Good Government

Our best solutions come from the wisdom and energy of active public. That’s why I support open, responsive government where representatives regularly look for feedback and input from voters. As your representative, I have worked hard to keep the residents of our area informed about the decisions being made in Montpelier. Through my weekly publication in the Journal Opinion called Notes from the Statehouse, voters can learn about policies being debated and about upcoming votes in the Vermont House of Representatives. I also print a Town Meeting Report and End of Session recaps so people can see what their Legislature is working on. Every week I talk with hundreds of people in our towns and welcome people to share their perspective. So if you see me at a ball game, in the grocery store, at the gas station or at school, please don't hesitate to ask that question or tell me what you think. I will continue to listen and learn.

Health Care

The cost of health care is a growing problem in Vermont as it is around the country. Even those who are fortunate enough to have health coverage through their employer are spending more and more money on rising copays, deductibles and hidden costs. We know that if we do nothing, Vermont’s health care spending will go up by one billion dollars in the next two years. Fortunately, in Vermont we have a group of committed people on the Health Care Reform Commission working to solve this crisis. In 2010, this commission has contracted with one of the worlds experts in health care system development. Dr. Hsaio will present some options for reforming our health care system in ways that will help get costs under control. In Vermont we have tackled the pressures that cause health care to become more and more expensive; unmanaged chronic diseases. We have started the Blueprint for Health to help providers and patients with chronic diseases get the preventive care they need. We have established a Health Information Technology fund to help Vermont doctors streamline their practice using the latest information technology. And finally, during my time in the legislature, Vermont has created an affordable health insurance plan called Catamount. Under the umbrella of Green Mountain Care, Vermonters can find a health care plan that fits their ability to pay. If you would like information or help applying for Catamount please contact the Campaign for Health Care Security. They have trained specialists ready to help Vermonters through the application process.

Farms

Agriculture is more important to Vermont’s economy and landscape now than it has ever been. Transportation costs and nutritional concerns are emphasizing the importance of our Buy Local movement. The legislature has worked in recent years to strengthen our farm to market system to support this movement. As a State Representative I have worked to ease development pressures and to offer support to a diversified farm economy in Vermont. I talk regularly with farmers in our district to hear their concerns and look for their suggestions.

Sustainable Economic Development

The best jobs come from local businesses that grow because we have created a vibrant economic environment and because they have a unique service or product. Through the Rural Economic Development Working Group in the Legislature I have advocated for policies that help Vermont businesses to meet the challenges Vermont faces within a global economy. I will continue to work to support economic development that is in keeping with the rural character of our towns.

High Speed Internet

At town meeting several years ago, residents called on me to work toward universal high speed internet coverage in our area. I organized a group of Fairlee and West Fairlee residents who met at my house with Topsham Telephone. The result of that meeting is a project that is currently bringing high speed internet through fiber optic from Topsham Telephone to Fairlee and West Fairlee. This is a major success for rural parts of our towns. I will continue my work to improve our technology infrastructure so our homes have the technology infrastructure they need and so diverse businesses can locate to our area for its beauty and strong communities.

Strong Schools = Strong Communities

Good schools are the focal point of strong communities. When parents and community members can take pride in the accomplishments of our children, all generations are made stronger. As State Representative I have continued to advocate for equitable school funding that strengthens our schools without breaking our purses. I have attended school board meetings in all three towns, volunteered within both the Rivendell and Bradford school districts and encouraged other community members to get involved by joining a board, spending time in a classroom or serving as a mentor.

My experiences as a teacher, school board member, coach and parent have allowed me to see our schools from the inside and from the outside. I firmly believe we need to do everything we can to protect these precious community resources. As State Representative I continue to work to simplify the school funding system and to make it fairer for rural landowners. I will advocate for policies that recognize the unique financial structure of Rivendell's Interstate school district.