Transcripts For CSPAN Vermont 20240705 : vimarsana.com

You to interesting highlights. This timeline makes it easy to quickly get an idea of what was debated and decided in washington. Spend a few minutes on cspans points of interest. Listening to programs on cspan through cspan radio just got easier. Tell your smart speaker, play cspan radio. Washington journal, important congressional hearings, and other events throughout the day. Weekdays at 5 00 and 9 00, catch washington today. Listen to cspan any time. Just tell your smart speaker, play cspan radio. Cspan, powered by cable. Republican governor. Phil scott gave his state of the state address. He outlined his agenda focusing on public safety, the economy, and disaster recovery. s remarks are about 45 minutes. Governor weeks talk about recovering from the flood of 1927. He noted the true spirit of vermont is in the indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. They turned catastrophe into opportunity. From the pandemic to the rising waters of july and december, an opportunity to revive our communitheof vermonters is as strong as ever. In this session, lets honor their resilience and strength, kindness, and generosity, not only in recovery but by working together to address persistent problems like demographics, housing affordability, and recent increases of violence and crime. To meet this moment, we are going to have to prioritize and set aside things that are less urgent and rise above the toxic polarization of Political Parties to focus our work directly on these fundamental issues. If we do, we will turn catastrophe into opportunity once more. [applause] president clintons advisor, james carville, famously said, it is the economy, stupid. Im not calling anyone stupid, but i think you get my point. In vermont, we can insert demographics in place of the economy. I get asked all the time, even by some of you, where did all of the workers go . Let me share three numbers from the joint Fiscal Office to tell you everything you need to know. 14,000, 20 8000, and 48,000. As of 2022, we have 14,000 fewer kids under 18 then we did in 2010. During that same time, we have 28,000 fewer adults ages 4054 which is the core of our workforce, and we have 48,000 more over the age of 65. This is all within just 12 years. This is nothing new. It has been happening for decades. Let that sink in for just a moment. As the gfl points out, this can mean higher costs, declines in income and sales tax revenue, and increased demand for services and health care. They conclude if nothing changes , vermonts ratio of older residents to working age people will continue to rise, placing a greater burden on workers young and old. If this sounds familiar, it is because you heard it from me and 2017 when i said the biggest obstacle to sustainability is the shrinking workforce. In 2018, i said democratic trends are shifting the tax burden onto fewer people. Again in 2020, i said our democratic crisis is without question the greatest challenge that we face as a state. Unfortunately, it has not gotten any better. It continues to beat an issue we must solve to meet todays obligations and make every investment needed for the future. And to have any chance of reversing our demographic trend, there are three issues we cannot ignore. Public safety, affordability, and housing. These challenges are urgent, immediate, and we must address them this session. [applause] for as long as i can remember, our closeknit communities and the peace of mind helping citizen tell provide, have been integral to keeping and attracting families to our state. But with crime rising in too many places, i fear that many see the vermont that they know slipping away. The growing number of headlines share news of the latest murder, drugrelated shootings, and Small Businesses struggling with increasing vandalism and threat. Here is the thing. It is not just the headlines. According to reports from the council of state governments, 2017, vermont had the Second Lowest property and Violent Crime rate in the nation. In 2022, we dropped to 18th and eighth. Violent crime increased 56 . Sexual assault 76 and homicide at 166 . We cannot deny these trends. When those who victimize others have been put back on the streets hours after being apprehended only to reoffend again and again, vermonters question law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and the question the work of the wisdom done in this building. I want to give credit where credit is due. We have made progress on Justice Reform and treating addiction as the Public Health crisis that it is. But when spiking crime rights make it clear not all of the changes have been effective, we have a responsibility to take a step back and consider other strategies. We must make eight real effort this session to solidify our state is the safest place in the country and reverse the increases we are seeing. Most of the people we serve have been victims of these crimes. [applause] we must also acknowledge our crisis of affordability is making it difficult to address public safety, as well as well as other areas like education and health care. The high cost of everyday life in vermont is dulling the tools we put in place to keep and attract working families. In three weeks, i will present my budget for fiscal year 2025. It will be a much different picture than previous years. With historic onetime federal aid ending, and increased to our pension obligation, last year suspending decision catching up to us, we are back to where we were several years ago with difficult decisions to be made. For many of you, this will be the first time you will work on a budget without hundreds of millions of dollars of surplus. For others, it is deja vu. Once again, you will face the discomfort of saying no, choosing between many good things and focusing on what vermonters need most. I continue to believe we need to keep spending within revenue. With full transparency, you can expect my budget will increase by about 3 . I know from experience that many of you view 3 growth is an austerity approach. It is important to know that after meeting our obligations, we have very little money left. If you go higher, we will be spending more than we are taking and, leading to higher taxes, adding to the burden vermonters are already feeling. I am sure you are aware the federal government Just Announced an increase in social security. 