House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (Room 35)

The House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development considers matters relating to workforce development and training programs, business development and formations, financial institutions, property and casualty, life, and captive insurance, securities, unemployment and workers’ compensation insurance, consumer protection, and other similar policies.

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Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

House Floor

Election of Speaker of the House
Election of House Clerk

-

Lunch

1:30 PM

House Floor

Appointment of Committee Chairs

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Thursday, January 9, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

10:00 AM

Joint Assembly

Receive report of Canvassing Committee

After Joint Assembly

Committee Introductions

Committee Member Introductions

-

Lunch

2:00 PM

Joint Assembly

Governor's Inaugural Address

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Friday, January 10, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:30 AM

House Floor

After Floor

Legislative Counsel Introduction

• Tucker Anderson, Team Lead Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Rik Sehgal, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Cameron Wood, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Sophie Zdatny, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Introduction to JFO

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Patrick Titterton, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  

1:30 PM

IT Overview

Introductions to IT

• Kevin Moore, Director of Information Technology, Office of Legislative Information Technology
  

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Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Secretary of State

Including Corporate Division

• Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
  
• Lauren Hibbert, Deputy Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
  

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

Serve, Learn, and Earn

Introduction to Committee Members

• Kate Gluckman, Director, Serve Learn Earn
  
• Breck Knauft, Executive Director, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
  

2:00 PM

Preservation Trust

Introduction to Committee Members

• Ben Doyle, President, Preservation Trust of Vermont
  

2:30 PM

Advance Vermont Presentation

Introduction to Committee Members

• Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance Vermont
  

3:00 PM

Agency of Agriculture's Working Lands Initiative

Introduction to Committee Members

• Elizabeth Sipple, Program Lead, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative
  
• Abbey Willard, Director, Agricultural Development Division Director, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
  

3:30 PM

Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

Introductions to Committee Members

• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  

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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Department of Financial Regulation

Introduction to Committee Members

• Sandy Bigglestone, Interim Commissioner of Department of Financial Regulation and Deputy Commissioner of Captive Insurance, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Emily Brown, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Aaron Ferenc, Deputy Commissioner of Banking, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Amanda Smith, Deputy Commissioner of Securities, Department of Financial Regulation
  

10:45 AM

Attorney General's Office

Introductions to Committee Members

• Charity Clark, Attorney General, Attorney General's Office
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont State Colleges System

Introduction to Committee Members

• Kayla Dewey, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees, Vermont State Colleges System
  
• Elizabeth Mauch, Chancellor, Vermont State Colleges System
  
• Sharron Scott, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Vermont State Colleges System
  

2:00 PM

VEDA

Vermont Economic Development Authority Introduction to Committee Members

• Jennifer Emens-Butler, General Counsel & Director of Closing, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  
• Renée Grzankowski, Chief Operations Officer, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  
• Cassie Polhemus, Chief Executive Officer, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  
• Thad Richardson, CFO, Vermont Economic Development Authority
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, January 16, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Regional Development Corporations

Introduction to Committee Members

• Andy Julow, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation
  

10:15 AM

Regional Planning Commissions

Introduction to Committee Members

• Peter Gregory, Executive Director, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission
  
• Tom Kennedy, Director of Community Development, Mount Ascutney Regional Commission
  
• David Snedeker, Executive Director, Northeastern Vermont Development Association
  
• Tasha Wallis, Executive Director, Lamoille County Planning Commission
  

11:15 AM

Vermont Bankers Association

Introduction to Committee Members

• Chris D'Elia, President, Vermont Bankers' Association
  

11:35 AM

Association of Vermont Credit Unions

Introductions to Committee Members

• Joe Bergeron, President & CEO, Association of Vermont Credit Unions
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Introductions to Committee Members

• Jessica Hartleben, Executive Director, Vermont Economic Progress Council
  
• Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  
• Brett Long, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
  
• Heather Pelham, Commissioner, Department of Tourism and Marketing
  
• Tim Tierney, Director of Recruitment and International Trade, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  

2:30 PM

NCCI

National Council on Compensation Insurance Introduction to Committee Members

• Susan Donegan, Chief Regulatory Officer, National Council on Compensation Insurance
  
• Justin Moulton, Senior State Relations Executive, National Council on Compensation Insurance
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, January 17, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

