Veto Session Update – Overrides and GA Compromise

Last week's very short, one day legislative Veto Session produced important results for issues on the Alliance's '24 Legislative Agenda.

With relatively little fanfare, the Legislature overrode the Governor's veto of the FY24 Budget and H. 217, the bill that contained the final language making historic improvements to the state's early childhood education system. As a result of those actions, both bills will become law.

The Legislature also passed H. 171, which they amended to include compromise language to extend the GA/Emergency Housing program into next year. The Governor is expected to sign the bill. For a full review of that language, see the excellent summary prepared by the VT Affordable Housing Coalition, the Alliance member acting as our lead organization on this issue.

While the GA language falls short of our advocacy goals, overall the results of the day were very good news for Vermont's young children and families.

Our Legislative Agenda Results page has been updated to reflect these actions taken last week.

The Legislature has now adjourned for the year, though Alliance staff will be tracking the Committee action that will be taking place throughout the summer and fall.

 

H.217 Implementation Website and Webinars – 7/11

As noted above, the Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto of H.217, and as a result the language in the bill related to child care will now be implemented. The language makes significant investments and policy changes that will impact child care in both early childhood and school-age settings. The Child Development Division (CDD) is charged with carrying out the changes, in partnership with other state agencies and in collaboration with stakeholders. 

To facilitate shared understanding and clear communication about H.217, CDD is offering a  dedicated webpage for H.217 implementation. CDD will also be holding H.217 webinars providing an overview of the law. These will be held on July 11 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and will walk through the major elements of the law, the anticipated timeline for implementation, and early opportunities for public input.

Register to attend the July 11 1:00 pm webinar here, and the 6:00 pm webinar here.

 

“Room for Me” Grants – Applications Due 7/25

The Child Development Division is partnering with Vermont Afterschool to offer another round of “Room for Me” grants to start up or expand afterschool and summer programs.

The new “Room for Me” grants will fund programs to expand the number of school-age children aged 5-12 served in afterschool, school vacation, and summer programs statewide with a focus on underserved areas of Vermont. 

For more information about the “Room for Me” grants and to apply, visit the Vermont Afterschool website. Applications are due by July 25.

 
 

The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a statewide coalition formed in 2000 of early childhood professionals, parents, organizations, businesses, and strategic partners committed to improving public policies that impact young children between birth and age eight in the areas of health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education.

The Alliance crafts an annual Legislative Agenda in partnership with early childhood organizations, provides year-round advocacy support, and facilitates meaningful interactions with policymakers at key times during the decision making process.

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The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a program of the Vermont Community Loan Fund.

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