3. 2 . If seniors are expected to manage that, it seems as though we should do the same. [applause] i am a realist. I know you have a super majority. I know all too well. You have proven that without a budget, and the growing burden of fees and costs is in your hands. All i can do is make my case. Which is the same case i have made to vermonters since i first ran for governor. What i hear from people every day is they cannot afford to pay more. This year, lets do what is best for them. Lets do this for them. [applause] importantly, because our prek through 12 Education System has grown beyond the means. As you know, it is about to grow even more. Because if nothing changes, we will see an estimated 18. 5 increase of state property tax bills. That is after we use a 37 Million Education Fund surplus. In total, this would be a quarter billion dollar tax increase on vermonters. For a family with a 250,000 home, their bill could go up by 650 a year. Grade 400,000 home, they would pay an additional 1000. Because of income sensitivity, remember that the vast majority, renters, typically do not pay property taxes directly, but if the landlord sees an increase, i am pretty sure they pass it on to those who live there. Think about those folks who are just barely getting by living , paycheck to paycheck, deciding what bills to pay. And the working parents who need every extra penny so their kids can go to summer camp. The Small Business owner rebuilding after the flood working , hard just to stay open. They are all going to struggle to figure out how to pay for this. Not to mention inflation is still making everything more expensive. The payroll tax that you passed last year will take effect in july. The 20 increase in dmv fees began three days ago. Over my and some of your objections. Concern about taxes, fees, increased cost is a concern about people. I appreciate the optimism of some of you. You think we can just buy it down. Some of you are committed to getting it to 2 or lower. To be clear, that will cost 225 million. From the average persons perspective, it does not matter which pocket the money comes from, whether it is property tax, income tax, or some other combination, it is still going to hurt. Keep in mind the Education Fund is now more than 2. 1 billion. With fewer than 83,000 k12 students, we are spending about 25,000 a year per student, one of the highest in the country. That might be ok with me if we were leading in student achievement. Performance. But in some areas, we are middle of the pack according to the u. S. Department of education. Please know that this is not a critique of our teachers or students. It is the result of an education infrastructure that is too large for the numbers it serves. Not enough money is making it to the kids. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to this. But we could discuss ideas. I have put on the table before like consolidation health care, retirement costs, moving to a statewide teacher contract, or capping property tax growth. I am sure you have ideas on how two contain spending as well. I believe we all want better educational outcomes for our kids. And to have a system seniors, families, and Young Workers can afford. Lets Work Together to address the affordability issues we can control so that there are people to pay taxes and more kids in our schools. [applause] to do that, we need to Jumpstart Housing in the areas that need it most. This crisis is not only holding us back when it comes to filling jobs and refilling schools, it is hitting us right now. The lack of housing and regulatory policies have prices too high and rising. Decades of studies and data show it is too expensive, too complicated, and too slow. To buy, rehab, and build in vermont. Since of 2020, we have invested march over 500 million to fix aging units, construct new homes, and expand shelter capacity. This is unprecedented. It is on top of the 37 million housing bond we have had since 2017 which, at the time, was the biggest investment had ever made. We have made progress. It far exceeds what we were doing 10 years ago. But 500 million is a lot of money. We need to be honest about what we are getting and why it costs so much. , we are seeing about 2200 residential units permitted each year. About one third of these are statefunded. Since this data, vacancy rates shows that demand creates a healthy market that puts down ward pressure on prices. We need 6800 units right now. Most of our funding goes to homes that cost on average 450,000 per unit to develop. 