2009-2010 Sessions

2009 - 2010 Session.

1. Creating the conditions for job creation [MY PASSION]

Secured and determined allocation of $17mm discretionary funds from Federal Stimulus to incent job creation and workforce development.
Succeeded in creating the Vermont Seed Capital Fund: $5mm to provide capital to entrepreneurs.
Worked on compromises to insure the viability of a bankrupted Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which should balance around 2014.
Successfully sponsored For Benefit legislation that allows businesses and non-profits the choice to embed their social responsible mission into their charter

2. Voted against VT Yankee’s ability to apply for a 20- year extension

3. Voted for Healthcare reform by approving the study of three business systems, including a public option and a single-payer, as a foundation for healthcare legislation in 2011-2012.

4. Proudly voted for Marriage Equality legislation

5. Successfully sponsored and brokered a long-overdue bill for State Recognition of Native Americans creating a balanced and fair framework for recognition from State Legislature.

6. Advocated for a tax on sugared sodas and junk food and fought tax on food supplements. Also advocated for a policy “to incent the good and tax the bad”. Look forward to recommendations of Blue Ribbon Tax Commission re: much needed tax reform.

7. Worked in Senate Appropriations to balance the budget, address “Challenges for Change” and to encourage streamlining delivery of social services. Intervened to protect mental health services as best I could with such a large deficit. Next year is projected another @100-125MM deficit. This will be an extremely challenging year to balance revenues with expenditures.

8. Sponsored the Medical Marijuana Dispensary Bill [ we need a safe regulated outlet so people in need of medical marijuana will not have to go to criminals]