Scheuermann: Political divide becomes clear

Submitted by tim on Tue, 02/11/2020 - 04:51

by Representative Heidi E Scheuermann (R-Stowe) As we begin the sixth week of the 2020 Legislative Session, the differences between the Democratic supermajorities in the legislature and Governor Phil Scott in how to move our state forward, have become clear again.

From marijuana legalization and regulation to approaches on how to address climate change, and from Act 250 reform to the many, many proposals by Democrats to increase taxes and fees on Vermonters, it has become evident once again that conflict persists.

Receiving the most attention these last two weeks was the failure of the Democrats to override the Governor's veto of the mandatory paid family leave program.

To be clear, we all share the goal of ensuring Vermonters have the ability to take the time needed to care for their family or themselves.

And, fortunately, we have the opportunity to do that right now, as the Administration has already put forth a voluntary plan under which the 8,500 state employees will be covered. Within such a plan, the insurance provider will be required to make the coverage available to Vermont employers and individuals at a comparable rate to the state-rate.

This means Vermonters would be able to buy into the program if they so choose, and it would not burden Vermonters with a $29 million payroll tax increase. Why would we not take advantage of this opportunity to move forward? Why would we want to create a mandatory, unsustainable program paid for by a $29 million payroll tax on all wage earners in Vermont, when many of those same wage earners footing the bill would not have access to the program?

In the end, I was pleased to help sustain the Governor's veto of this bill, and am hopeful the legislature will now decide to move forward on the voluntary plan so that Vermonters have access to paid family leave.

Global Warming Solutions Act

The House Energy and Technology Committee, on which I serve, has been working through the proposed Global Warming Solutions Act.

A much-improved version over last year's bill, H. 688 is designed to create a plan under which Vermont will meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. It does this by putting four things in place:

Changes the current emissions reductions goals to statutory requirements:
1. "not less than 26% from 2005 greenhouse gas emissions by January 1, 2025"
2. "not less than 40% from 1990 greenhouse gas emissions by January 1, 2030"
3. "not less than 80% from 1990 greenhouse gas emissions by January 1, 2050."
Creates a Climate Council that, after doing research on current programs and strategies, the feasibility of other strategies and programs, and financing options, among other things, will develop a Climate Action Plan by December 1, 2021. This plan will "set forth the specific initiatives, programs, and strategies that the State shall pursue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; achieve the State's reduction requirements ...; and build resilience to prepare the State's communities infrastructure, and economy to adapt to the current and anticipated effects of climate change."
Cedes our legislative authority and responsibility to the Secretary of Natural Resources to adopt rules as he/she sees necessary to enact the policies included in the Climate Action Plan; and
Clarifies an opportunity for Causes of Action if either the ANR Sectary fails to adopt or update rules in accordance with this plan, or if the state fails to meet the greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements.

Obviously, the work we do in Vermont is, and will continue to be, of little consequence to the global effort of addressing climate change.

But, that does not mean that we shouldn't do anything. In fact, we have been environmental leaders throughout our history and continue that longstanding tradition now, so as small as we are, I am confident that our little state can have a meaningful impact.

At this time, I support much of what is currently drafted in the Global Warming Solutions Act. I am especially pleased that it not only includes efforts designed to reduce emissions, but provides for significant efforts at adaptation and resiliency. We have seen the impact the changing weather patterns have had on all of our communities and we must provide the tools necessary for our communities, businesses, and families to both adapt to, and to create more resiliency to, these weather patterns.

While I am concerned that the size of the Council is too large and unwieldy, given the amount of work it is to do in a short amount of time, my main concern with H. 688 is the ceding of our legislative authority to the Executive Branch of government.

I simply don't think it appropriate or wise to give this much power to make policy to the Secretary of Natural Resources and the Executive Branch. I think it is of critical importance that public policy decisions be made by those who are elected. We are the elected officials closest to the people. And we are accountable to those people. Any public policies that need to be modified or adopted in order to put into effect the Climate Action Plan should come back to the legislature for such adoption or change.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the frustration of many that legislative bodies don't move quickly enough; that it will be more efficient to have it done through rulemaking by the ANR Secretary. Indeed, dictatorships are efficient; democracies, not so much.

Image Credit: usa.gov

(While referencing US Government, Same Principles Apply to Vermont Government)

Unfortunately, I have seen far too many times our own legislative bodies cede our responsibility and authority to the executive branch and unelected boards.

All you have to do is look at the forced mergers under Act 46 to see a perfect recent example of what can result when elected officials cede their authority to others for important policy-making.

I have tried throughout these weeks to find a way for people to support the idea of the Climate Plan and any public policy changes to implement the Plan come back to the legislature for approval, but I have been unsuccessful thus far. I am hopeful that I can make progress on this front as this legislation progresses, so that I am able to support the bill.

Cloud Tax

Deja Vu All Over Again

As seems to be the case each and every year, the idea of extending the sales tax to "Software as a Service" has risen again.

At this time, it is unclear to me for what purpose the funds would be needed, but regardless, on Wednesday, February 5th, the House Ways and Means Committee took up the issue - yet again.

Thank you to Cairn Cross of Fresh Tracks Capital, Robbie Adler of Farady, and Michael Knapp of Green River for taking time out of your schedule to come to Montpelier to share with legislators why taxing SaaS is a bad idea.

The technology sector is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in Vermont. We must avoid doing anything to curb that growth and success.bbie Adler demonstrated in his testimony: "A dynamic technology industry in Vermont that continues to produce high paying jobs and high growth companies is the best recipe for generating net new revenue for the state."

It is unknown if this tax will gain traction, but rest assured, I will keep my eyes and ears open if/when it does.

Vermont Legislative Tourism Caucus

The Vermont Legislative Tourism Caucus is a diverse membership of Republicans, Democrats and Independents who fall all along the political spectrum. But, we are committed to working together to support our state's tourism industry and advance its needs.

And, so far this session, we have been busy.

Following our very impactful 2nd Annual Tourism Day at the State House, we have continued to meet to discuss the importance of tourism to the State of Vermont, strategies to ensure our continued success, some of the sectors of the industry, and how we can support the call for significantly increased investment in marketing.

The first week, we were pleased to have a presentation from the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, Heather Pelham, about the department itself, its work, how it measures its impact, and more. We then heard from Jeff Lawson of the Vermont Convention Bureau, a public-private partnership of the State of Vermont and its member businesses, with a mission to bring meetings and conventions to Vermont.

And, last week, we were honored to have Darn Tough Socks CEO, Ric Cabot; Vermont Ski and Ride Magazine's Lisa Lynn, and Kelly Ault, the Executive Director of the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance.

For those who may not have realized it before, the outdoor business industry is absolutely critical not only to our state's tourism sectors, but to our economic success as a state in general.

In fact, according to the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, Vermont sees billions of dollars in general economic activity, value-added activity, and employment and compensation from outdoor recreation.

As we continue to meet to discuss the industry, we are all also working to advance the $1 million additional marketing funding request that Governor Scott included in his Fiscal Year 2021 Budget. We are very hopeful it will remain in tact as the budget progresses.

It continues to be a tremendous honor to represent the people and community of Stowe, and I thank you for your continued confidence in my work. As always, if anything is of interest to you, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. I can be reached at 253-9314 or [email protected].

Church

Representative Heidi E. Scheuermann

Stowe, Vermont