8:45 AM

Meeting with Interns

Meeting with the UVM Legislative Interns

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:35 AM

Housing Initiatives

Introductions to Committee Members

• Maura Collins, Executive Director, Vermont Housing Finance Agency
  
• Liz Gleason, Farm and Forest Viability Program Director, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  
• Pollaidh Major, Director of Policy and Special Projects, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
  
• Gus Seelig, Executive Director
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Outdoor Recreation

Introduction to Committee Members

• Kelly Ault, Executive Director, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance
  
• Nick Bennette, Executive Director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Vermont Trails and Greenways Council
  
• Sam Hooper, Owner, Vermont Glove
  
• Abigail Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trails Association, East Burke
  
• Molly Mahar, President, Vermont Ski Areas Association
  
• Tommy O'Connor, Vice-Chair, Vermont ATV Sportsman's Association
  

2:00 PM

Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Introductions to Committee Members

• Jeremy Little, Policy and Outreach Associate, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
  
• Amy Spear, Vermont Chamber President, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
  
• Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
  

2:30 PM

Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce

Introductions to Committee Members

• Austin Davis, Director, Government Affairs, Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
  

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

University of Vermont and Economic Development

Introduction to Committee Members

• Wendy Koenig, Executive Director of Government Relations, University of Vermont
  

10:00 AM

House Floor

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

Agency of Education

Joint hearing with Senate Education and House Education. Hearing will be hosted in Room 270 in the Pavilion and live streamed on the House Education YouTube channel.

• Ruth Durkee, State Director of Career Technical Education, Agency of Education
  
• Johannes Haensch, Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Manager, Agency of Education
  
• Janet McLaughlin, Deputy Commissioner, Child Development Division, Department for Children and Families
  
• Ryan Parkman, Personalized Learning Team Program Manager, Agency of Education
  
• Zoie Saunders, Secretary, Agency of Education
  

3:15 PM

Vermont Professionals of Color Network

Introduction to Committee Members

• Weiwei Wang, Co Founder and Executive Director, Vermont Professionals of Color Network (Chittenden County)
  

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Security Briefing

This meeting will not be live streamed due to the sensitive content.

• Agatha Kessler, Sergeant-At-Arms, Vermont State House
  
• Sara Macera, Sergeant, Capitol Police Department
  
• John Poleway, Chief, Capitol Police Department
  
• Joe Tremblay, Officer, Capitol Police Department
  

10:15 AM

H.34 - An act relating to workforce leadership in Vermont

Walk-Through

• Rik Sehgal, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

11:00 AM

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility

Introduction to Committee Members

• Johanna de Graffenreid, Public Policy Manager, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
  

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Lunch

1:15 PM

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport

Introduction to Committee Members

• Jeff Bartley, Director of Innovation and Marketing, Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport
  
• Nic Longo, Director of Aviation, Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport
  

2:00 PM

Vermont Captive Insurance Association

Introductions to Committee Members

• Sandy Bigglestone, Interim Commissioner of Department of Financial Regulation and Deputy Commissioner of Captive Insurance, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Kevin Mead, President, Vermont Captive Insurance Association
  
• Brittany Nevins, Captive Insurance Economic Development Director, Vermont Department of Economic Development
  
• Melinda Young, Vice President, Risk Management, Alberici Group
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

3:45 PM

Legislative Briefing

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Thursday, January 23, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

VSAC

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Introduction to Committee Members

• Scott Giles, President, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
  
• Patrick Leduc, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
  

10:10 AM

Department of Labor

Introductions to Committee Members

• Dirk Anderson, Director of Workers' Compensation and Safety, Department of Labor
  
• Michael Harrington, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Labor
  
• Rowan Hawthorne, Principal Assistant and Legislative Liaison, Vermont Department of Labor
  
• Jay Ramsey, Director of Workforce Development, Vermont Department of Labor
  
• Kendal Smith, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Labor
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Agency of Natural Resources

Introduction to Committee Members

• Danielle Fitzko, Commissioner, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  
• Rebecca Washburn, Director, Lands Administration and Recreation, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
  

2:00 PM

Let's Grow Kids and Building Bright Futures

Introduction to Committee Members

• Anna Brouillette, Policy and Program Director, Building Bright Futures
  
• Morgan Crossman, Executive Director, Building Bright Futures
  
• Aly Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Let's Grow Kids
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

3:15 PM

Ethics, Rules, and Decorum Training

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Friday, January 24, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

