CRAFTSBURY, Lt. Gov. John Rodgers (R-Glover) and Rep. Leanne Harple (D-Glover) fielded questions from constituents during a legislative update at Craftsbury Town Hall on Saturday, June 6. The forum, sponsored by the Craftsbury Freedom and Unity Committee, covered the past session's work on education, mental health facilities, and immigration enforcement.
Rodgers highlighted passage of S.193, which establishes a secure forensic facility for violent criminal defendants with mental illness. He noted that Vermont had been the only state without such a facility. He also described efforts to support migrant farm workers detained in Franklin County, saying he drafted a letter of support signed by 29 senators that helped some workers remain in the country. He expressed concern about federal overreach and the importance of migrant labor to Vermont's dairy farms.
Rodgers touched on healthcare costs and the state's aging demographics, saying "if we don't make it so kids can afford to be here, we're going to be in serious trouble."
Harple, who sits on the House Education Committee, discussed H.955, which aims to transform Vermont's education system through voluntary mergers and a foundation funding formula. She explained that forced consolidation was rejected by residents, and that the bill instead encourages Cooperative Educational Service Areas modeled after a "Costco" approach to shared services. The foundation formula would weight funding for low-income and English-learner students. She also mentioned S.227, the "Safe Schools" bill, without providing details.
State Sen. John Morely had been invited but did not attend. Town moderator Jeannine Young opened the event, noting the proximity of August primaries.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: User:Magicpiano (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
Log in as a subscriber to comment, or become a member.