins the conversation this week to share what issues the caucus has been working on and provide information on how to participate in the Nov. 2 hearing. Register for the online hearing at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vermont-rural-economic-development-public-hearing-tickets-187886923847?fbclid=IwAR3T6YsMYgw2dWDrPIpgMRVroNqUO4qCu7QSBu8KIGP_KJGV18rpwfjhYao (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vermont-rural-economic-development-public-hearing-tickets-187886923847?fbclid=IwAR3T6YsMYgw2dWDrPIpgMRVroNqUO4qCu7QSBu8KIGP_KJGV18rpwfjhYao) Charlie Kimbell's website: http://www.charliekimbell.com (http://www.charliekimbell.com) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
October 15, 2021: Chris Campany from the Windham County Regional Commission joins us this week to chat money. ARPA money to be specific. What kinds of projects can these funds help with the most? Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net) RESOURCES: The Windham Regional Commission (WRC): http://www.windhamregional.org (http://www.windhamregional.org) Information and dates for the WRC's three-part housing webinar: http://www.windhamregional.org/news/save-the-date-housing-webinar (http://www.windhamregional.org/news/save-the-date-housing-webinar) The Vermont League of Cities and Town's ARPA page: https://www.vlct.org/resources/american-rescue-plan-information (https://www.vlct.org/resources/american-rescue-plan-information)
October 8, 2021 (prerecorded 10/7): Governor Phil Scott announced last month that the state will welcome 100 Afghans. This announcement is part of a longer effort to welcome refugees to Vermont. But, what does it mean to invite new community members to the Green Mountain State? And are Vermont communities as open as they believe they are? UVM Associate Professor Pablo Bose joins the show. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net) RESOURCES: Pablo Bose's webpage at UVM and links to his research: https://www.uvm.edu/cas/geography/profiles/pablo-bose (https://www.uvm.edu/cas/geography/profiles/pablo-bose) The Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC): https://www.ecdcus.org (https://www.ecdcus.org)
October 1, 2021: Today, we focus on W-O-R-K. For more than a year, Emilie and Olga have discussed COVID, how it has highlighted cracks our systems, and our dreams for society post-COVID. The ongoing pandemic has shown many of us that how we spend our 9-to-5 (or much more) isn't well, working. This conversation was inspired in part by an essay by Jonathan Malesic that appeared in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/09/23/opinion/covid-return-to-work-rto.html (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/09/23/opinion/covid-return-to-work-rto.html) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
September 24, 2021 (prerecorded 9/23): During the height of the COVID pandemic last year, Vermont issued a state of emergency. This order opened doors for a multitude of housing protections such as the General Assistance Program that housed people in hotels. Now that the state of emergency has ended - but the pandemic has not - what does this mean for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness? Jessica Radbord and Mairead C. O'Reilly from Vermont Legal Aid, and Josh Davis from Groundworks join this week's episode. For more information: Groundworks Collaborative: https://groundworksvt.org (https://groundworksvt.org) Vermont Legal Aid - https://www.vtlegalaid.org (https://www.vtlegalaid.org) Theme music by: Red Heart the Ticker - http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
September 17, 2021 - Today we revisit public health policy. Vermont's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has received praise. But, we have more to learn. Anne N. Sosin, policy fellow with the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College, shares her insight on where Vermont's public health approach compares with other states. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
September 10, 2021: Emilie updates listeners on her "off session" legislative work. Yep, just because the House and Senate aren't in session, doesn't mean lawmakers are on vacation. Here's a sample of what we're talking about: leading hybrid public hearings, overhauling the unemployment system, and US Senator Bernie Sanders visiting Brattleboro for Labor Day. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
September 3, 2021: Emilie and Olga return to complete their reading of the Vermont Constitution. In the second half of the show, they reflect on what they've learned and, in some cases, what they wish was different. Listen to 'A reading of the Vermont Constitution, part 1' (S3:Ep35) to hear beginning of the document: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/a-reading-of-the-vermont-constitution-part-1 (https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/a-reading-of-the-vermont-constitution-part-1) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
August 27, 2021 (prerecorded 8/20): A special reading of the opening to the Vermont Constitution. We are taking a moment to reflect and rest. We hope you enjoy listening to beginning chapters of this governing document. In the short time it took us to record this episode, we certainly learned new things about the state we call home. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
August 20, 2021: In previous episodes, we've discussed equity and climate change. We've also discussed renewable energy. So how do these topics intersect when considering the power grid? When it comes to the grid, no community is an island. John Woodward joins this week's show to dig into the equity and governance issues involved in shifting the grid to renewable power. Theme music by: Red Heart the Ticker - http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
August 13, 2021: Housing availability, affordability, and wages are only a few of the contributors to Vermont's tight housing market. But what role, if any, does a large second home or short-term rental market play in people's struggles to find safe, healthy, and affordable housing within their community? This week, Benjamin D. Frost of the New Hampshire Finance Authority (NHHFA) joins the conversation. New Hampshire Finance Authority (NHHFA): https://www.nhhfa.org (https://www.nhhfa.org) CNT's Housing & Transportation Affordability Index: https://www.cnt.org/tools/housing-and-transportation-affordability-index (https://www.cnt.org/tools/housing-and-transportation-affordability-index) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