450,000. That is 3 billion in public and private funding just to fill the gap we have today. With these costs in mind, i think most of us would agree something has got to change. Last year, i said we will not be able to make the most of this opportunity if we have do not address the decadesold regulations holding us back. While we took some steps, i know many of you would agree we need to do a lot more. The fact is the act did exactly what it was intended to do slow , down growth or in some cases stopped it altogether. It was a time when we were going way too fast. Today, we see a different reality where families desperately need homes and communities need reinvestment. There is an expression, if nothing changes, then nothing will really change. In our case, that means if nothing changes, things will continue to get worse. We have committed the funds and laid the groundwork. But if we do not enact we will 250, not solve our housing crisis. Every single one of you and the people you represent need a voice in this debate. This issue is too important and too consequential for two committees and a couple of special Interest Groups to control the outcome. If we make common sense improvements, we can give young families a decent, Affordable House that they need. We can offer seniors the chance to enjoy retirement without the burden of a large home they cannot afford. And we can put homeless vermonters in real homes, not overpriced hotel rooms we cannot afford. [applause] i jumpstarted housing for families. We can revitalize communities, refill our schools, and make our neighborhoods more inviting. In all 14 counties. We can solve the challenges we face with health care i. T. , infrastructure, and so much more. Housing is key and it is something we can do right now. So, lets Work Together. Lets get more families in homes faster and at a cost they can afford. [applause] my friends, i have now spent about 20 minutes talking about the significant challenges we face. There is no doubt we have a lot of hard work ahead. But there is also a lot of good things happening here, like the new Production Facility leading the revolution in electric aviation. Adding to our great economy. The opportunity we have with the federal chips act to build an innovative tech hub and expand semiconductor manufacturing. The work of our Refugee Resettlement office, which has helped 500 refugees get resettled summit contributing to our communities, workforce, and economy while pursuing the american dream. [applause] how about the 10 vermont businesses that rank among the Fastest Growing companies . Join them on an Infrastructure Project that will boost the economy throughout the region. We should also be proud of our Work Together to help anchor employers and hundreds of Small Businesses so they could reopen, stay open, grow, and thrive. This weekend, the rail trail will be fully open. [applause] the crews worked quickly to repair the damage caused by the july storms. These are some of the many reasons i stay incredibly optimistic about our future. Another reason is because i see a path where we can reverse the downward trend and prioritize these urgent crises. That is why we have already shared many of our proposals in these areas. I know these are not the only challenges we face. There are many others where we need to and will continue our work. Public safety, affordability of housing, those issues demand our immediate attention. Vermonters are seeing, feeling, and living them every single day and it is critical to reversing our democratic trends. All the lobbyists and advocates have their agendas. Being an election year, Political Parties and partisans will have as well. We need to make Real Progress on public safety, affordability of housing, because these issues do not discriminate based on party affiliation. [applause] we have already laid the foundation, literally in many cases, to revitalize communities across the state. With 1 billion, we have invested in over 500 initiatives in 160 cities and towns all over the state, in 14 counties. What they all have in common is an investment in the basic tools the Community Needs to keep from falling behind. Following through on each of our separately funded investments, including what we valley coded for the state match, it is part of the action we can take. Also aligning this work with the new federal dollars that come with it to help places restore vitality and expand economic security. To turn catastrophe into opportunity. Imagine what neighborhoods in our communities could look like with the old rundown houses renovated, swing sets and a sandbox in the backyard, the neighborhood bustling with the chatter of kids playing outside. That may be the most controversial thing that i said all day. Imagine seeing those empty classrooms filled with children again, younger families shopping in town at local shops. In those Small Businesses go on to support the community by sponsoring local events and youth programs. For workers good jobs and , opportunity. A hopefulness that defeats despair and helps reduce addiction and the crime it causes. We can get there but we must follow through on what we started. We have to learn the lessons of the last few years, focus on whats working, and be honest about what is not. If we do, we will turn the tide, and lift all communities in every corner of our state. [applause] most importantly, im optimistic about our future because of the people of vermont. On the morning of july 11, a flood damaged Grocery Store in Windsor County was filled with neighbors mucking out. And it did not stop there. Locals acted quickly to distribute to those in need. Donating coolers and time, they helped hundreds of their neighbors by delivering food to a Senior Center, mobile home parks, the local food shelf, and more. Even when they had to jump on an atv to get over downed trees and washed out roads. A few days later, in barry, bob nelson reopened his Hardware Store still without power and surrounded by damaged shelves and destroyed inventory, he wanted his neighbors to have what they needed to clean up their homes and businesses. 