Legislative Update No. 1

New Contact information

ecarris-duncan@leg.state.vt.us

115 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05633-5301

(802) 828-2228

Room 35

Committee webpage

Swearing In:

The Legislative session stated on January 8th. I had been generally calm in the lead up as I tried to tighten up loose ends. But on the evening of the 7th my nerves hit me full force. I couldn’t sleep in this new tiny twin bed. I stayed up thinking about stepping into these shoes filled by some amazing community members like Tristan Roberts, John Gannon, Dave Larsen, and the incomparable Ann Manwaring. My only hope was and is to deliver to the community the thoughtfulness and knowledge that my predecessors have done.

When the 8th came around it my stomach was still in knots but I had an eager sense of calm or confident excitement. I was amazed by how comfortable I felt in those uncomfortable seats on the House floor. I’m so grateful for the Snelling Center’s orientation back in Nov. It really prepared us for the first day.

Swearing in was such special experience personally. As many folks know my dad, Bill was in the Senate on the Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs. My parents made the nearly 2 hour trip to be in the chamber for the swearing in. Along with Corey, my cousin and her wife. It meant so much to have this common experience with a parent. To share so directly in the stewardship of Vermont. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to keep watch.

Going Forward

Yesterday January 20th in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. I, along with fellow House Member Will Greer (Benn-2) and VTRC Commissioner Mia Schultz, had the opportunity to meet with student members of VSARN (Vermont Student Anti Racist Network). These courageous, thoughtful young people are ready to take on the challenges that face us as a state and a nation. They want to find smart, forward looking, inclusive solutions to the biggest hurtles that face us like housing, disability rights, education, and criminal justice. In fact one student named said emphatically that the youth are “…not the leaders of tomorrow, we are the leaders of today!” Their determination and eagerness is fortifying as we face some potentially chilly headwinds. I look forward to working with my colleagues to create a landscape that nurtures these young leaders.

This Week

This week January 21st will find the committee talking to a variety of agencies and organizations to continue our study of the Vermont’s overall commerce picture. We’ll be talking to Dept of Labor, Vermont Student Assistance Corp (VSAC), UVM, Vermont Professionals of Color Network, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Agency of Natural Resources and more. You can find more information here

Committee Assignment

I’ve found myself on the Commerce and Economic Development Committee. I’m very excited for this assignment. The commerce committee is responsible for 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.

From what I heard on the campaign trail this feels very in line with the needs of our community. This committee will help us grow into the vibrant flourishing community that we’re working so hard for. Please tell me what projects and ideas you have so I can start making connections. Its a great opportunity to strengthen the work that our businesses and civic organizations are doing particularly with workforce development. I’m also looking forward to working on consumer fraud and protection My hope is to connect with programs and service providers who don’t know about the good work being done in the Valley in order to galvanize resources for our community.

In the coming weeks I’ll be adding a resource section to my website to provide access to information as I get it.

Committee Priorities

Thank you for your continued support

Emily