Aug. 6, 2021 (prerecorded 8/5): On July 26, subcommittees of the Vermont Climate Council released reports outlining strategies to address global warming. Organic Farmer, Abbie Corse, shares her insights on the roles that the agriculture and forest sectors play. The Vermont Climate Council: https://aoa.vermont.gov/content/vermont-climate-council (https://aoa.vermont.gov/content/vermont-climate-council) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
July 30, 2021: We joke on this show about the mishaps and blow-ups with the internet and IT systems in this state. But, as the debacle with the Vermont Department of Labor's unemployment portal during COVID demonstrated, bad IT has consequences. Scott Woodward, a technology consultant, weighs in on IT in the Green Mountains. Vermont Agency of Digital Services: https://digitalservices.vermont.gov (https://digitalservices.vermont.gov) Scott Woodward: https://www.forestandwater.com (https://www.forestandwater.com) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
July 23, 2021 (prerecorded 7/19): What can we learn about Vermont's electoral process by looking through a national or international lens? Plenty. Julia Brothers of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs shares her insight on what makes an electoral system healthy — starting with transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. "Elections are not just a day. It's a long process," she tells us. "We're all democratic activists." Theme music by: Red Heart the Ticker - http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net) FOR MORE INFORMATION: The National Democratic Institute (NDI): https://www.ndi.org (https://www.ndi.org) Vermont's Secretary of State Office Elections Division and Voter Information: https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/ (https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/)
July 9, 2021: Governor Phil Scott vetoed S.79 a bill designed to improve the safety of rental housing in Vermont. According to senators, this bill had broad community support and was drafted based on three years of testimony. So, what is the way forward for improving short and long-term rentals in Vermont's tight rental market? Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
July 2, 2021 (prerecorded 6/21): Many small Vermont towns don't operate a school or only offer classes up to a certain grade, such as middle school. To provide local students with a full pre-K - 12 education, these towns use a tuition, or voucher, system. These vouchers allow parents to send their students to other schools. Sometimes public, sometimes private. A series of court cases, however, seek to open the path for public dollars to fund private religious schools or programming. Derek W. Black, author and professor of law at South Carolina School of Law, dives into what the court cases mean for Vermont. Derek W. Black's website: https://www.derekwblack.com/about (https://www.derekwblack.com/about) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net) Catch up on some of our previous shows about education funding in Vermont: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/education-spending-and-competing-values (S1:E42 - Education spending and competing values: Part 1) https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/education-spending-and-competing-values (S1:E43 - Education spending and competing values: Part 2) https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/weighting-on-the-wrong-things-in-education-funding (S2:E8 - Weighting on the wrong things in education funding)
June 25, 2021 (prerecorded 6/23): Vermont communities espouse the virtues of local control. Yet, structurally, Vermont is a Dillon's Rule state, meaning most of the power sits in the state government's hands. Ted Brady, executive director of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, weighs in. UPDATE: The Vermont House and Senate overrode Governor Phil Scott's vetos of Winooski and Montpelier's charter changes. Noncitizen voting in local elections is now legal in the two cities. PREVIOUS EPISODES ON THIS TOPIC: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/hello-responsibility-goodbye-authority (S1 E29: Hello responsibility! Goodbye authority) - an interview with Brattleboro Town Manager Peter Elwell about the pull between local control and state authority. https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/search (S3 E19: Voting rights for 16 & 17 year olds and Town Charters) - a discussion with Rep. Emilie Kornheiser about the effort to pass a charter change in Brattleboro to allow people 16 & 17 to vote in local elections. For more information about the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT): https://www.vlct.org (https://www.vlct.org) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
June 18, 2021 (prerecorded 6/17) - Anne Sosin is a researcher at Dartmouth College who specializes in public health. She has studied Vermont's response to the pandemic and has suggestions on how we can do better even as the Governor lifts COVID-19 restrictions. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
June 11, 2021 (prerecorded 6/9) - Vermont is wending its way towards the creation of a retail cannabis market. Earlier this year, it created the Cannabis Control Board. This three-member board is charged with overseeing the cannabis market. Chair James Pepper joins today's show to update us on the board's work and progress. Cannabis Control Board's website: https://ccb.vermont.gov (https://ccb.vermont.gov) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net (http://rhtt.net)
June 4, 2021 (prerecorded 6/3): This week we follow up on some of the legislation that passed this session. Vermont's Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher updates Emilie and Olga on what's happening with the state's health care market. Rep. Emilie dives into the latest federal stimulus money and how it could help people pay their premiums. Meanwhile, Olga - whose insurance will be impacted by these changes - pays VERY close attention. Curious for more? Anyone in Vermont with questions, concerns, or who needs help with health care issues can reach out to the Office of the Health Care Advocate. All questions welcomed. Contact information: Office of the Health Care Advocate - Vermont Legal Aid Helpline – 800.917.7787 www.vtlawhelp.org/health As part of its rate review process, the Green Mountain Care Board is taking public comment. To learn more or submit a comment visit: https://ratereview.vermont.gov/public_comment (https://ratereview.vermont.gov/public_comment) Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker).
