It was great seeing so many people at the town meetings in Underhill, Jericho and Bolton. It really shows that town meetings are a very big part of our towns. I enjoyed talking with so many of you and answering your questions. Another opportunity to share your comments and concerns is a Legislative Update evening, March 30th, 6:30-8:00 pm at the Deborah Rawson Memorial Library.

     Over 350 people in our three towns filled out the annual Senator Bill Doyle Town Meeting Day Survey. The results have been tallied and are posted on my web site at RepBillFrank.com. When Sen. Doyle finishes the tally I will post the state wide results.

     Last Tuesday the Vermont House recognized four Vermont youths, two from Underhill, who are award winners in the 15th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Alec Grab was named one of the top two youth volunteers in Vermont. Alec organized a six-week bike-a-thon that raised $3,400 for the Vermont Special Olympics. He obtained the necessary local and state permits to conduct the bike-a-thon and personally rode his bicycle 658 miles, raising over $1,500. This is an extraordinary honor; more than 21,000 young people across the country were considered for state-level recognition in this year’s program. Alec will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion, and a trip to Washington D.C. in May for a series of national recognition events.

     Rachel Fifield was named a Distinguished Finalist and will receive a bronze medallion. Rachel led a community service and youth literacy program at the Jericho Town Library. She also tutors third and fourth-graders in reading and writing.

     Students like Alec and Rachel represent the best of America’s youth, and are role models to their peers and communities. The House resolution honoring Alec and Rachel and pictures of them at the State House are on my web site. The awards are sponsored by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

     As I mentioned in my last article Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power plant (VY) and the state budget are what I’m asked about most. This was also true at the town meetings. The Vermont Senate has voted 26-4 not to allow the Public Service Board to take up the re-licensing of VY. Since both chambers must vote to allow the re-licensing it has not been decided if the House will vote on it this year. If the vote is taken in the House I will vote against re-licensing.

     The Legislature is making significant progress in addressing the financial challenges created by the global recession. After passing a balanced budget for this year, the legislature again faces the challenge of addressing a projected $150 million deficit for next year. This deficit is the result of a significant drop in state revenues and an increase in the number of Vermonters who need a hand.

     The challenge to balance the budget while respecting Vermonters is difficult though. The Douglas Administration has proposed dramatic budget cuts that will have severe effects on Vermont senior citizens, our children, individuals who have disabilities and their families. Proposals include slashing supports for seniors that allow them to live at home instead of in a nursing home, reducing assistance for individuals with disabilities that allows them to live with dignity and as much independence as possible and eliminating a program to help volunteers drive people to receive their kidney dialysis.

     The legislature has heard repeated concerns about many of these proposals. Many affect the same families over and over, making for devastating cumulative effects for some families. There are also concerns that some of these proposals will actually result in higher long-term costs. Cutting the supports that allow seniors to live at home, for example, will simply result in more use of nursing homes. Not only will this mean a loss of independence for seniors but will actually cost the state more.

     While closing the projected budget gap for next year is a daunting challenge, we have made significant progress already. The legislature has worked with the governor’s staff to develop a plan to save $38 million through reforms to increase both efficiency and outcomes of state government. Teachers have contributed another $15 million through an agreement on retirement changes with the state treasurer. State employees have contributed about $10 million to the solution through reductions in pay. Prudent savings in this year will allow us also to have over $20 million available to use next year to further address the challenge we face.

     In all, the steps taken by the legislature have gone a long way to creating a balanced budget that meets the financial challenges of our state while respecting the needs of Vermonters.

     As always I like to hear from you, by email: Bill@RepBillFrank.com, by phone: 899-3136, or by mail: 19 Poker Hill Rd, Underhill 05489. I hope to see you March 30th for the Legislative Update at the library.