During the summer recess I have been reaching out and hearing from constituents to check in with folks and to listen to issues and concerns. Last Tuesday the Vermont General Assembly reconvened for a special session. For the next several weeks, we’ll be working hard to pass the full FY21 budget. Before we recessed in late June, we passed a short-term budget that covered only the first quarter of the fiscal year, June through September. We’ll also be assessing and allocating the remaining federal COVID Relief Funds out to Vermonters to help support businesses, our schools and our childcare centers. Since we’ll be in session and committees are meeting, we’ll also be moving forward a collection of bills that were poised for passage to address racial disparity, climate change and reforms to our criminal justice system.
This past week we passed H. 967 which makes it possible for children to have access to child care during remote learning days. Recently parents across the state, especially in rural communities, found that their small home-based providers were not allowed to provide care during remote learning. In response to this, the House acted quickly passed legislation on Friday that we hope will help more families access child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, small private in-home care providers cannot provide more than 4 hours a week when school is in session. This legislation will allow these providers to make sure children are safe and cared for on remote learning days while their parents are at work. It is our goal to help Vermont businesses and families successfully transition through these difficult times — this is an important step.
We will be moving quickly to wrap up the budget and the session. I post frequent updates on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SaraCoffeyforStateRep and announcements on the Vernon facebook page. I will be hosting my next Coffee with Coffey hour on Sunday September 13th from 3-4pm and I will post the links on facebook and I am happy to email the zoom link for joining by computer or phone. Please know that I am available to answer questions, help you connect with resources, and listen to your priorities. If you have thoughts, comments, or ideas, please reach out directly. You can always contact me by emailing SCoffey@leg.state.vt.us
It’s an honor to represent Guilford and Vernon in the Vermont House. With your support, I hope to be able to continue this work and work energetically on your behalf.