30 miles away, an eightyearold and a 10yearold started their own business, a lemonade stand, giving every single penny of the 700 they made to help. Weeks later, in johnson, at Highland Heights mobile home park, where several residents lost everything, you could see a community who rallied to support one another. From those who spent weeks trying to find help for a neighbor in crisis, to park owners, ken and martha hardy, who moved damaged homes and helped fill out fema paperwork. They could tell you where every single homeowner was and kept tabs on them to help as needed. This is vermont strong. It is the incredible resilience found in our extensive community, the faith governor weeks described. It is not just during floods. Sheldon carroll wanted to offer a helping hand. As the owner of a downtown restaurant, he began taping receipts for free meals on the front window for folks to claim with no questions asked. Patrons at the restaurant saw this and started chipping in, adding more meals to the window, warm food on a cold day, dinner out for those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. That is what Community Looks like. No one asked sean to do this. He saw a way to use his skills to help his neighbors and he and his customers stepped up. So did families in coventry after learning a School Playground was not safe. They did not sit back and wait for someone else to fix the problem. They bought a few swings and other basics and then rallied support to help finish the job. With everyone pulling in the same direction, in a matter of weeks, they rebuilt better than before. And sometimes, its the Little Things that make the biggest difference. A few years ago, the residents of one town were looking for a way to strengthen their town. Many of us might think that means new sidewalks, business expanding. But they kept coming back to the simple idea of just getting together. So they brought back wallingford day, a day that celebrates who they are, reconnecting with their neighbors, food trucks, fireworks, art shows and auctions, music and dancing. Most importantly, a day they set aside to be together, a reminder that it takes effort to build a community. Folks in guilford also wanted to reconnect and decide to refresh an old idea. After the civil war, rain calls grange halls became an important part of civic life in parts of the country, a place to get together and work to solve the issues of the day. As memberships dwindled, underused halls could be found all across the u. S. In in guilford, they looked to bring this Historic Community space back to life. These days, they can see the renovated hall bustling with students, full of people for thanksgiving dinner, the apple high social raising money for a neighbor in need. At a time when so much of our interaction is by text, email, social media or zoom, just being in the same place at the same time and seeing people facetoface can help make the world a better place for all of us. Folks in east talis thought this about their general store. For over a century it was a local gathering spot, a place to get a coffee or sandwich, catch up with neighbors, get news, may be gossip as well. When they were about to lose it, residents formed a trust to purchase the building and keep this local hub alive. Nearly five years later, through pandemic and floods, the general store reopened its doors. Many of these projects have benefited from government funding and thats an Important Role we can play, but the reality is no grant or earmark would bring these initiatives to life on their own. Neither government nor money build community. People do. [applause] many of those i just mentioned are here today, so if they could please rise so we can give them a proper thanks. [applause] and i know there are thousands of others like them across our state who step up for their communities each and every day. And, by the way, if you want to meet some of these people, stop by afterwards. We will have some lemonade therefore you. President biden has said good communities are built by thousands of small acts of decency. To me, that decency to one another is where we as americans and vermonters find our greatest strength. I have seen this my entire life. I saw it in my dad and my mom and the people in my hometown. I have seen it in teachers and classmates, poll workers, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and the legislature, dedicated state employees. Like many of you, i would like to pass it on to my kids. President coolidge said vermonters are pioneers who almost beggar themselves to serve others. That is the vermont i know. Those are the people i know. Basic human decency, giving a helping hand to others around us, even to those we dont agree with or even like that much. This is the foundation, the bedrock of our communities. The traditions and values must be exercised and nurtured to be passed along to the next generation. One person woke up before dawn for decades to water the trees. 