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Vermont House fails to override vetoes on ‘just cause’ eviction, ‘Clean Heat Standard’

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Vermont House fails to override vetoes on ‘just cause’ eviction, ‘Clean Heat Standard’


The Vermont Home of Representatives took up two vetoes on Tuesday because the legislature works to wrap up the session within the subsequent couple of days. A two-thirds majority is required to override a veto. Each vetoes have been sustained in an extremely tight margin.Burlington ‘simply trigger eviction’ constitution changeGov. Phil Scott vetoed a proposed modification to Burlington’s metropolis constitution which might have given extra rights to tenants presumably going through eviction. In a 99-51 roll name vote, the Home didn’t override the veto by only one vote, so the invoice dies for the yr. “I feel it’s excellent news from my perspective,” Scott stated. “I assumed that that provision would make the housing drawback worse particularly within the Chittenden County space, Burlington being the most important metropolis within the county. That might have a ripple impact throughout the entire county.”The invoice would have allowed metropolis leaders in Burlington to move tighter restrictions on landlords, which supporters stated would bolster protections for renters. With the intention to evict a tenant or not renew a tenant’s lease, landlords would have needed to show trigger, corresponding to a tenant committing against the law or not paying hire.In his veto message, Scott expressed concern concerning the invoice presumably resulting in “perpetual tenancy.” Different opponents feared the invoice would restrict the rights of property homeowners, doubtlessly pushing landlords to take their rental models off the market when housing is already restricted.Rep. Robert LaClair, (R) Barre City, supported the governor’s veto.“I’m all about native management, there’s little question about that. However it was a really complicated invoice,” Laclair stated. “Once you check out the language on the poll, who might argue with language on the poll. However like with something, as soon as you start to grasp the ramifications of what it meant, much more individuals have been weighing in on it and had considerations about it.”The constitution change initially appeared on the Burlington poll in March of 2021 and almost 70% of voters permitted the measure. Rep. Selene Colburn, (P) Burlington, voted to override the governor’s veto. “I feel it’s actually vital for folk to essentially hearken to the need of communities in these constitution modifications and I’m actually upset within the governor for not trusting my neighborhood. And I’m upset in a few of my colleagues for doing the identical however like I stated, we’re gonna be again on this one,” Colburn stated.Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, addressing the the loss within the legislature whereas acknowledging town’s present insurance policies.“I do know it’s a disappointing final result to many individuals, for renters and renters’ protections in Burlington. Fortuitously in Burlington we have already got a few of the strongest renter safety provisions within the nation,” Weinberger stated.Legislators can take up the measure once more sooner or later, however for now, it is the tip of the street. Clear Warmth StandardIn one other extraordinarily shut vote, 99-51, the Home didn’t override the governor’s veto on the Clear Warmth Customary which was thought-about the most important local weather motion invoice of the session.The invoice got here out of the 2020 World Warming Options Act, which seeks to drastically scale back fossil gas consumption in Vermont over the subsequent few a long time. It will have pushed heating oil and propane firms to restrict the quantity of fossil fuels their clients use and provide energy-saving measures and various gas choices.Corporations would have needed to show how a lot they have been contributing to the discount of greenhouse gases by way of a credit score system. Vermont’s Public Utility Fee would have been tasked with regulating the coverage.Scott cited considerations about prices and impacts in his veto message — considerations that finally received out in Tuesday’s vote. Rep. Sally Achey, (R) Middletown Springs, sits on the Vitality and Expertise Committee, which sponsored the invoice. She supported the Governor’s veto.“We knew it might be a good margin. I feel it’s a really essential piece of laws,” Achey stated. “There have been simply lots of people having combined emotions saying this isn’t the proper invoice however we have to take a step, we have to transfer forward, we have to have motion. So I feel that’s why it was so shut.” Supporters stated the invoice was a obligatory step for Vermont to start assembly its local weather targets, and would sign that the state is dedicated to making a more healthy setting. Lawmakers might name for the measure to be reconsidered on Tuesday, as some representatives consider one consultant, particularly, could also be persuaded to alter his vote, thus reaching the two-thirds majority required to override the veto. Vermont will possible face a lawsuit within the coming years if the state is unable to hit the local weather benchmarks set forth in its Local weather Motion Plan.Finish of the sessionDuring his weekly media briefing on Tuesday, Scott stated he was way more inspired by price range negotiations than he was a few days in the past. Legislators within the Home and Senate struck a price range deal Monday evening, which should be permitted by each chambers after which obtain the governor’s signature.The truth that the price range invoice is in movement indicators that the session is coming to an in depth. The Senate is anticipated to wrap up on Wednesday, and the Home is anticipated to convene for the final time on Thursday.

The Vermont Home of Representatives took up two vetoes on Tuesday because the legislature works to wrap up the session within the subsequent couple of days. A two-thirds majority is required to override a veto. Each vetoes have been sustained in an extremely tight margin.

Burlington ‘simply trigger eviction’ constitution change

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Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a proposed modification to Burlington’s metropolis constitution which might have given extra rights to tenants presumably going through eviction. In a 99-51 roll name vote, the Home didn’t override the veto by only one vote, so the invoice dies for the yr.

