Speaker, chief justice, members of the General Assembly, honored guests and fellow vermont people, today i welcome the opening of the legislative session, with the same optimism i had as a freshman senator from washington, nearly two decades ago. I come before you to report on the state of the state, the reflection on the work weve done, a share of asian and priorities for a future. And elected, officials is our duty to distinguish what must be done, from what we might like to do,. To work together, polling in the same direction, and make a difference for those we serve. We meet at a time in our nations history were too many elected officials on both sides, are choosing confrontation and partisan politics, over collaboration me. Enter we are here for the climate emergency. Youre calling on everyone to help. Listen to the people this into the people. Enter prepare young people for the climate crisis. Enter Climate Change destroys the economy. Climate change destroys the food system. Everyone must tell the truth. About the climate emergency. Based on real science. Enter these are presumably protesters from Extinction Rebellion. Me enter help the most vulnerable people. Listen to the people enter there are acquirement problems in vermont right. Now whats left of vermont dairy industry. We demand a change enter are demanding a milk with dignity pledge. There are climate refugees right now maintaining vermonts dairy industry. Im afraid im going to die. We have the right to a livable future. And for children. And our childrens children. Listen to the people. We demand a peoples assembly. To oversee the changes. We need to achieve just transition. Through the climate crisis. Because we are on able to trust the government to do so. Listen to the people. Enter Racial Justice is climate justice. Listen to the people. We demand access to land. Went to use for dairy and agriculture. We need to create food systems. In our communities. To address good economic security. For those who live here. In those who are seeking refuge. Listen to the people. Enter now listeners i dont know how much you can. Here many of them are wearing. Brad they are flying in Extinction Rebellion played. That is being taken away by members of the staff of the sergeantatarms. Clearly there has been a message bob that these protesters should be allowed to continue what they are saying. And we will have more coverage of this that the pr for people who cant hear all of what they are saying. I dont want people to think they wont be getting a sense of what these protesters are saying. Governor scott listening here watching them. The Capital Police made a very interesting decision to let this protest play out. Rather than try to go in and physically remove people from the building. The question will be how long will they remain tolerant of. This protests before they actually decide to move into. Something interesting to hear this protest. And to see the listeners. Lets listen a bit. More land based on real science. Okay thank you very much. We appreciate that. Enter and now its time for you to listen to us. We got it. Enter our climate refugees in vermont right now. Whats left of the vermont darien disagree. All right. Have we had enough . Okay. So at this point we are going to move forward. If you would like to listen to us. Listen to my speech. You are welcome to stay. Enter if you dont want to listen to what i have to say. You can be removed. Enter listen to the people. Tenth lead man the peoples assembly. And oversee the changes needed to achieve a just transition. Okay i, think weve had enough law. Chamber will please come to order. There are guests in the balcony and in the gallery. Please listen to this final offer. We have to proceed with the governor speech. You have given your message and the governor has been graceful, as says everybody here to listen. If necessary i will have to declare a recess. And i will ask the sergeant of arms, and these forces to remove you. Enter the General Assembly will now be in recess until the fall of the gavel. I would ask the sergeant at arms and the sergeantatarms support dip ways you move these individuals from the chamber. In order to hear the governors remarks. Thank you. Law in a determined hands of our entrepreneurs, and the persistent hands of our teachers, coaches, and mentors, its in the compassionate hands of family and friends, they helping hands of our neighbors, the state of the state, our values and identity, are guided by but ive never been defined by what happens in this building, its the people of vermont doing all they can, to lift each other, up we will shape our future, they define who we are, and all we can be, worldclass innovators, like doctor marjory meyer, i usually am medical center, who is a leader in the treatment of women, with opioid dependents, during pregnancy, entrepreneurs like all clark, whose company, is building electric aircraft, which will lead to a significant reduction in Global Carbon emissions, or the volunteer firefighters, who spend their thanksgiving day, cooking dinner for a mother under three children, stove caught fire, gloria powers from glover, who provided a home for nearly 400 foster children, over 25 years, at age 72, they are still giving, back volunteering at the local senior center, young justin sears, he wanted to do something nice for the kids in a school this holiday season, and raised over 1000 dollars, to buy is classmates launch, and in their cecilia hunt, from deer haven, who for nearly 40 years, donated so much of your time, to everything, from law drives, to food banks, shes made such an impact, that our community reached, out to let me know how much she means to them, and by the way, when my staff called her, to invite her here, she wouldnt accept credit for 40 years, she said, its only been 36. Friends, cecilia doctor meyer, korean justin, and members of the fire department, are here with us today, who stayed up the recognized. These people, and thousands, more those we hear about, and those we dont, remind, us that we are all part of something bigger, its in our pursuit of purpose, and in service dollars, that we find the best of ourselves, our communities, are stage in our nation. Nevertheless