May 28, 2021 (prerecorded 5/24): Vermont's Legislature has gaveled out for the year. Which bills passed? Which didn't? And, what's next? Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and Senate Pro Tem Becca Balint bring us up to speed. Theme music by: http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
May 21, 2021 (prerecorded 5/17): The Vermont Council on Rural Development is convening a summit on the state's future. What policies, investments, and strategies does Vermont need to build stronger communities? More importantly, how can it create communities, and an economy, that is just and sustainable for all of us? To learn more or register for the summit, visit: https://www.futureofvermont.org (https://www.futureofvermont.org) Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Thicker)
May 14, 2021: Want to start a ruckus at a family dinner? Say: taxes. Okay you can say other things too, but the topic of taxes usually riles someone (I'm looking at you cousin K). Yet, taxes also pay things we like: libraries, schools, roads, trash collection, and are a valuable tool for fixing income inequality. Today, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, vice-chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, breaks down some of the significant federal tax changes and what they mean for Vermonters. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
May 7, 2021 (pre-recorded 5/3): The House has approved a potential charter change that would allow 16 & 17 year olds to vote in local elections. But what are Town Charters and why do they matter in Vermont? Also, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser updates us on what's happening with education funding. You can also listen to the previous interviews with Brattleboro Town https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/hello-responsibility-goodbye-authority (Manager Peter Elwell on local governance) and https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/weighting-on-the-wrong-things-in-education-funding (The Pupil Weighting Study with UVM Researcher Tammy Kolbe) that Olga and Emilie reference. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
April 30, 2021: Vermont's Legislature is wrangling with various prison reforms this session. But which ones help? Which ones don't? It's a deep conversation with a lot of opinions. To help us understand the issue, Public Defender Kelly Green joins today's show. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
April 23, 2021: One of Olga and Emilie's favorite pastimes, is digging into the stories, systems, and assumptions behind Vermont's legislation. Enter https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2022/S.53 (S.53, a tax bill )that began its life in the state Senate to remove the 6% sales tax on menstrual products. After much deliberation in the House, S.53 also includes an update on corporate income tax, removes an exemption for cloud services and products, and removes the tax on military retirements. Lawmakers and press alike have had strong reactions to these revisions. On today's show we discuss the term "Christmas tree" and creating a progressive tax code. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
April 16, 2021 (pre-recorded 4/12): Vermont is poised to receive $2.7 billion from the federal government's latest COVID relief package. Plans for spending that money are on the Legislature's desk, but do we spend it on projects or people? What direction will make Vermont more resilient? Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
April 9, 2021 (pre-recorded 4/5): Last week Speaker Jill Krowinski announced that the House would drop its proposal to overhaul the state's underfunded pension system. The unpopular proposal would have raised the retirement age for teachers and state employees and lowered the retirement benefits. Unpopular or not, the pension system remains underfunded. A problem that still needs fixing. So. What now? Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas joins the show. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
April 2, 2021 (pre-recorded 3/29): When describing Vermont's cell and broadband service, words like "spotty," "frustrating," and "inadequate" come to mind. Everything from geography to not having enough customers to justify the cost to private companies can be blamed. So, what about community led and financed broadband? https://laurasibiliavt.com (Rep. Laura Sibilia) joins today's show to talk about new legislation that seeks to accelerate the roll out of Community Union Districts and their potential role in connecting that last, elusive mile. An apology to listeners - In true Vermont broadband style, we experienced a few issues during recording. So, the audio is whacky in a few places. Thanks for your patience. Theme music byhttp://rhtt.net ( Red Heart the Ticker)
March 26, 2021 (pre-recorded 3/22): Vermont's Legislature is considering a few bills this session focused on promoting racial and social equity through land access and home ownership. Yet, land sovereignty may not mean the same thing to all of us. Rich Holschuh of https://www.atowi.org (Atowi) and liaison for the http://elnuabenakitribe.org (Elnu Abenaki) discusses the issue from an indigenous perspective. Theme music by: http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
March 19,2021 (pre-recorded 3/15/21): Vermont's largest contributions to greenhouse gases are transportation and heating. But, how do we transition a small rural state like Vermont to a low carbon energy system while also supporting businesses, residents, and working with existing infrastructure? Matt Cota joins today's conversation. Cota's grandparents founded https://www.cotaoil.com (Cota & Cota) which specializes in home heating, cooling, and plumbing services. He is also the Executive Director of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association (VFDA). A portion of our conversation included finding jobs and apprenticeships in Vermont's energy sector. Cota wants folks to know that anyone interesting in learning more about job or training opportunities can find information at the VDFA website: https://www.vermontfuel.com/index.html (vermontfuel.com). Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker.)
March 12, 2021 (pre-recorded 3/8/21): Early March traditionally marks the midpoint of the Legislative session in the State House. This year is worth taking a moment to pause and reflect. This time last year, we were just entering the pandemic in Vermont. So, how far have we come with recovery? Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
March 5, 2021 (pre-recorded 3/4/21): The COVID pandemic has taken most people's focus this past year overshadowing ongoing struggles such as opioid use. Rosie Nevins-Alderfer and Jedediah Popp, Co-Directors of the Windham County Consortium on Substance Use (COSU) join today's show to discuss legislation aimed at reducing harm for people experiencing substance use disorder. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
February 26, 2021 (pre-recorded 2/22/21): Self described Constitution Wrangler https://www.megmott.com (Meg Mott) is holding a series of events around civil debate. So why does debate matter? Why does Vermont need to practice these skills? To listen to a previous episode on Burlington's Neighborhood Planning Assemblies, https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/npas-and-increasing-citizen-participation-in-government (click here) Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
February 19, 2021 (pre-recorded 2-15-21): Last year, the Legislature passed Act 156. Known as The Older Vermonters Act, the law seeks to provide services for elders that foster self-determination, safety, financial security, and health. Guests Rep. Theresa Wood and Rep. Daniel Noyes join the show to discuss issues facing Vermont's older population. Seniors, their families, or adults with disabilities seeking information or resources are encouraged to call the https://ddsd.vermont.gov/get-help/information-referral-assistance (Senior Helpline: (800) 642-5119.) Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
February 12, 2021 (prerecorded 2/8/21) - Last year, the Vermont Legislature passed a bill to help expand early education and child care. But, as the pandemic has demonstrated, Vermont's child care system is still full of holes. Rep. Emilie Kornheiser co-wrote bill H.171 to expand access to quality child care. Guest Chole Learey of The Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development weighs in on the issues facing families. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
February 5, 2021 (pre-recorded on 2/1): Many people hardest hit by the pandemic were still recovering economically from the 2008 Great Recession. So, what does Vermont need to do to address long-term inequities? How can the state ensure communities recover stronger, and not just return to "business as usual?" Stephanie Yu, deputy director of the Public Assets Institute, returns to the show to update listeners on the health of the Vermont economy. https://publicassets.org/library/publications/reports/state-of-working-vermont-2020/ (Read the 2020 Working Vermont Report) Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
January 28, 2021: Death and taxes might be two certainties in life, but on this show, we're about the taxes. Vermont's Tax Commission has presented its [draft] report to the Legislature with several recommendations to change the whole system. Commission member Deb Brighton joins the show. https://ljfo.vermont.gov/assets/Meetings/Tax-Structure-Commission/2021-01-11/576baebcc8/DRAFT-TSC-Report-1-7-21.pdf (Read the report here.) Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker) A note to listeners: sorry we had some techie sound issues. We hope to have them fixed soon.
