LICENSE TO KILL

Leonine Public Affairs Week four of the 2020 legislative session brought the second annual NEK (Northeast Kingdom) Day to the statehouse. More than 100 NEK residents, business owners, artists and entrepreneurs came to Montpelier to talk to legislators about the opportunities and challenges facing the region and to encourage a variety of rural economic development strategies. The top issues that were highlighted included broadband, Act 250, the creative economy and outdoor recreation.

Two major bills passed the legislature and made their way to the governor’s desk this week. On Monday, H.107, the paid family leave bill, was delivered to the governor. On Friday Governor Scott, as expected, vetoed the bill. It is unclear whether the House has enough votes to override his veto.

On Wednesday the Senate gave final approval to S.23, a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $11.75 next year and $12.55 in 2022. The bill is headed to the governor’s desk. During his first weekly press conference of the session on Thursday, Governor Scott expressed concerns about the impact of the bill on employers, especially those in rural parts of the state. If the governor vetoes S.23 there do not appear to be enough votes in the House to override his veto.

On Friday afternoon the House Government Operations Committee advanced the newest version of S.54, the bill that establishes a regulated market for cannabis. S.54 now heads to the House Ways and Means Committee, where it is expected to receive approval before moving on to a vote on the House floor. It appears the bill has enough support in the House to pass. The House and Senate would then work to hash out their respective versions of the bill in a committee of conference.

The House Judiciary Committee continued taking testimony on H.610, a bill that would require subjects of a restraining order to surrender their firearms. While there was an activist presence in the building from both sides of the gun debate, it was notably minimal compared to past sessions. The committee will continue hearing from witnesses and stakeholders next week.

Mental Health Advocacy Day, held on Wednesday, highlighted the need for more investment in the state’s mental healthcare system. Vermonters from around the state came to the statehouse to meet with their lawmakers, share experiences and advocate for solutions. Lawmakers and the administration continue to grapple with how to increase the number of mental health beds and services throughout the continuum of care and ensure patients are receiving the appropriate level of care in the appropriate setting.