we face major challenges. These people from vermont show that in the hands of our, people doing all they, can every day, a state of the state, is strong. Inside this, building our job as public servants, is to do all we can, to ease their burden, and build on the strength, by setting clear priorities, and turning good ideas, into results, here is my biggest consider, here among, their own 55,000 fewer people, under the age of 45, and 44,000 more of the age of 65, they were in the year 2000, four, years we had more deaths than births, and see more people move out of vermont then in, and the impact is not the same in every community, we have to acknowledge the real and growing economic, disparity from region to region, think about this at the five town sits in the most growth in recent years, four of them, argument county, and in the past 12 years, only three counties, have added workers, the other 11, have lost a total, of about 18, 000, 18, 000, as more than the population of nearly every town or city in vermont, of the 180 legislators in this room, 106 of you, come from counties with law borders and as not the only area where you see disparity. From county to county, there is a huge gap, between home values Household Income average wage and so much more. Because of this across the state feeling the negative impacts of everything was from our schools and colleges to our, hospitals, and nursing homes. If we dont break this cycle our, institutions including state local government, ill be able to afford what they currently, do or what they would like to do in the future, costs will continue to rise much faster, than our tax this can sustain, my, friends this, is what a demographic prices looks, like into many places, in the lives of to many people from, vermont i see and feel the emotional and financial toll, of policies built for a few areas in the state they can afford them, when the rest of the state cannot, businesses, families, entire communities, doing their absolute best, to maintain budgets to meet their needs. The fewer options. You are people. And higher costs than they had last year. And the year before that. And the year before that. Sustainable Economic Growth has become too hard, and too rare, into many areas, its hurting people. Its regressive, its creating regional inequity its by far the biggest and most immediate challenge to our state the ability of government to help shape the future. We must act now to give the people of newport, harvard in springfield broader borough bennington, and every other regional emma cannot center, the tallies around, them the tools they need to survive, to grow, to thrive, but the self determination, and dignity, they each deserve. If we are willing to focus on doing the, work on carrying more about the details, then we do the talking points. If we can build consensus and trust, and avoid National Political agendas, deliberately designed to divide us, if we focus on the fundamentals, of better, more modern government, a stronger fiscal foundation, and policy thats truly equitable. Then our businesses in the economy will grow. But he more kids in or school, making our communities stronger and more resilient than ever before. Thats why, i had an open mind, and senators iraq in, Center Economic Development Committee had an idea that paid off, they said, remove workers can work from, anywhere so lets give them an incentive to work and live here in vermont, since then, weve received worldwide attention, more than 7 Million Dollars in free advertising, thousands of inquiries, 371 people, more than 68 communities across 13 counties. We receive criticism as, well folks who, said you know, ive been living here and dealing with high costs my entire life, where is my check . I get it. They are absolutely right, we urgently need to make vermont more affordable for, everyone across the state, but this program does help them, because bringing more people here reduces the tax burden, on the rest of us. Here are the facts, for one investment, the 500,000 dollars, based on vermonts average income, over 1 Million Dollars of tax revenue each year. This is a conservative projection. It does account for a higher than average income for new vermont or. The added benefit that comes along with more people buying goods and services from local businesses, we know this isnt the only answer, but this program is a small step, the affordability crisis, this isnt all were doing, at the same time we are strengthening training, internship and Apprenticeship Program for four monitors, we establish a first in the nation approach, make it easier for veterans to transition, were helping those in recovery, with other barriers to appointment, this year, in partnership with condos, lets further reduced hurdles and costs for a license professional, so we can bring more of them into the workforce. Our National Investments in training with an emphasis on the traits. And more incentives for young adults working families to stay or move here. Its also important for all of us to remember, over the last three years, whove taken steps to help for monitors keep more of what they earned, this includes removing attacks on social security, for a lower to modern income people from vermont, lowering income tight rates from across the, board significantly reducing the facts, bringing the estate tax more line with our neighbors, and more, but this is not enough. Overall taxes and fees are still growing fast, especially property taxes, and you can expect, additional targeted tax relief, in my budget. Because ultimately, we need to help people, in all parts of the state, move up the economic ladder, and address way to do this, is leveled economic playing field, and make vermont more affordable, for all families, in every business. Weve also expanded our view of education, because building the best Education System in the nation, is one of the greatest Economic Development tools we can ask for, rather than just thinking, k through 12, we broaden our focus, in cradle their career. Together, weve increased state funding for child care by about 10 Million Dollars and invested 5 million more, in Higher Education and added one point 5,000,004 career and creates training, we must