The 2010 Legislative session is off to a fast start with unfinished business from last year, over two hundred new bills introduced this year and creating the state budget. Three early bills to pass reauthorized the Lake Champlain reciprocal fishing license with the state of New York; established court procedures to address parental rights and responsibilities and parent-child contact when a military parent is deployed for service unaccompanied by family members; and a bill increasing the weight limit on Vermont interstate highways, keeping many trucks from having to travel state highways through our towns and villages.

     The challenge of creating a budget that is $150 million less than last year is a challenge for the entire legislature. As a member of the House Human Services committee we review the departments in the Agency of Human Services. Some feel that the agency that has the largest budget should have the largest reductions. However there are more and more Vermonters who need services during these economic times. It is very difficult to decide which services and grants should be reduced or eliminated. We have started the process of reviewing the governor’s recommendations by having the commissioners of each department describe and explain each reduction. For each reduction that we don’t agree with, we will have to find another place to make a reduction. As difficult as this is, we will create a balanced budget and many Vermonters will continue to receive needed services.

     I enjoyed meeting three groups of local students at the State House in January. The 3rd & 4th grades from Underhill ID visited on January 12. They had a tour of the State House and were introduced during the House session. When I met with them in the cafeteria they had many questions and suggestions for me. They also made me feel like a celebrity by asking for my autograph.

     The Browns River and Camels Hump Vermont Kids Against Tobacco (VKAT) group and the other 56 state wide VKAT groups attended the State House Rally January 27th. I had breakfast with them at the Main St School in Montpelier and then had the honor to address the whole group. We talked about Vermont tobacco laws and their suggestions for new laws. The entire group then marched to the State House where they were addressed by Lt. Gov. Dubie and Gov. Douglas. See my web site for pictures of the activities, www.RepBillFrank.com.

     Members of the Mount Mansfield Union High School boys’ cross-country team where presented with a resolution honoring them as Division I champions. I have posted the resolution on my web site.

     The first of three Legislative Update nights at the Dorothy Rawson Memorial Library was held January 26th. We had a good discussion on education funding, Vermont Yankee and a bill to have public schools start after Labor Day each year. I invite you to join us for the next two Legislative Updated evenings on February 23rd and March 30th from 6:30-8:00 pm. Come and share your comments, concerns and questions with Rep. Till and myself.

     As always I enjoy hearing from you, either by email: Bill@RepBillFrank.com, phone: 899-3136 or by mail: 19 Poker Hill Rd, Underhill, 05489.