On the Docket: traffic saftey and transportation bills
Over the past two weeks, the floor of the House has been a hotbed of debate. Some of this debate has been deeply moving, some quite humorous, and some simply tri-partisan bickering. Much of the time, however, I find the debate lively and engaging, emphasizing the need to have divergent points of view brought forward to help guide us toward thoughtful decision making.
By happenstance, the seat I picked on the first day of the session provides me with instant access to many of these views. To my left, is a 5th term Democrat. To my right sits the youngest member of the House. Directly in back of me is the Republican leadership. It has proven to be a great place as we work our way through these issues.
Last week, we passed the Marriage Equality Bill, the Budget Adjustment Bill and the Capital Bill. These have been extensively covered in the news so I thought a quick update on other activities might be a relief. Here goes:
Transportation: H-438, the Transportation Bill, passed out of the House at the end of March and is now in the Senate. The bill proposed a $120 million bond to be funded by a $.05 gas and diesel tax for the next three years. Here is one way to quantify this: if you drive 15,000 miles per year and your vehicle gets 20 mpg, a $.05 gas tax would cost you $37.50 per year. Compare this to the potential cost of damage due to potholes and it looks like a bargain. Bonding also extends the use of ARRA (stimulus) monies where matching is required.
Here is where the Legislature and Administration now agree: rail development is important to Vermont. There will be a concentration of effort and money in getting rail from Burlington to Rutland.
Judiciary: H-147, the Highway Traffic Safety Bill, comes up for third reading this week. One of the more lively debates centered around the necessity and inconvenience of restricting young drivers. This bill would keep junior operators off the road between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM; restrict usage of cell phones and electronic devices; and would continue to restrict junior operators from carrying passengers for the first three months. In addition, all drivers would be restricted to hands-free cell phone usage and not wearing a seatbelt would become a primary offense. One outspoken opponent from a rural district said in a Patrick Henry sort of way: “I will always vote for freedom over safety. Why do we need laws to protect us from ourselves?” A supporter noted that this law would likely save two lives, twelve serious injuries and $5 million dollars per year. Another fact: the age group least likely to wear a seatbelt is the 16-24 year olds. Of the accidents which proved fatal for this age group, 58% were not wearing seatbelts.
Health Care: Representative Maier, chair of the Health Care Committee has traveled to Washington and has been working with leaders from the Vermont Legislature, the Douglas Administration and our Congressional delegation on health care reform. He believes that the prospects for national health care reform are looking better. Legislation being drafted will address three key issues: delivery, access and funding. For now, Vermont is well-positioned to receive more Medicaid and ARRA health IT money per capita than many states due to the excellent work that is already in place here.
Please join Joan Lenes and me at Bruegger’s Tuesday mornings from 7:30-8:30. We have had some lively discussions. We will be at Village Wine and Coffee on Monday April 28th from 4:30-5:30. KLWebb22@mac.com.