“I feel it’s excellent news from my perspective,” Scott stated. “I assumed that that provision would make the housing drawback worse particularly within the Chittenden County space, Burlington being the most important metropolis within the county. That might have a ripple impact throughout the entire county.”

The invoice would have allowed metropolis leaders in Burlington to move tighter restrictions on landlords, which supporters stated would bolster protections for renters.

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With the intention to evict a tenant or not renew a tenant’s lease, landlords would have needed to show trigger, corresponding to a tenant committing against the law or not paying hire.

In his veto message, Scott expressed concern concerning the invoice presumably resulting in “perpetual tenancy.” Different opponents feared the invoice would restrict the rights of property homeowners, doubtlessly pushing landlords to take their rental models off the market when housing is already restricted.

Rep. Robert LaClair, (R) Barre City, supported the governor’s veto.

“I’m all about native management, there’s little question about that. However it was a really complicated invoice,” Laclair stated. “Once you check out the language on the poll, who might argue with language on the poll. However like with something, as soon as you start to grasp the ramifications of what it meant, much more individuals have been weighing in on it and had considerations about it.”

The constitution change initially appeared on the Burlington poll in March of 2021 and almost 70% of voters permitted the measure. Rep. Selene Colburn, (P) Burlington, voted to override the governor’s veto.

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“I feel it’s actually vital for folk to essentially hearken to the need of communities in these constitution modifications and I’m actually upset within the governor for not trusting my neighborhood. And I’m upset in a few of my colleagues for doing the identical however like I stated, we’re gonna be again on this one,” Colburn stated.

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, addressing the the loss within the legislature whereas acknowledging town’s present insurance policies.

“I do know it’s a disappointing final result to many individuals, for renters and renters’ protections in Burlington. Fortuitously in Burlington we have already got a few of the strongest renter safety provisions within the nation,” Weinberger stated.

Legislators can take up the measure once more sooner or later, however for now, it is the tip of the street.

Clear Warmth Customary

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In one other extraordinarily shut vote, 99-51, the Home didn’t override the governor’s veto on the Clear Warmth Customary which was thought-about the most important local weather motion invoice of the session.

The invoice got here out of the 2020 World Warming Options Act, which seeks to drastically scale back fossil gas consumption in Vermont over the subsequent few a long time. It will have pushed heating oil and propane firms to restrict the quantity of fossil fuels their clients use and provide energy-saving measures and various gas choices.

Corporations would have needed to show how a lot they have been contributing to the discount of greenhouse gases by way of a credit score system. Vermont’s Public Utility Fee would have been tasked with regulating the coverage.

Scott cited considerations about prices and impacts in his veto message — considerations that finally received out in Tuesday’s vote. Rep. Sally Achey, (R) Middletown Springs, sits on the Vitality and Expertise Committee, which sponsored the invoice. She supported the Governor’s veto.

“We knew it might be a good margin. I feel it’s a really essential piece of laws,” Achey stated. “There have been simply lots of people having combined emotions saying this isn’t the proper invoice however we have to take a step, we have to transfer forward, we have to have motion. So I feel that’s why it was so shut.”

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Supporters stated the invoice was a obligatory step for Vermont to start assembly its local weather targets, and would sign that the state is dedicated to making a more healthy setting.

Lawmakers might name for the measure to be reconsidered on Tuesday, as some representatives consider one consultant, particularly, could also be persuaded to alter his vote, thus reaching the two-thirds majority required to override the veto.

Vermont will possible face a lawsuit within the coming years if the state is unable to hit the local weather benchmarks set forth in its Local weather Motion Plan.

Finish of the session

Throughout his weekly media briefing on Tuesday, Scott stated he was way more inspired by price range negotiations than he was a few days in the past. Legislators within the Home and Senate struck a price range deal Monday evening, which should be permitted by each chambers after which obtain the governor’s signature.

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The truth that the price range invoice is in movement indicators that the session is coming to an in depth. The Senate is anticipated to wrap up on Wednesday, and the Home is anticipated to convene for the final time on Thursday.



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Vermont

Support for Laura Sibilia speakership grows

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Support for Laura Sibilia speakership grows


MONTPELIER — An independent representative’s campaign for speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives is gaining more traction. 

“As Vermont’s legislative session nears, 21 Democratic, Progressive, and independent lawmakers have pledged support for Rep. Laura Sibilia’s candidacy to become Speaker of the Vermont House,” Lucy Rogers, campaign chief, said in an announcement. “This movement signals a call for change in leadership following significant electoral shifts in November.” 

The election for the speaker is scheduled for Wednesday, the opening day of the next legislative session. Democrat Rep. Jill Krowinski is seeking reelection. 

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The announcement follows an article in VTDigger entitled, “A significant number of legislators tell VTDigger they back Laura Sibilia’s bid for speaker of the Vermont House.” She would need at least 75 votes to win and 55 Republicans are entering the House this week, the outlet reported. 