8:45 AM

Meeting with Interns

Meeting with UVM Legislative Interns

• Helen Argraves, Legislative Intern, University of Vermont
  
• Liz First-Raddock, Legislative Internship Program Instructor, Center for Research on Vermont
  

9:30 AM

House Floor

10:30 AM

Discrimination Prevention Training

Committee Members Discrimination Prevention Training

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Adult Education and Literacy Network

Introduction to Committee Members

• Michelle Faust, Executive Director, Northeast Kingdom Learning Services
  
• Joe Przyperhart, Director of Programs, Vermont Adult Learning
  

1:45 PM

Vermont Community Action Partnership

Introduction to Committee Members

• Tom Donahue, Executive Director, BROC Community Action
  
• Liz Scharf, Director of Community Economic Development, Capstone Community Action
  

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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Arts Council

Introduction to Committee Members

• Susan Evans McClure, Executive Director, Vermont Arts Council
  

10:00 AM

House Floor and Caucuses

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

Governor's 2026 Budget Address

Joint Assembly to Receive Budget Address

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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Small Business Day

Data, Approaches, and Stories

This is a joint hearing with Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs. It will be held in Room 267 of The Pavilion and live streamed from House Commerce and Economic Development's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@VTHouseCommEcoDev

9:00am to 12:00pm, with a break at 10:30am.

• Whitney Aldrich, Owner, Axels Gallery and Frame Shop
  
• Maya Carlet, Nurse Practitioner, Partners in Integrative Healing
  
• Rep. Abbey Duke, Owner, SugarSnap Catering
  
• Andy Julow, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation
  
• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Jada Khosla, Psychiatrist, Partners in Integrative Healing
  
• Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  
• Linda Rossi, State Director, Vermont Small Business Development Center
  
• Ruth Steinmetz, Co Founder and Creative Director, Steinmetz LLC
  
• Weiwei Wang, Co Founder and Executive Director, Vermont Professionals of Color Network
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

H.34 - An act relating to workforce leadership in Vermont

• Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance Vermont
  
• Sen. Alison Clarkson, Reporter, Committee Representative
  
• Adam Grinold, Executive Director, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
  
• Michael Harrington, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Labor
  
• Sabina Haskell, Executive Director, Office of Workforce Strategy and Development
  
• Ellen Kahler, Executive Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
  
• Jeremy Little, Policy and Outreach Associate, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
  
• Molly Mahar, President, Vermont Ski Areas Association
  
• Jay Ramsey, Director of Workforce Development, Vermont Department of Labor
  
• Rik Sehgal, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Kendal Smith, Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Labor
  

2:30 PM

H.34 - An act relating to workforce leadership in Vermont

Mark-Up

• Rik Sehgal, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Community College of Vermont

Introduction to Committee Members

• Joyce Judy, President, Community College of Vermont
  
• Tiffany Walker, Senior Director of Workforce Education, Community College of Vermont
  

10:00 AM

State Auditor

• Doug Hoffer, State Auditor, State Auditor's Office
  

10:30 AM

Break

11:00 AM

H.99 - An act relating to regulating earned wage access services

Walk-Through

• Rik Sehgal, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

H.99 - An act relating to regulating earned wage access services

• Ben LaRocco, Senior Director of Government Relations, Earnin
  
• Ryan Naples, Senior Manager of Public Policy, DailyPay
  
• Mark Salters, Public Policy Manager, Payactiv
  
• Geoff Walsh, Senior Attorney, National Consumer Law Center
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, January 31, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

8:45 AM

Meeting with Interns

Meeting with Committee's UVM Legislative Intern

• Helen Argraves, Legislative Intern, University of Vermont
  

9:30 AM

House Floor

10 Minutes After Floor

Common Good Vermont

Introduction to Committee Members

• Emma Paradis, Common Good Vermont Manager of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, United Way of Northwest Vermont
  

11:15 AM

Vermont Law and Graduate School

Introduction by Vermont Small Business Law Center and Clinic at VLGS to Committee Members

• Nicole Killoran, Director, Vermont Law and Graduate School
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont Retail and Grocers Association

Introduction to Committee Members

• Ed Fox, President, Vermont Retail & Grocers Association
  
• Maggie Lenz, Lobbyist, Vermont Retail & Grocers Association
  

1:30 PM

H.99 - An act relating to regulating earned wage access services

• Aaron Ferenc, Deputy Commissioner of Banking, Department of Financial Regulation
  