January 21, 2021: A theme on this show during this pandemic has centered on the spotlight that is COVID-19 and the cracks in society that it is showing us. This pandemic is disproportionately impacting women, financially and when it comes to their safety. So, as we enter the new year, a new Legislative session, and a new Presidential administration, what do we need to do to ensure safety for all? Karen Tronsgard-Scott of the https://vtnetwork.org (Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence) and Shari of the http://womensfreedomcenter.net (Women's Freedom Center) join the show. Watch the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TypPiyA46e4&feature=youtu.be (video) Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
January 15, 2021: The Vermont legislature is stepping into its second round of remote lawmaking. Benefits and challenges abound for all. Windham County Senator Jeanette White joins the first half of the show to share her insights. After the break, Journalist John Walters discusses what issues he is watching. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
January 8, 2021: The calendar has turned a page, 2020 is over, and a new year has begun. Whew! And yet... the year may be new, but the challenges spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic continue. Join Olga and Emilie as they discuss the Legislature opening a new biennium. What challenges, new legislation, and opportunities lie ahead? Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
Jan. 1, 2021 (pre-recorded 12-18-20): Vermont lawmakers start a new two-year cycle in January. Yet, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it feels like the previous biennium never really ended. Today Emilie and Olga speak with Speaker-elect Rep. Jill Krowinski and House Majority Leader Rep. Emily Long about what they foresee (as much as anyone can) for 2021. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
December 25, 2020 (pre-recorded 12/11): In Olga and Emilie's search for effective ways to increase citizen involvement in democracy, they turn to Michael Monte. In this episode, Michael outlines Burlington's Neighborhood Planning Assemblies (NPA). What are they? How can they help increase participation? Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
November 27,2020 (pre-recorded 11-24-20): Falko Schilling of ACLU Vermont discusses the organization's work during and after the national election. Guess what folks, there's more to do... Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
November 20, 2020: A new Legislative session begins in January. Yet, one of the ripple effects of COVID-19 is that it feels as if lawmakers are living one long video conference. What will creating policy in COVID part 2 be like? Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
November 5, 2020: Emilie Kornheiser and Olga Peters discuss this week's presidential and state elections. What has changed? What hasn't? What work needs to be done now? Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
October 30, 2020 - For many, the pandemic and next week's presidential election are only the tip of the emotional iceberg that is 2020. On today's show, Olga and Emilie speak with therapist, activist, dancer, and mom, http://www.wgreatheart.com (Emily Megas-Russell.) Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
October 23, 2020: Wages. What is up with wages in Vermont? It seems state agencies, economic development types, the Legislature, and Emilie and Olga talk about wages... a lot. Well, in true deep-geek, Montpelier Happy Hour style, we'll keep digging. Vermont Rep. Thomas Stevens joins today's discussion. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
October 15, 2020: The state has worked for decades to create a more affordable health care system. Yet, according to a recent investigation by the State Auditor's Office, health care costs are increasing faster than Vermonters' wages. Is there a remedy? Here is a copy of https://auditor.vermont.gov/sites/auditor/files/documents/Health%20Care%20Expenditures%20final%208-15-20.pdf (Doug Hoffer's) report. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
October 9, 2020: Speaking in labor terms, Vermont is an "at will" state. So what does the labor movement look like in Vermont? Why is it important... or not? Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
October 2, 2020: Vermont has built its brand on cows, rolling hills, and maple syrup. But what is the reality for farmers in the state? Is Vermont putting its money, legislation, and support behind the people stewarding the land? Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
September 25, 2020: As Vermont's legislative session for 2020 comes to a close, months after it's traditional deadline, what is happening with the budget, unemployment, and voting? Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
September 18, 2020, Rep. Laura Sibilia joins the show to discuss the Global Solutions Act and Governor's veto. Emilie and Olga then discuss unemployment. Yes, the "part-time" Vermont Legislature is STILL in session. Thanks, COVID. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
September 11, 2020: Two bills aimed at getting money directly to people during the COVID-19 pandemic are working their way through the legislature. Since the pandemic has not impacted everyone in the same way, how does Vermont ensure equitable hazard pay? Emilie and Olga discuss. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
September 4, 2020: We all know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted state revenues, but, as the Legislature returns to work, what does less money actually mean? What would it look like to increase revenue in a time like COVID? Stephanie Yu from the https://publicassets.org (Public Assets Institute) joins the show. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
August 28, 2020 (pre-recorded Aug. 25): Has COVID-19 sparked an urban exodus? Matt Dunne of the Center for Rural Innovation discusses rural employment and potential population growth in the time of COVID. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
August 7, 2020: A century ago, Congress ratified the 19th Amendment. Women have accomplished a lot with their political power since 1920. And yet...no woman has been elected as president. And few women hold higher office in Vermont. So, what does that say about women's political power in 2020? John Hagen joins the show. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
July 31, 2020: Dru Roessle of the state Agency of Human Services joins the show today! As one of the agency leads for planning, Emilie and Olga ask her, how does one plan for the future in the middle of a pandemic? Here is the TED Talk Dru references Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
