It’s been an amazing experience representing my constituents as a city councilor and state representative at a time when progressive policies and values are more needed than ever. I am so grateful for all the support, encouragement and challenges that keep me doing this work. Thank you!
Burlington City Council
- The council’s Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization committee continues to work on housing with next steps in an Inclusionary Zoning review and approval of a draft Request for Proposals for a neighborhood stabilization project that will look at ways to re-balance neighborhoods with significant student housing.
- Along with councilors, police commissioners and advocates, I continue to work for more community engagement in discussions about oversight of our police department. Last month, the mayoral administration and majority of councilors opposed a resolution I co-sponsored that would have created a task force for input from representatives of marginalized communities. Rather than give up, the council’s Public Safety committee (under the leadership of Sara Moore Giannoni) is working collaboratively to build common ground with the administration and ensure a community input process that works for all.
- Don’t forget to vote on Town Meeting Day, March 7th! We’ll have an opportunity to weigh in on a school budget and capital improvement bond, a state $15 per hour minimum wage, councilor pay, district representation and a number of small charter changes. For more on the election, see https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/CT/Elections.
Vermont Statehouse
- I introduced H.333, a bill that would make all single-user restrooms in public places gender-free. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is rolling back student protections established under Obama, a move that will endanger the health and safety of our young people. Attorney General T.J. Donovan says Vermont will stand by a 2007 state law that prohibits gender identity discrimination and protect the trans community. With H.333 we also have an opportunity to expand common-sense, restroom access for all.
- I was thrilled to be assigned to the Judiciary committee in the Vermont House. I knew I had found the right home when we started the session working on a Sexual Assault Survivors’ bill of rights and related bills. In Judiciary we’re looking at important criminal justice reforms, including an immigration bill in response to Trump’s executive order, marijuana legalization, bail reform, and greater access to rehabilitation and restorative justice.
Events and Action
- Opioid Town Hall Meeting, March 16th, Contois Auditorium @ Burlington City Hall, 6 p.m. Come learn about the principles guiding Burlington’s response to the opioid crisis and share your concerns and solutions.
- Join me with the Vermont Sierra Club at a short film screening and discussion on how to protect bees from dangerous pesticides. March 15th, 6:30 p.m. Taplin Auditorium-Second Floor-CHRIST CHURCH | Episcopal, 64 State Street, Montpelier. Email robb.kidd@sierraclub.org for more information.
- Celebrate International Women’s Day, Saturday March 18th from 1-3 p.m. at the King Street Youth Center (87 King St.) in Burlington.
- Every Friday, Lt. Governor David Zuckerman holds a coffee with constituents from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the statehouse. All are welcome. Learn more about ways to get involved at http://ltgov.vermont.gov/.
Selene Colburn 