200 flowerpots that were downtown. No one asked him to do it and because he started early in the morning, 3 00 a. M. , not many knew he did. We took this good deed for granted. Now in his 70s, hes looking to hang up his watering can. The question is who is going to water the flowers . Across the state, from albert to vernon, to bennington and everywhere in between, there are things large and small that build community, that give these places character and identity. So i want to talk directly to vermonters. What is it for you . Is it the flowers are the lights during the holidays . A Senior Center or playground, youth sports, local theater, food pantries or meals on wheels, the good work by rotary, the elks, the lions club, the vfw or American Legion . Whatever it is, if it matters to you, it is time to step up, get involved, and make sure it is there for years to come. Take brenda, a 35 year state employee, now retired. Tomorrow is her 70th birthday but shes not asking for it to be about her. She has planned a full day of shopping, eating and entertainment in downtown montpelier. [applause] all she wants is for people to support these local businesses that were devastated by the floods. And, by the way, you are all invited. [laughter] remember, no gifts. Just bring your credit card. Its clear there are many people doing this good work, but they cannot do it on their own. It takes all of us. So its up to you to find something. Plant a tree, mentor a kid, coach a team, volunteer for your local Fire Department or rescue squad, or you can sign up for the national guard. [applause] i can always count on general knight. [laughter] the guard has been essential to our state emergencies and national security. We desperately need them. They may need more of you. Im sure you will hear more about that from general knight this session. Because the reality is that thing, that tradition, cause or service that means something to you wont last if no one carries it on. It is about action, not apathy, dedication, not destiny. The progress we have made in the short 246 years since our nations founding is not a coincidence of history. The burden of citizenship and all who aspire to it is a work built upon the promise of a more perfect union. This is the great gamble of our republic, that Everyday Americans and everyday vermonters will show up and do the work and carry off small acts of decency to build community. Thats the most important work of all. It is the antidote or cure to the hate and poison of partisanship, red versus blue, you versus me, us versus them, and the constant conflict we see on social media or cable news. Strengthening our communities, connecting with our neighbors, doing our part, is how we prove there is a better way. [applause] as i have shared today, many people in our communities are setting an example for us, their elected officials. The harveys did not care whether the residents were republicans or democrats when they helped them back on their feet. In saint albans, john is not asking what policies you support before you get your meal. It does not matter who you voted for when using the Community Center in guilford. So lets choose to follow their example, reject partisanship, and do whats best for the we are here to serve. Show up, do the work. That is what makes vermont so special. Focus on the things that strengthen our communities so all parts of our state can build upon their character and fulfill their potential, and together, all of us in this room and across the state will meet this moment and all that comes next. [applause] [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2023] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] the dates for the special election to fill Kevin Mccarthys seat and finish out his term were announced today by california governor gavin newsom. The primary is scheduled for march 19. The general election is set for may 21. The former House Speaker represented californias 20th congressional district. He resigned at the end of last year. This update from cspans capitol hill producer. The u. S. Court of appeals for the d. C. Circuit judge hears oral argument in the United States versus donald j. Trump on whether former President Trump is immune from prosecution for his alleged role in the january 6 the attack on the u. S. Capitol. Watch or listen live Tuesday Morning beginning at 9 30 eastern on cspan three, on the free cspan now app, or online at cspan. Org. Cspans campaign 2020 four coverage continues with the president ial primary from caucuses. Watch live on the cspan network is the first votes are cast in the upcoming president ial election, along with candidate speeches and results beginning with the Iowa Caucuses january 15 and the New Hampshire primary january 23. Campaign 2024 on cspan, your unfiltered view of politics. Nonfiction book lovers, cspan has a number of podcasts for you. Listen to bestselling authors and influential interviewers on the afterwards podcast and on q a, hear conversations with nonfiction authors and others making things happen. Episodes and weekly hourlong conversations regularly feature fascinating authors of Nonfiction Books on a variety of topics. The about books podcast takes you behindthescenes of the Nonfiction Book Publishing Industry with insider interviews, industry updates and bestselling authors. Download the free cspan now app or wherever you get your podcasts, or on cspan. Org podcasts. Cspans studentcam documentary competition is back, celebrating 20 years with this years theme, looking forward while considering the past. The Land High School students can create a 56 minute video addressing one of these questions. In the next 20 years, what is the most important change you would like to see in america . Or over the past 20 years, what has been the most important change in america . As we do each year, we are giving away 100,000 dollars in total prizes with a grand prize of 5,000. Every teacher who has students participate in the competition has the opportunity to share a portion of an additional 0,000. The deadline is january 19. Visit our website at studentcam. Org for more. A healthy democracy doesnt just look like this. It looks like this. Where americans can see democracy at work, where citizens are truly informed. A republican a republic thrives. Get informed straight from the source. Unfiltered, unbiased, from the Nations Capital to wherever you are. The opini