2:15 PM

H.34 - An act relating to workforce leadership in Vermont

Mark-Up and Vote

• Rik Sehgal, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

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Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

State Treasurer's Office

Introduction to Committee Members

• Ashlynn Doyon, Director of Policy, Office of the State Treasurer
  

10:00 AM

House Floor & Caucuses

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

Vermont State Archives & Records Administration

Introduction to Committee Members

• Tanya Marshall, State Archivist and Director, Vermont State Archives and Records Administration
  

2:00 PM

Department of Liquor and Lottery

Introduction to Committee Members

• Wendy Knight, Commissioner, Department of Liquor and Lottery
  

3:00 PM

H.99 - An act relating to regulating earned wage access services

Mark-Up

• Monica Burks, Policy Counsel, Center for Responsible Lending
  
• Chris D'Elia, President, Vermont Bankers' Association
  
• Colin Hilliard, Associate State Director - Advocacy and Outreach, AARP VT
  
• Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Off-Site Housing Construction Report

This is a Joint Hearing with House Committee on General and Housing, held in Room 10 of the State House. This will be live streamed on House Commerce and Economic Development's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@VTHouseCommEcoDev

• Maura Collins, Executive Director, Vermont Housing Finance Agency
  
• Nate Formalarie, Deputy Commissioner, Housing, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  
• Jeff Lubell, Principal Associate for Housing and Asset Building, ABT Associates
  

10:10 AM

Vermont Lodging Association

Introduction to Committee Members

• Kim Donahue, President, Vermont Lodging Association
  
• Brian Maggiotta, Owner, Inn at Manchester
  
• Hans van Wees, Co-Chair, Hotel Vermont
  

11:00 AM

Tax Increment Financing

Overview for Committee Members

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Jessica Hartleben, Executive Director, Vermont Economic Progress Council
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

H.137 - An act relating to the regulation of insurance products and services

Walk-Through and Discussion

• Sandy Bigglestone, Acting Commissioner, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Emily Brown, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• James Feehan, Government Relations Director, Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC
  
• Kevin Mead, President, Vermont Captive Insurance Association
  
• Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 6, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

3Squares VT Awareness Day

Introduction to Committee Members

• Ivy Enoch, SNAP Policy and Training Lead, Hunger Free Vermont
  
• Tobin Porter-Brown, Business Owner, Front Seat Coffee
  
• Allan Reetz, Director of Public and Government Affairs, Hanover Co-op Food Stores of VT & NH
  
• Georgie Rubens, Director, Burlington Farmers' Market
  

9:30 AM

Virtual Currency Kiosk Report

Overview and Discussion with Committee

• Chris D'Elia, President, Vermont Bankers' Association
  
• Aaron Ferenc, Deputy Commissioner of Banking, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Colin Hilliard, Associate State Director - Advocacy and Outreach, AARP VT
  
• Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:40 AM

Break

10:45 AM

Agency of Digital Services

Introduction to Committee Members

• Andrea DeLaBruere, Deputy Secretary, Agency of Digital Services
  
• Shawn Nailor, Special Programs Director, Agency of Digital Services
  

11:30 AM

H.99 - An act relating to regulating earned wage access services

Committee Discussion

• Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Tax Increment Financing

Joint hearing with House Committee on General and Housing. This will be held in Room 11 of the State House and live streamed on House General and Housing YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@VTHouseGenAndHousing

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Joan Goldstein, Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
  
• Jon Gray, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Jessica Hartleben, Executive Director, Vermont Economic Progress Council
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 7, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

8:45 AM

Meeting with Interns

Meeting with UVM Legislative Intern

• Helen Argraves, Legislative Intern, University of Vermont
  

9:30 AM

House Floor

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

ABC and Vermont Academy for Construction Excellence

Introduction to Committee Members

• Matt Musgrave, Vermont Regional Director, Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT
  
• Jon Pizzagalli, Chair of Board of Directors, Vermont Academy for Construction Excellence
  

1:45 PM

Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation

Introduction to Committee Members

• Frank Cioffi, President, Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation
  

2:30 PM

Associated General Contractors of Vermont

Introduction to Committee Members

• Sarah Mearhoff, Director of Advocacy and Communications, Associated General Contractors of Vermont
  

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Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:15 AM

Vermont National Guard

Introduction to Committee Members

• Gregory C. Knight, Adjutant General, Vermont National Guard
  

10:00 AM

House Floor & Caucuses

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

Tax Increment Financing and Strategic Projects for Advancing Rural Communities

Discussion on TIFs and SPARC.