July 24, 2020: With Vermont's primary elections less than a month away, candidates are hitting the Zoom forums. John Walters, the journalist behind the website 'The Vermont Political Observer,' joins the show to discuss all things Vermont politics. Read more of John Walter's work at https://thevpo.org (The Vermont Political Observer) Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
July 17, 2020: Vermont has spent years taking baby steps towards a taxed and regulated cannabis market. A market, guests David Mickenberg and Rep. Sam Young, say already exists in the shadows. As the Legislature is poised to (perhaps) pass cannabis regulations, Olga, Emilie and their guests discuss the legislation's connection to social justice, consumer protections, and revenue. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
July 10, 2020: In the world of health insurance, “affordable” means consumers get what they pay for. Vermont's Chief Health Care Advocate, Mike Fisher, says, “Under that logic, a Ferrari is affordable.” Join Mike, Emilie, and Olga as they discuss COVID-19's impact on Vermont's health care system and federal COVID Relief Funding. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
July 3, 2020: The Vermont Legislature recently passed bills intended to increase racial justice and decrease police violence. But is the legislative process leading to tangible progress? Dr. Etan Nesreddin-Longo joins the conversation. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
June 26, 2020: The State Legislature is in the process of recessing for a couple months. Lawmakers will then resume work in the fall. "In process" is probably the best way to describe this legislative session upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Emilie provides a roundup of how the state is using its federal COVID relief funds. And Olga, well, she has questions. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
June 19, 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of hungry households in Vermont. But. People were hungry before the pandemic. In this episode, we outline the opportunities and dangers facing a post-COVID food system. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
June 12, 2020: Surprise, surprise, COVID-19 upended the economy. So, in the midst of uncertain state revenues, the Vermont House passed a level-funded budget for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The rest of the fiscal year remains a mystery. But, if budgets are a reflection of values, which values will Vermont express in its future post-COVID budgets? Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
June 5, 2020: "Stay home, stay safe," was the way most Vermonters protected the community from the spread of COVID-19. But, home is not a safe place for Vermonters experiencing intimate partner violence. Today's guests highlight how privilege, the gender-based wage gap, and patriarchy drive abuse. Guests are Karen Tronsgard-Scott, Executive Director of the Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Shari, an advocate with the Women's Freedom Center. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
May 29, 2020: It's worth celebrating that Vermont ended homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now what? As communities enter their post-COVID phase, what funding, actions, or programs can meet the state's need for affordable housing? Maura Collins of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency joins the conversation. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
May 22, 2020: The economic and social fall out of COVID-19 has hit service jobs hard. Many of these jobs are held by female Vermonters. In this episode, Cary Brown of the Vermont Commission on Women, and Prof. Stephanie Seguino highlight policy changes to reduce income inequality. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
May 15, 2020: As Vermont enters its COVID-19 recovery phase, communities look to the future. In today's episode, Emilie, Olga, and their guests explore questions around resiliency, equity, and moving from crisis mode to creativity. Paul Costello of the Vermont Council on Rural Development notes that "resiliency is a work in progress." Xusana Davis, the Racial Equity Director for the State of Vermont, asks, Do we consider people as "essential to the bottom line, or to the fabric of our state?" Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
May 8, 2020: Commissioner for the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, Michael Pieciak, is busy crunching COVID-19 data. His department's data models are part of the state's reopening process. On this episode Mike, Emilie, and Olga discuss tracking key metrics, the virtue of face masks, and redesigning systems. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
May 1, 2020: It's May Day! And, the COVID-19 pandemic is still happening. And, people struggle to pay their rents and their mortgages. And, the state is wrestling with budget shortfalls. And, as Emilie and Olga discuss new legislation around eviction stays, they also ask... What's next? How can government craft a resilient new normal? Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
April 24, 2020: Vermont Digger Reporter, John Walters, joins the conversation. John, Emilie, and Olga discuss how COVID-19 has disrupted our collective routines from policy making, to campaigning for office, to accessing crucial services. The trio also touch on how COVID-19 could reshape our communities in unknown, yet creative, ways. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
April 17, 2020: Windham County has a new House Rep. Meet Kelley Tully, who was recently nominated to fill the Windham-3 seat. Olga and Emilie then discuss the "South of Route 4" concept and COVID-19 recovery. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
April 10, 2020: Many Vermonters with autoimmune diagnosis have lost access to their medications. Why? According to guest and State Senator Becca Balint, the Trump Administration is stockpiling them for the COVID-19 response. But, there's no solid evidence these medications fight COVID-19. Olga, Emilie, and Becca also discuss changes in how the Legislature works and unemployment benefits. Theme by Red Heart the Ticker
April 7, 2020: Governor Phil Scott has asked all Vermonters to wear face masks when in public. In this bonus, Emilie and Olga discuss the social implications of homemade face masks. They also share thoughts on the federal government's responsibility to the states (and their residents) during this pandemic. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
April 3. 2020: We know that COVID-19 is scaring us. What is it teaching us? In this episode Emilie and Olga discuss the state's digital divide, the need for hazard pay, the state's FY2021 budget, and how COVID has changed our understanding of these issues. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
