Washington-6

2017 Representing Calais, Marshfield & Plainfield

TOWN MEETING REPORT

Representative Janet Ancel

I am honored to represent the residents of Calais, Marshfield and Plainfield at the

State House. It is a particular privilege to represent so many who take the time to
become informed about issues and to share their thoughts and concerns. Thank
you for making your voice heard at Town Meeting and throughout the year.

This session can best be characterized by two words: change and uncertainty. We
have new administrations in Montpelier and in Washington, and new leadership in
the State House. Change by itself can create opportunities and we are considering
ways to invest in housing, higher education, child care, and clean water.

The shift in Washington has been dramatic and troubling. I am proud to join with a
tri-partisan group of elected officials, including Governor Scott and legislative
leaders, to stand against the most egregious proposals from Washington, in
particular resisting the Presidents illegal and wrongful ban on immigration. S.79,
which is now in the House, will provide some reassurance to Vermonters who feel
threatened by the national rhetoric on immigrants and refugees.

Janet

VERMONT BUDGET UPDATE
Governor Scott has signaled a significant shift in
priorities from his predecessor and in particular
has said he will oppose any increases in state
taxes or fees. The budget proposed by the
administration depends on increases in the
property tax and on changes in school finance
that take away local control and are likely
unconstitutional. Without the changes in school
funding, the proposed budget is out of balance
by $35-50 million.
We have a strong tradition in Vermont of
balancing our state budget. We are committed
to maintain that tradition and keep our focus on a and clothing and the tax credit for research and
strong, healthy future for Vermont.
Fees, on the other hand, are generally raised
through one time purchases and are directed to
pay for that service. Examples include storm
water discharge fees, underground gasoline tank
fees, Act 250 permit application fees and car
registration fees.
There are also many exceptions known as tax
expenditures, and sometimes referred to as a
shadow budget. These include tax credits,
deductions and exemptions and are found
throughout the tax code. Each tax expenditure
represents revenue that is not collected.
Examples are the sales tax exemptions on food
development.

We are closely monitoring potential budget cuts
the federal government may pass down. At the
same time were facing serious budget
challenges with our own state budget. The
uncertainty from Washington makes these
decisions all the more difficult.
The House Ways and Means Committee, the
committee I chair, is responsible for the
revenues of the state. Generally, tax bills start in
the House. Our committee is charged with
raising sufficient money to balance the spending
that the Appropriations Committee builds into the
state budget. The money raised fits into two
broad categories, taxes and fees. Taxes are
levied across entire classes of taxpayers.
Examples include all residential taxpayers, all
consumers of gasoline or all retail consumers.
Typically by Town Meeting break the committee
is deep into testimony on the annual Fee and
Miscellaneous Tax Bills, and preparing for
setting the statewide education property tax
rates. Instead, this year we have spent most of
our time considering requests for new tax
exemptions, funding for the water bill and better
sales tax compliance.
Vermont law requires the legislature to set
Vermonts statewide property tax rates to
support local school budgets passed by
Vermonters at town meetings. The House Ways
and Means Committee will propose a tax rate
based on locally passed budgets.

Rep. Janet Ancel

Chair, House Committee on Ways WWW.LEGISLATURE.VERMONT.GOV
& Means
PO Box 123
Calais, VT 05648
ACT 46
Along with many other House members, I
introduced a bill that would give districts more
time and flexibility in implementing Act 46. Many
Vermont towns will be voting on merger
proposals under Act 46 during Town Meeting
week. These new merged districts may achieve
the savings and better educational outcomes
,
that were anticipated in Act 46 I hope they do.
But, these decisions are much more difficult in
some parts of the state, whether because of
geographysize, school structure, or differences
in indebtedness. The State Board rules on
alternative structures make this situation worse
rather than better, greatly lessening the flexibility
that Act 46 originally intended.
Its still a long road to making the changes I
believe we need, but I will continue to work as
hard as I can to find a way to address the very
real challenges identified by the WCSU Act 46
Study Committee.
CALAIS CEMETERY COMMISSION
In late fall, members of the Calais Cemetery
Commission asked me to introduce two bills, one
dealing with burial depth and the other dealing
with investment of cemetery funds. The bills
were straightforward but generated a lot of
interest and thanks to great support from
members of the Cemetery Commission and
Calais community members, both have passed
the House and are now on their way to the
Senate.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS
The House has approved a revision to the
expungement statutes which would make it
easier for someone convicted of a specified list
of crimes to have their record expunged. This
will make a real difference in the lives of people
who have committed a crime, served their
sentence and have shown they are ready to
contribute to their community.
CONTACT ME
Email: janetancel@gmail.com
Phone: (802) 249-1660
Facebook: Rep. Janet Ancel
PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF JANET ANCEL. NO TAXPAYER DOLLARS WERE USED TO PRINT OR DISTRIBUTE THIS REPORT.
HOUSING
Housing has generated a lot of interest in the
legislature this year and we are likely to consider
bonding to raise $35 million to invest in low and
moderate income housing. This will be a boon
for families and for businesses who need a place
for employees to live. It will also increase
construction in the state and will therefore be a
boost to the states economy.
Interesting Facts About Vermont
Vermonts 3.1% unemployment rate was the
5th lowest in the country in 2016.
There are 2,300 more people employed in
Vermont than in 2015.
Vermont has the second lowest rate of
uninsured people at 3.7%
According to the Kaufman Foundation,
Vermont is rated the second-best state for
small businesses.
Approximately 70% of Vermont businesses
are small businesses.
The craft beer industry is worth $350 million
and growing in Vermont.
Vermont is the largest producer of maple
products in the USA.
Approximately 70% of Vermont businesses
are small businesses.
Visitors to Vermont attractions increased by
40,000 in 2016.
According to US News and World Report,
Vermont is one of the 10 best states in
America.
Bankrate.com said Vermont is the easiest
state in the country for first-time
homebuyers.