• Ted Barnett, Fiscal Analyst, Joint Fiscal Office
  
• Jake Feldman, Senior Fiscal Analyst, Department of Taxes
  
• Gary Fox, Development Director, Town of Rockingham
  
• Joan Goldstein, Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
  
• Joseph Gunter, Town Manager, Town of Fair Haven
  
• Jessica Hartleben, Executive Director, Vermont Economic Progress Council
  
• Brett Long, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
  
• Scott Pickup, Municipal Manager, Town of Rockingham
  

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.124 - An act relating to the Commissioner of Financial Regulation and an annual supervision and regulation report

Walk-through and Testimony

• Sandy Bigglestone, Acting Commissioner, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Emily Brown, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Christine Brown, Director of Captive Insurance, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Doug Hoffer, State Auditor, State Auditor's Office
  
• Rep. Monique Priestley, Sponsor, House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
  
• Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

10:05 AM

H.137 - An act relating to the regulation of insurance products and services

Amendments

• Sandy Bigglestone, Acting Commissioner, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Emily Brown, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Todd Daloz, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, Attorney General's Office
  
• Aaron Ferenc, Deputy Commissioner of Banking, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• David Fifer, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Rocket Mortgage
  
• Robin Imbrogno, Founder and CEO, The Human Resource Consulting Group, LLC
  
• Chris Rice, Lobbyist, MMR
  
• Maria Royle, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Secretary of State Corporate Division Proposal Walk-Through

• Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Secretary of State, Secretary of State's Office
  
• David Hall, Director of Business Services, Secretary of State's Office
  
• Neal Rhodes, Business Services Specialist II, Secretary of State's Office
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

10 Minutes After the Floor

Move Forward Together Vermont

Introduction to Committee Members

• Jackie Dagger, Program Manager, Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative
  

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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Educator Workforce Development

Federal SAEF Grant, Pilot Registered Apprenticeship Program, Alternative Teacher Licensure Program.

• John Castle, Executive Director, Vermont Rural Education Collaborative
  
• Andrew Prowten, Assistant Director, Educator Quality Division, Agency of Education
  
• Jay Ramsey, Director of Workforce Development, Vermont Department of Labor
  

11:00 AM

Vermont Community Broadband Board

Introduction to Committee Members

• Robert Fish, Deputy Director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board, Department of Public Service
  
• Christine Hallquist, Executive Director, Vermont Community Broadband Board
  
• Herryn Herzog, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Vermont Community Broadband Board
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Let's Build Homes Tax Increment Financing Proposal

This is a joint hearing with House Committee on General and Housing held in Room 267 of the Pavilion. This will be live streamed on House General and Housing's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@VTHouseGenAndHousing

• Charlie Baker, Executive Director, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission
  
• Zeke Davisson, Chief Operating Officer, Summit Properties
  
• Michael Gaughan, Executive Director, Vermont Bond Bank
  
• Miro Weinberger, Executive Chairperson, Let's Build Homes
  
• David White, President, White & Burke Real Estate Investment Advisors, Inc.
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 14, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Field Trip - North Country Union School District

209 Veterans Ave, Newport, VT 05855

11:00 AM

Field Trip - Track Inc.

172 Bogner Dr, Newport, VT 05855

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Lunch

After Lunch

Field Trip - Galvion

30 Industrial Dr #10, Newport, VT 05855

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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

H.137 - An act relating to the regulation of insurance products and services

Amendments

• Emily Brown, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Jennifer Carbee, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel
  
• Chris D'Elia, President, Vermont Bankers' Association
  
• Aaron Ferenc, Deputy Commissioner of Banking, Department of Financial Regulation
  
• Sara Teachout, Director, Government, Public and Media Relations, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont
  

10:00 AM

House Floor & Caucuses

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

Advance Vermont Presentation

Discussion on Budget

• Tom Cheney, Executive Director, Advance Vermont
  

2:00 PM

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

Discussion on Budget

• Scott Giles, President, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
  
• Patrick Leduc, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
  
• Thomas Little, General Counsel, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
  