“Our numbers tell us that if the Republicans join their Democratic, independent and Progressive colleagues who are voting for change, I’m going to win,” Sibilia said in a statement. 

VTDigger reported, “That so many members outside the Republican caucus plan to support Sibilia’s bid suggests her support is broader than has been previously reported — and could potentially lead to a close outcome. It also underscores how the GOP caucus, even without a majority of House seats, could well determine the next speaker in what would be an early flex of its increased power.”

Sibilia lives in Dover and represents the Windham-2 district. She joined Legislature in 2014 after defeating incumbent John Moran for the seat. 

BRATTLEBORO — A Windham County legislator was unseated in Tuesday’s voting, as independent …

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On Dec. 27, Sibilia officially notified the secretary of state of her candidacy for speaker of the House. With two candidates, the election is expected to be conducted by secret ballot.

“I believe in a leadership style that prioritizes openness, collaboration, and respect,” Sibilia said in a statement after filing the notice. “This campaign is about creating a culture in the House that is grounded in transparency, fairness and trust — qualities that are essential for us to meet the moment and deliver results for Vermonters.”

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Sibilia also expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support and advice she has received throughout her campaign, saying that she’s “inspired by conversations with members from across the political spectrum.”

“Your insights have strengthened my commitment to building a legislature where every member’s expertise and talents are valued,” she said. 

Her campaign emphasizes “transparency, collaboration, and accountability, with a focus on making progress addressing Vermont’s most pressing issues,” according to a news release. 

DOVER — One of Windham County’s two independents will be asking her colleagues to select her…

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In a recent newsletter, Sibilia said her nomination for speaker was debated in the House Democratic Caucus in December. She wasn’t present but described appreciating “the courage and thoughtfulness of those who supported me.”

“Ultimately, the caucus chose not to nominate a non-Democrat by a vote of 60-18,” she said. “I respect the Democratic Caucus’ decision but also see the debate as a sign that more legislators are open to the inclusive, coalition-driven leadership I am offering.”

Heading into the next legislative session, Sibilia said she’s “continuing my work to bring people together and make progress for Vermont.”

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Vermont Sued for New Law Requiring Big Oil to Pay for Climate Damage | Common Dreams

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Vermont Sued for New Law Requiring Big Oil to Pay for Climate Damage | Common Dreams


The US Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute – representing the biggest fossil fuel companies in the world – are suing the State of Vermont over its new law requiring fossil fuel companies to pay a share of the state’s damage caused by climate change.

The lawsuit, filed last Monday in the US District Court for the District of Vermont, asks a state court to prevent Vermont from enforcing the law passed last year. Vermont became the first state in the country to enact the law after it suffered over $1 billion in damages from catastrophic summer flooding and other extreme weather.

Vermont’s Attorney General’s Office said as of Friday, Jan. 3, they had not been served with the lawsuit.

The lawsuit argues that the U.S. Constitution precludes the act and that the federal Clean Air Act preempts state law. It also claims that the law violates domestic and foreign commerce clauses by discriminating “against the important interest of other states by targeting large energy companies located outside of Vermont.”

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The Chamber and the American Petroleum Institute argue that the federal government is already addressing climate change. Because greenhouse gases come from billions of individual sources, they claim it has been impossible to measure “accurately and fairly” the impact of emissions from a particular entity in a specific location over decades.

“For too long, giant fossil fuel companies have knowingly lit the match of climate disruption without being required to do a thing to put out the fire,” Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, said in a statement. “Finally, maybe for the first time anywhere, Vermont is going to hold the companies most responsible for climate-driven floods, fires and heat waves financially accountable for a fair share of the damages they’ve caused.”

The complaint is an essential legal test as more states consider holding fossil fuels liable for expensive global warming-intensified events like floods, fires, and more. Maryland and Massachusetts are among the states expected to pursue similar legislation, modeled after the federal law known as Superfund, in 2025.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a similar climate bill into law – the Climate Change Superfund Act- on Dec. 26, pointing to the need to fund climate adaptation projects.

Downtown Montpelier, Vermont was under water on Monday, July 10, 2023 caused by the flooding of the Winooski River.
(Photo: John Tully for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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Heavy Rains Cause Catastrophic Flooding In Southern Vermont
(Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

Flooding is seen in downtown Montpelier, Vermont
(Photo: John Tully for The Washington Post via Getty Images)



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Man Shot Near Central and Vermont: Police and Rescue Respond – ABQ RAW

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Man Shot Near Central and Vermont: Police and Rescue Respond – ABQ RAW


Albuquerque –

Just after 5:25 PM, a shot rang out in near Central and Vermont. A person reported being shot in the 8310 block of Central Ave NE. Officers from the Albuquerque Police Department were dispatched, but fortunately, the New Mexico State Police happened to be in the vicinity and arrived promptly. Officers promptly rendered life saving measures, while Albuquerque Fire Rescue dispatched a rescue unit from Station 5 to the scene.

The man, who was shot in the leg, will be transported to a local area hospital by AFR. Presently, their condition is not known, but if we learn more, we will update you.

APD’s gun violence reduction unit (GVRU) is being called out to investigate this shooting.

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