move more quickly. The disparity from school to school, district his district, is a growing problem, its on fair to tax payers, its fundamentally unfair to our kids for their educational opportunities. And where they live. We need to be honest. The costs are riding, yet opportunities for too many kids, are declining into too many parts of the state. So a student performance, in areas like reading, reversing this trend has been a driving force in each of my education proposals. Each year my budget will once a hand increase investment, in the cradle the career continuum, who also support the work of the agency of education, to improve performance, if you are, were still willing to have a discussion on how to direct more of our current spending to our kids, instead of letting it be consumed by the growing inefficiency, of an outdated system law. In addition, i proposed here today, that we begin creating a universal after a school network, that ensures every child has access to enrichment opportunities, outside of current clasp room, to align the students day with the length of the, workday a few thoughts on this, first, its based on a successful model from iceland, focused on preventing kids to participate in after School Activities and, programs do better in school, and in life, think its you dont second, universal Program Expands choices for every kid, it doesnt limit them, it would be voluntary, those who currently go home to their families, or participated, drama, music sports, debates, are all the kids that used to work, and ill continue to do so, supports looking parents, by reducing the logistical and financial burden, back to school care. Finally, we are not recreating the wheel, but we are creating more equity, many schools already have afterschool options, there organizations like the ymca and others. Lets far from universal there are a lot of details to consider, on an issue like this, and i fully recognize, that is we put the many challenges, of act 46 behind us, on size will not fit all, hostage occasion her presents fifth, to give us some genuine consideration its my hope we can deliver, this, in a plan, by the hindu the here, they put this on a path of universal after School Programs without raising property tax rates. We also have a continue need for more housing, in 2017, we join me in passing at 37 Million Dollar housing bond, that is leveraging in the hundred seven, million making it the single largest investment in Affordable Housing the status, scene since, then nearly 400 homes have been completed. Another 175, are being built, at about 200 will be under way soon, with almost 800 units. We far exceeded our expectations. Its already generated 158 million, in Construction Activity with more to, come its not just the housing, because alongside additional initiatives, more than 2000 residential Building Permits were issued in 2018, the most in over a decade, those are the economic imbalance region to, region i still hear about the difficulty of finding an affordable place to live, as why my budget will include a package to revitalize, and build moored of them, targeted the places that need it most, this is an area, that we found common ground, i look forward to working with you on these proposals, as well as your ideas, i also appreciate, the sense of urgency, speaker johnson, and others have placed, on modernizing, it is necessary to build on this process, the balanced approach we are working on, oh be the concentrated development where people want to live and work, and when paired with my proposed investments in, housing and Economic Development, in her more liberal hope town towns and villages. It is a critical piece of our work to combat Climate Change. For these reasons im optimistic it important updates better meet the needs of four monitors, can be made. We know about half of the emissions that contribute to Climate Change. Come from transportation. Thats why we have also work together, to make it more affordable to purchase electric vehicles, this is something i am really excited about, as you may have heard, im a bit of a car guy, in fact im probably the only governor who has a sea, deal an expansion license, so when i see for, coming out with a 450 horsepower. Seriously, which will do zero to 60 in about 3. 3 seconds, with zero emissions followed by an electric f1 50 a jeep, and then you see harleydavidson offering electric motor cycles, and you see all of this. Its clear. This transition is happening right before our eyes. Were on the verge a big advances in terms of technology, as well as competition, we need to be part of it, to benefit our environment, and our economy, im pleased to report, we are making progress. In addition to the privately funded stations being installed, weve invested over 1 Million Dollar in charging equipment. With investments to both wagon settlement, we expect to nearly triple the number of state funded charging stations, by the end of 2020, to make tvs even more affordable, the lower modern income vermont tours, and provided 1 Million Dollars, in purchasing incentives, utilities, auto dealers, many employers, municipalities, individuals, have all stepped up alongside the government. Weve seen 100 60 increase in the number of ease in a, road we know this is not, enough or not stopping, here as part of the oil fields efficiency conversation, before the Public Utilities commission, were asking that report never efficiency charges, will be towards, were also using grants to purchase more electric school, and Public Transit buses, as we look even further, i strongly believe the incentives, not penalties, which will help us transition more quickly, i hear from vermont is across the state. Those traveling Long Distance are working out of necessity, not choice, and others, like those living on fixed incomes who struggle to fill the gas tanks, i simply cannot support proposals that will make things more expensive, a greater focus on affordable clean, energy as well as expanding our battery, Renewable Energy sector small corporate municipally utilities will have more flexibility in order to innovate, and clean energy to our 20 year one billion dollar clean water. Weve shown protecting our environment can be done in