3:00 PM

Vermont Community Action Partnership

Discussion on Budget

• Matthew DeGroot, Lobbyist, Action Circles
  
• Rosie Gray, Financial Securities Specialist and Business Coach, Capstone Community Action
  
• Liz Scharf, Director of Community Economic Development and Food Security, Capstone Community Action
  

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

Vermont Fairs

VT Fairs Day

• Jackie Folsom, Lobbyist, VT Agricultural Fairs Association
  
• Lonna Kantorski, Vermont State Fair
  
• Cindy Kayhart, President, Addison County Fair and Field Days
  
• Tim Shea, Executive Director, Champlain Valley Exposition
  
• Jason Sicard, President, Orleans County Fair
  
• Chris Vance, President, Caledonia County Fair
  

9:30 AM

Government of Canada

Introduction to and Discussion with Committee Members

• Bernadette Jordan, Consul General of Canada, Canadian Embassy
  
• Maggie Randall, Public and Government Affairs Attaché, Québec Government Office in Boston
  
• Meaghan Sunderland, Head of Public Affairs, Political and Economic Relations, Canadian Embassy
  

10:10 AM

Upcoming Career Technical Education Bill

Discussion on CTE from 10:10-2:50pm with a break for lunch from 12:00-1:00pm.

• Jody Emerson, Director and Superintendent, Central Vermont Career Center
  
• Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principals' Association
  
• Erika Schneider, Director, Hartford Tech Center
  

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Upcoming Career Technical Education Bill

Discussion on CTE from 10:10-2:50pm with a break for lunch from 12:00-1:00pm.

• Seth Bowden, President, Vermont Business Roundtable
  
• Jody Emerson, Director and Superintendent, Central Vermont Career Center
  
• Patrick Guckin, Director of Career and Technical Education, St. Johnsbury Academy
  
• Chelsea Myers, Executive Director, Vermont Superintendents Association
  
• Erik Remmers, Director, Green Mountain Tech
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Thursday, February 20, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

9:00 AM

NEK Day

Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce

• Abigail Long, Executive Director, Kingdom Trails Association, East Burke
  
• Jon Ramsay, Executive Director, Center for an Agricultural Economy
  
• Mike Reddy, Board Member, Headwaters Community Trust, Northeast Kingdom Organizing
  
• Cynthia Stuart, Owner, Stuart Consulting
  
• Loralee Tester, Executive Director, Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce
  
• Rick Ufford-Chase, Executive Director, Newport City Downtown Development
  

10:30 AM

Joint Assembly

Election of Sergeant at Arms and UVM Trustees

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Lunch

1:00 PM

Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Discussion on Budget

• Melissa Bounty, Executive Director, Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation
  
• Alex Farrell, Commissioner, Department of Housing and Community Development
  
• Joan Goldstein, Commissioner, Department of Economic Development
  
• Peter Gregory, Executive Director, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission
  
• Tom Kennedy, Director of Community Development, Mount Ascutney Regional Commission
  
• Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  
• Tim Tierney, Director of Recruitment and International Trade, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
  
• Weiwei Wang, Co Founder and Executive Director, Vermont Professionals of Color Network
  

3:00 PM

House Floor

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Friday, February 21, 2025

Meeting Details

Hearing Type

Standard

Meeting Record

8:45 AM

Meeting with Interns

Meeting with UVM Legislative Intern

• Helen Argraves, Legislative Intern, University of Vermont
  

9:30 AM

House Floor

10 Minutes After Floor

H.137 - An act relating to the regulation of insurance products and services

Amendments

• Mike Fisher, Chief Health Care Advocate, Vermont Legal Aid
  

11:00 AM

Department of Labor

Discussion on Unemployment Insurance for Federal Employees

• Michael Harrington, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Labor
  

-

Lunch

1:00 PM

Serve Learn Earn

Discussion on Budget

• Rhoni Basden, Executive Director, VT Works for Women
  
• Kate Gluckman, Director, Serve Learn Earn
  
• Kim Guertin, Director, Green Mountain Audubon Center, Audubon Vermont
  
• Breck Knauft, Executive Director, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
  
• Thomas Longstreth, Executive Director, ReSOURCE
  

2:00 PM

Free Degree Promise

Introduction and Discussion

• Carolyn Weir, Executive Director, The McClure Foundation
  

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