April 1, 2020: It might be April Fools' Day, but the economic impacts on people's lives from COVID-19 are no joke. Especially for people worried about paying their rent or their mortgage. In this episode, Emilie and Olga discuss supports in place to help people and who to call if they need help. Emilie also outlines efforts to bring additional supports and funding to Vermont. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
March 30, 2020: Today Governor Phil Scott announced new restrictions on lodging and a directive that all people traveling to Vermont self quarantine for 14 days. Once again, COVID-19 is highlighting the cracks in our systems. Today, Emilie and Olga discuss the state's tourist economy and Vermont's identity as an "apocalypse refuge." Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
March 27, 2020: A lot has happened in Vermont this week: A Representative called for a quorum. House Speaker Mitzi Johnson assigned contributor Rep. Emilie Kornheiser to a new committee. Governor Scott closed schools for the semester. AND.... The federal government passed an extensive support package for workers and businesses. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart Ticker)
March 25, 2020: This bonus episode was made for you policy wonks and curious people alike. Emilie explains emergency legislation meant to respond to the COVID-19 virus. She also explains why one lawmaker asking for a quorum altered the House members' day. Olga and Emilie also outline Governor Phil Scott's "Stay home, Stay safe" order. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
March 24, 2020: In this bonus episode, Olga and Emilie discuss adapting to remote work and unemployment benefits. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
March 20, 2020: The coronavirus has created a sense of uncertainty for workers and business owners alike. Rep. Emilie Kornheiser outlines some of the tools available to workers and small businesses as the community responds to COVID-19. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
March 13, 2020: Olga and Emilie start the show discussing the ripple effects of the COVID-19 flu on Vermont's economy, its residents, and disinfecting the People's House. Rep. Martin LaLonde then joins the show to talk about H.610 a bill aimed at removing firearms in cases of domestic violence. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
March 6, 2020: The Vermont House has passed S.54, a bill to tax and regulate cannabis "the Vermont way." Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Rep. John Gannon, and host Olga Peters discuss the potential of Vermont's home-grown cannabis industry. They also outline the social and economic justice goals baked into the legislation. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
February 28, 2020: Twenty years ago Vermont changed how it funds education. Why? To ensure all young Vermonters have equitable access to opportunities. Did this happen? A recent study has found that the education funding formula needs.... tweaking. In this episode, Olga Peters and Emilie Kornhesier speak with Researcher Tammy Kolbe. Read a summary of the study. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
February 21, 2020: This week the Vermont House is voting on H.688: The Global Warming Solutions Act. Johanna Miller of the Vermont Natural Resources Council, outlines how this bill creates a strategic plan for reducing Vermont's contribution of greenhouse gases while increasing Vermonters' resiliency. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
February 14, 2020: Rep. Matt Trieber tendered his resignation this week after 5 terms in office. In this episode, he joins Olga and Emilie to discuss strengthening the Legislature and "the myth of the citizen legislature." Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
January 31, 2020: Host Olga Peters and Rep. Emilie Kornheiser discuss Vermont's history of state-sanctioned eugenics. Rep. Daniel Noyes then joins the program to discuss legislation to create an independent office to advocate for children. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
January 24, 2020: This week, Vermont's Governor Phil Scott gave his budget address. Scott highlighted many of Vermont's big challenges. Yet, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and Host Olga Peters are asking, where's the money?!? Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
January 17, 2020: Vermont Digger Political Columnist John Walters joins the show today for a deep dive into gender equity and Paid Family Medical Leave legislation. Theme music by Red Heart the Ticker
January 10, 2020: This week, The Brattleboro Retreat announced funding issues had prompted its board to consider closing. While closure seems unlikely now, this week's announcement prompted the state and lawmakers like Rep. Emilie Kornheiser to ask: what is the state's role in supporting organizations that serve the public good? Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
January 3, 2020: Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and Host Olga Peters have talked and talked over the past five months. What have they learned? It's all about tropes, myths, and public investment. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
December 20, 2019: How does a rural community attract private, federal, or state capital? Friends, Craig Miskovich and Bob Stevens, view redeveloping buildings to include affordable (with a lower case "a") housing is a community investment. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
December 13, 2019: What does Vermont's housing crisis look like from the perspective of housing advocate and mortgage lender? Maura Collins, executive director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, digs into what "crisis" means and potential solutions. FOR MORE INFORMATION on REDLINING we recommend: TV segment - Adam Ruins Everything: The Disturbing History of the Suburbs (truTV): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e68CoE70Mk8 (www.youtube.com/watch?v=e68CoE70Mk8) Book - "The Color of Law: A forgotten history of how our government segregated America", by Richard Rothstein: https://wwnorton.com/books/The-Color-of-Law/ (wwnorton.com/books/The-Color-of-Law/) Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
Dec. 6, 2019: Former Secretary of Agriculture, Roger Allbee, believes Vermont's farmers are experiencing a renaissance. "It's new people, doing old things, with new technology," he said. Okay, then. Let's talk land use, consumption, and policy. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
Nov. 29, 2019: Recorded a the day after Thanksgiving, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and host Olga Peters pause to reflect on gratitude, family dynamics, and economic development. Or, as Peters says, "2+2=4, except when it doesn't."
