In a bustling House session, where debates rage and bills are scrutinized, a familiar scene unfolds. The time has come to cast votes, but a few members interject, calling for a roll call. The painstaking procession ensues, with 150 members declaring their yeas or nays one by one. This archaic tradition, consuming the equivalent of two days per session, according to a 2018 University of Vermont report, offers a glimpse into the workings of Vermont’s legislative body. While time-consuming, roll call votes provide an unparalleled level of accountability, capturing each legislator’s stance for posterity.
However, amidst this age-old ritual lies a glimmer of hope: the promise of technological advancement. Across the nation, state legislatures have embraced electronic systems to streamline the voting process. These systems, equipped with digital displays, enable legislators to cast their votes electronically from their desks, revolutionizing the age-old tradition of roll call votes. Vermont, with its House of 150 members, stands poised to join this digital revolution, thanks to the efforts of two House members: Rep. Jim Harrison, R-Chittenden, and Rep. Mike Mrowicki, D-Putney.
Proposing bill H.49, these legislators seek to implement an electronic roll call voting system in the House before the 2026 legislative session. Emphasizing efficiency and transparency, Harrison advocates for embracing technology as a means to propel Vermont’s legislative processes into the 21st century. While some may cling to tradition, Harrison’s call for change resonates with the need to adapt and evolve with the times. The estimated cost of this technological upgrade ranges from $475,000 to $700,000, a worthwhile investment in modernizing Vermont’s legislative procedures.
One of the key considerations surrounding the adoption of an electronic voting system is the potential impact on the frequency of roll call votes. While current practice mandates roll calls only for specific scenarios, such as veto override votes or upon the request of at least five members, the introduction of electronic voting may alter this landscape. As the bill focuses exclusively on the House, questions arise regarding the Senate’s potential interest in adopting a similar system. Senate Secretary John Bloomer, however, remains skeptical of the benefits in the Senate, citing the minimal time-saving potential in the smaller chamber.
Transitioning from the hallowed halls of the State House to the pressing issues of climate change, Vermont’s landmark climate law, the 2020 Global Warming Solutions Act, faces potential revisions under the administration’s proposals. Governor Phil Scott and Julie Moore, the secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, unveiled plans to revise the law, including removing the provision allowing citizens to sue the state for failing to meet emission reduction targets. With the aim of streamlining the law’s implementation, these proposed changes seek to bolster Vermont’s climate action efforts.
Another significant alteration proposed by Scott involves reducing the Vermont Climate Council’s authority, transforming it into an advisory body rather than a decision-making entity. This shift aims to enhance the council’s focus on actionable strategies to curb emissions effectively. With the looming 2030 deadline for substantial emission reductions, Democratic lawmakers remain open to revising the climate law to achieve tangible progress. The debate over Scott’s proposals promises to be a pivotal moment in Vermont’s climate action trajectory.
Shifting gears from the weighty realm of climate policy to the vibrant voices of Vermont’s youth, the Senate Committee on Government Operations welcomed a compelling delegation: the Vermont Youth Council. Comprising young Vermonters aged 11 to 18, this council advocates for key issues such as mental health, equity, and anti-racism, offering invaluable insights for policymakers. Advocating for an extension of the council’s sunset date, these impassioned young voices underscore the importance of empowering youth in shaping legislative priorities.
In a heartwarming exchange, committee members expressed unanimous support for prolonging the council’s tenure, recognizing the invaluable contributions of these young advocates. Senator Larry Hart’s enthusiastic plea for immediate action underscores the profound impact of the Vermont Youth Council’s work, urging lawmakers to prioritize youth voices in policy deliberations. As Vermont’s future leaders, these young advocates offer a poignant reminder of the transformative power of youth engagement in shaping public policy.
Bringing a touch of political drama to the forefront, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders made waves this week with a bold gesture during a confirmation hearing. Confronting Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Sanders unveiled provocative baby onesies sold by Kennedy’s nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense, emblazoned with anti-vaccine slogans. Sanders’ pointed question regarding Kennedy’s endorsement of these controversial products underscored the gravity of public health misinformation.
In a rare display of bipartisan scrutiny, both Sanders and Congressman Peter Welch posed tough questions to Kennedy during confirmation hearings, highlighting the need for accountability in public health leadership. As Vermont’s elected officials navigate complex policy decisions, their unwavering commitment to public health and safety shines through, setting a precedent for rigorous oversight and ethical governance.
As Vermont’s legislative landscape evolves, from the age-old traditions of roll call voting to the urgent imperatives of climate action and youth empowerment, a tapestry of diverse voices and perspectives converges in the hallowed halls of the State House. Balancing tradition with innovation, accountability with adaptability, Vermont’s lawmakers stand at the forefront of shaping a resilient and equitable future for generations to come.
