The Montpelier Happy Hour

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-letterTheme 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.comTheme 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.pdfTheme 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.orgTheme 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/healthTheme 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/2024/15Read the full Act 167 Engagement report: https://gmcboard.vermont.gov/sites/gmcb/files/documents/20240911_Act%20167%20Community%20Engagement_OW%20Exec%20Summary%20Report_v01.pdfTheme 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/healthBills* H.118 and S.61 which Mike Fisher discussed: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.118https://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.pdfTheme 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-completedRead the full Housing Needs Assessment here: https://accd.vermont.gov/housing/plans-data-rules/needs-assessmentHousingData.org is a useful source for housing information: https://www.housingdata.orgTheme 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-preventionTheme 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.orgTheme 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.netBooks 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=2Taking Over Vermont by Richard Pollak: https://stevehickey.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/taking-over-vermont.pdfRepeopling Vermont: The Paradox of Development in the Twentieth Century by Paul M. Searls: https://vermonthistory.org/repeopling-vermontThe 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.comTheme 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.comTheme 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.orgTheme 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-sessionTheme 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.netTo 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.orgTheme 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.120View AG Clark's testimony on S.120: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjRciMx9AZ0We referenced the memoir, "Know My Name" by Chanel Miller: https://bookshop.org/p/books/know-my-name-a-memoir-chanel-miller/15735340?ean=9780735223721Theme 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-lessTheme 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.orgSome of the bills discussed:S.159 - Regional Governance: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/S.159H.629 - Tax sales and tax abatement: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.629H.875 - State Code of Ethics: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2024/H.875Theme 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.netTo read the report: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/sites/humanresources/files/documents/DHR-Workforce_Report_0.pdfAdditional information and notes from Tristan Toleno:Vacancy Savings NotesGovernor 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 DataFrom DHRUnique Applications for state jobs 2019 18,778 to 2023 12,690Down 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 yearHigher 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...

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.pdfTheme 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.orgTheme 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-problemTheme 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.htmlTheme 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-lessTheme 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.850Governor Scott's press release on H.850: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/action-taken-governor-phil-scott-h850Keys 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.27Theme 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-2024Our reading of Gov. John E. Week's 1929 State of the State address: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/our-political-ancestor-gov-john-e-weeksTheme 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-housingOpiates and moving past approaches that don't help: https://themontpelierhappyhour.captivate.fm/episode/opiates-and-moving-past-approaches-that-dont-helpTheme music by Red Heart the Ticker: http://rhtt.net