Nov. 22, 2019: The Vermont Remote Works Program might be a click-bait darling, but State Auditor Doug Hoffer has questions. In this episode, Hoffer talks about what it takes to build an effective and accountable economic development program. Short answer: States should stick to what states do well: Infrastructure.
Nov. 15, 2019: Paper ballots, "air gaps," and increasing turn out. These are a few of the efforts Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos and his office have taken to protect elections. Host Olga Peters asks Condos about "voter fraud" and cyber security. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
Nov. 15, 2019: Host Olga Peters speaks with Randy Holhut, news editor for 'The Commons,' about protecting journalism, engaging the community, and his voting habits. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
Nov 1, 2019: In this Part 2 conversation on education financing in Vermont, Rep. Laura Sibilia discusses the challenges facing rural communities. Rep. Emilie Kornheiser outlines the competing values wrapped up in paying for education. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
Nov. 1, 2019: More than 20 years ago, Vermont created a statewide funding system to ensure all students received equal educational opportunities. Unfortunately, more residents don't understand how the system works. Rep. Laura Sibilia joins Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and host, Olga Peters to explain education funding. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
October 25, 2019: Approximately half of Vermont's state budget funds the Agency of Human Services. The agency's six departments, in turn, provide approximately 700 grants to community agencies. But, does the system provide the holistic services Vermonters need? Host Olga Peters and Rep. Emilie Kornheiser speak with Dru Roessle, AHS. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
October 18, 2019: How can Vermont lawmakers legislate morality? Drop the morality. In this "lessons learned" episode, Olga Peters and Emilie Kornheiser reflect on legislating morality.
October 11, 2019: Are our fears stunting our communities? Healthy public spaces can help communities build trust. Yet, more and more communities are fearful of public spaces (and in general), notes Chris Campany, executive director of the Windham Regional Commission. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker )
October 11, 2019: Public space. Every community has it. Every community needs it. But, what makes public space safe? What makes it accessible? Chris Campany, executive director of the Windham Regional Commission, joins the show to discuss. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
October 4, 2019: In the second half of the conversation on hate speech and public discourse, retired Professor Meg Mott discusses the power of fear and self censorship. Mott notes her concern about the rights Americans are willing to give up because we don't want public discourse. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
October 4, 2019: Where is the line between free speech and hate speech? In today's show, Meg Mott, Ph.D., discusses the history of the First Amendment and importance of improving public discourse. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart Ticker)
September 27, 2019: In the second part of our conversation on decriminalizing sex work, Attorney Rebecca Ramos, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, and host, Olga Peters discuss how to build policy related to controversial issues. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
September 27, 2019: This week's guest, Attorney Rebecca Ramos, says Vermonters are "Libertarian enough" to care more about addressing the root causes of social issues. But, do Vermonters' Libertarian streak extend to decriminalizing sex work? Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
September 20, 2019: "What are we trying to accomplish?" asks David Poses about responding to the opiate crisis and substance misuse. Poses joins Host Olga Peters and Rep. Emilie Kornheiser in Part 1 of a two part conversation.
September 20, 2019: In the second half of our conversation with David Poses, we talk about creating connections as part of treating substance misuse. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
September 13, 2019: It's time for some reflection on the Montpelier Happy Hour. After several weeks digging into the nuts and bolts of democracy, host Olga Peters and Rep. Emilie Kornheiser share their insights and remaining questions.
September 6, 2019: People have more power than they think, this from James Haslam, executive director or Rights & Democracy VT. Haslam joins Olga Peters and Emilie Kornheiser to talk about building a movement that goes beyond a single election.
September 6, 2019: Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and host Olga Peters open their conversation discussing whisky and lemon-mint tea. They finish their conversation talking about income inequality and onions.
August 30, 2019: Brattleboro Town Manager Peter Elwell joins Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and host, Olga Peters to talk about local self governance in Vermont. Hint: There is less than you think.
August 30, 2019: Emilie expounds on the joys of wine in a can. Olga shares her trick for showing up for democracy. And, they share their takeaway from their conversation with Town Manager Peter Elwell.
August 23, 2019: Here in Vermont, we like to pride ourselves on being unique. In that spirit, Sen. Becca Balint and Rep. Emilie Kornheiser walk listeners though how a bill moves through the State House from idea to law.....and all the twists and turns in between.
August 16, 2019: Retired Burlington Free Press Journalist Mike Donoghue discusses the public's right to know. Rep. Emilie Kornheiser shares her thoughts on transparency and democracy. Host Olga Peters asks about access and Vermont's open meeting law.
August 2, 2019: Why do we need direct democracy? This is one of many questions host Olga Peters and contributor Emilie Kornheiser ask guest Susan Clark. Clark is a Vermont-based author, democracy wonk, and town moderator.
July 29, 2019: Rep. Tristan Toleno and host Olga Peters discuss the chicken-n-egg dilemma of Vermont's workforce challenges. Toleno also provides background to Marlboro College's recent announcement to merge with the University of Bridgeport.
July 12, 2019: "The scarcity mentality is part of the air we breathe," said Rep. Emilie Kornheiser. But does looking at money (private or taxpayer) like slices of a pie to be fought over build sustainable policy? BONUS: Regular contributor Emilie Kornheiser and host Olga Peters announce changes coming to the Montpelier Happy Hour in August. Theme music by http://rhtt.net (Red Heart the Ticker)
July 5, 2019: "Difficult votes become easier as you figure out who you are as a public official," said Sen. Becca Balint (D-Brattleboro) during this interview. Balint shares her thoughts on why the state Senate and House struggled with their flagship bills this session. She also discusses building policy and listening to constituents.