ways that also strengthen the economy, without making vermont less affordable for families and businesses. Now, were also strengthening the house in safety of our communities. We took a significant steps last year to protect, kids passing alleged electricity, and to ensure Drinking Water in every school in Child Care Center will be tested for lead. This work will continue. Yonder schools, many of you, we work diligence need to prove our Mental Health system, this includes having patient capacity which is credible to getting people they care they need when they need it. The budget i will submit will expand this work. And focus on prevention, early intervention, and Committee Level response. I know, for all concerned about the bribe this private student has been around. Making it one of the regions most important employers, but age and size, dont make it immune to the same demographic challenges others around the state are facing, just like the rest of us, it too needs to adapt. This health care provider, is simply too critical for us to let fail, especially with no alternative, this would have a devastating impact on our Mental Health system. In the regions economy. We all have a stake here. This last year we invested 4. 5 million. That combined with rate increases, totaled additional 16 million. Thats on top of tens of millions of medicaid funding. Thats why i directed my administration to work with you. To do everything we can responsibly. To help the retrieve. This is us doing everything we can to help springfield hospital, as well. Also proposed criminal justice reforms, that we share with members jurisdiction, will look at Little Things that make a big difference. Waving license reinstatement fees for suspended drivers. A better supporting inmates transition into the workforce, but also include some bigger changes. Like tough, mandatory minimums for human trafficking. A provision to address the loophole, that allows violent mentally ill offenders to go free. As we continue to create a more effective criminal justice system. We must remember, the justice for victims, accountability for criminals, must be top priority. Im grateful for this opportunity, to address our biggest challenges. Report on some of our progress, and outline a few of my proposals, its always much more happening, than can be covered in one speech. Or even to, look forward to all of our discussions, in the days and weeks ahead, over the next few months, away we go about our work. Not only determine the results were able to deliver. But also the strength of our institutions, the fate for monitors happiness. The, we set for our kids, we must acknowledge the trying times we live in. The pressure from political parties, and special interest, groups who fall in mind, stay on, message weighs heavily on some harness effort and thoughtful ideas from good people. Are too often mischaracterized, and misrepresented, and belittled, in all of this its intended to divide us and bolivia, into an us versus them mentality. In this environment, the solutions a Serious Problems in our state, and our country, dont always come fast enough, to those of us who care more about progress, than we do what political power it can be very frustrating, even discouraging. When those moments come. I think of the people that inspire me, to be part of something bigger, of what theyve endured, with courage and resolve, and how they show, in the face of incredible adversary, we are all capable of great things, people like my dad, i think of what he went through, this two years a wall to, read and how hard he, worked every day, just delivers normal life as he could, how much she accomplished, and how much i admire him, i think about the soldiers by them, after dday, all they went through, how long and horrific those days must have been. How that generation of americans stepped up, and protect democracy, for their generation, those of us who followed, i thought a lot about travis roy, who i heard speak last month, its town was recognized a young age, hockey was his life. Destined for the nhl, 24 years, ago he played exactly 11 seconds for boston university. Before going headfirst into the boards. Instantly, unable to move. From the knocked down. Travis has spent every moment since, ensuring those 11 seconds not a tragedy, as a result, he change the way the sport is taught, places like little fenway and as sticks, hes raised millions for spinal cord research. He shared historian found his purpose. And help others find, their travesties there are times where we choose our challenges, and other times where a simply choose us, is what we do in those challenges, the define who we are, from those who lost their challenge, who lost their daughter from a fatal overdose, she was only 20, six a truly tremendous lost, in the haze of unthinkable, grief they get up every day, and help others, you will be creating janice house the Community Hug for treatment, they purchased sarah cafe to avoid those and recovery, theyre providing Financial Assistance for housing transportation and so much more. They found purpose, from los, helping others to heal, friends, the family is here with us today, world war ii, world war ii p. O. W. , please join me in recognizing, were here to remind us that common cause is bigger than politics, theres no challenge, you cannot overcome, i think of these people, and others like it, just as eager to sell problems and help people, all these years back, inspired by those who, served and humbled by the responsibility we have given up, challenges are clear, and we work together, can we be guided by our shared principles and common values, can we reclaim the middle, partisanship cant survive, but we strive for consensus and celebrate compromised, my fellow from monitors, the answer to these questions, and the solutions we seek, the course we hope to set, the change we need to make, is in our hands, it for a sense of service, and duty is strong, if our commitment to our neighbors is unwavering, and if you remember, that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves, and the state of the state, our future, and our people, will be stronger than ever before went
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