6/28/19: "No one is coming to save us," said Rep. Laura Sibilia (I-Dover). For several years, Sibilia has focused on reversing the dreary state of broadband in the Green Mountains. In this legislative review, she outlines the new telecommunications bill. This bill raises funds to support service expansion and is designed to empower communities to create local internet solutions.
June 21, 2019: The House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry worked on legislation around the state's dairy industry, hemp, water quality, and carbon sequestration. In this legislative review, Committee Chair and Rep. Carolyn Partridge outlines the committee's "big lifts." Note: This interview was recorded on 6/17/19. Gov. Phil Scott has since signed H.525 and S.160.
June 14, 2019: The Legislature has returned for a special session. Rep. Emilie Kornheiser fills us in on what it takes to pass a bill when there are 150 opinions.
May 24, 2019: To be fair, the Vermont Legislature accomplished a lot this session. To also be honest, the Democrats' inability to agree on two key bills may cause a ruckus in 2020. Or as Host Olga Peters asks, "What the heck just happened?" John Walters of 'Seven Days' explains.
May 17, 2019: With adjournment days away, John Walters of 'Seven Days' updates listeners on the big bills awaiting approval by the Legislature. He also discusses how the GOP's national reputation appears to have changed the Democratic Party in Vermont. NOTE: This interview was recorded on 5/16/19
May 17, 2019: As this Legislative session ticks down, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser discusses how deliberative process has changed the minimum wage and paid medical family leave bills.
May 10, 2019: Yes, building policy takes compromise, but, do we need to change our definition of what compromise means? Rep. Emilie Kornheiser discusses the vision and the puzzle pieces of building policy.
May 3, 2019: Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and Host Olga Peters have talked about the sad state of Vermont's wages before. That's because the conversation is FAR from over. How does Vermont create an environment that supports higher wages? And how does the "Vermont lifestyle tax" factor into the culture shift?
April 26, 2019: With the Legislative session due to end on May 18, John Walters of Seven Days updates listeners on four big bills awaiting their final votes. Note: This interview was prerecorded on 4/25/19
April 26, 2019: On this bonus edition of the Montpelier Happy Hour, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser discusses what the Vermont brand means when taxing and regulating marijuana.
April 19, 2019: Olga and Emilie discuss correcting history, holidays, poverty, and identity politics. Just a regular week in the State House.
April 12, 2019: Can a slogan contain anti-semitism and classism? How do we continue conversations after an experience of being othered? Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and host Olga Peters share their responses to a slogan used during a recent public hearing on gun policy.
April 5, 2019: Public policy creates systems that serve the public. But, we the public are very unpredictable. So what does that mean for our policy? Rep. Tristan Toleno opens the door on a concept called systems thinking and how it can inform our policy.
March 29, 2019: Proposed child care bill, H.531, passed unanimously in the Vermont House. Now, on to the state Senate. In this interview, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and host Olga Peters, begin with discussing changing a child care system and end up talking about income inequality.
March 28, 2019: What happens when Guest Chloe Learey and host Olga Peters talk about child care? They end up talking about families. Learey highlights the strengths she sees in proposed legislation H.531. And she shares why early childhood education is not just about children. Chloe Learey is the executive director of the Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development.
Mach 22, 2019: In this Q/A episode of the Montpelier Happy Hour, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser outlines concerns she has head regarding increasing the tax on heating fuel.
March 22, 2019: Vermont State Rep. Nader Hashim (D-Dummerston) discusses his work in the Judiciary Committee. Hashim and Host Olga Peters dig into why the Legislature should consider a bill to expunge certain criminal records. Hashim also outlines a bill to give people facing a misdemeanor charge access to a Public Defender.
March 15, 2019: What role do advocates and lobbyist play in the Vermont State House? According to Rep. Emilie Kornheiser (D-Brattleboro), a complicated one.
March 15, 2019: Seven Days Columnist John Walters makes a guest appearance on today's episode and updates listeners on the state Ethics Panel.
March 8, 2019: Vermont has yet to reach the "last mile" when it comes to cell and internet coverage. Rep. Laura Sibilia (I-Windham-Bennington) says lack of coverage poses a threat to public safety and economic development. In this interview, she outlines a plan to study, fund, and build a better rural internet.
March 1, 2019: State Senator Becca Balint (D-Brattleboro) discusses why she believes the Legislature should approve a $15/hour minimum wage.
February 22, 2019: Guest, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser discusses how the economic concept of "supply and demand" has failed in Vermont. She notes that despite a tight labor market, wages have not increased. The same is true for access to telecommunications infrastructure. So.... is there another way?
February 15, 2019: In this Bonus Q&A episode, Rep. Emilie Kornheiser responds to a question from a listener in Brattleboro. Kornheiser discusses how wages fit into the bigger issues of the pay gap, poverty, sexual harassment, and raising the minimum wage.
February 15, 2019: Cocktails (or mocktails) and new legislation. It must be Friday! Rep. Mollie Burke (P-Brattleboro), discusses H.241. If passed, this legislation would expand municipalities' powers of self-governance. A marked change for Dillion State Vermont. Burke also shares efforts to increase incentives for electric vehicles. Read H.241
Feb. 8, 2019: In this first episode, a Lemon, Lime, and Bitters meets a Bourbon Negroni. Guest Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and host Olga Peters discuss what happened in Montpelier this week. Kornheiser shares about taking testimony on Act H.57, economic development, and raising wages.