Current Use

Current Use is the tax policy which taxes land on its ‘use value’, not on its market value. It is credited with helping keep Vermont’s working landscape – its agricultural and forestry industries - viable.

In the bill we passed, we have strengthened Current Use by enhancing its financial sustainability, reducing abuse and raising the $1.6 million we need for the FY11 budget. We did this by:

1. Assessing a one-time fee of $128 dollars on each owner of land enrolled in Current Use. This will be collected as part of the property tax bills prepared for the 2010 tax year. This raises the $1.6 million for Vermont’s FY11 budget.

2. Putting the teeth back into the withdrawal penalty – the Land Use Change Tax. We re-established the original LUCT of 10% of the fair market value of the withdrawn parcel. This change is estimated to raise an additional $550,000 in education property tax for FY11. And, after 5-6 years it is expected to raise about $3.5 million dollars a year – which will be split 50-50 between the towns and the state.

3. People will be able to pull their entire parcels out of Current Use by September 1st and pay no penalty or pull out a portion of their land by November 1st and pay the current penalty rate.

4. Removing the preferential property transfer tax rate applied to enrolled land. Current Use land will now be subject to the same property transfer tax rate, 1.25%, as all other property transfers. This tax, paid by the buyers, will raise an additional $300,000 annually. It is hoped that these changes will help make this invaluable program more effective, efficient and sustainable.

Protecting bicycles riders

While Vermont is well known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, it fell in national ranking for bicycle tourism. This bill spells out safety rules for bikers. The bill will add tourism dollars to our state, as riders can more safely enjoy our beautiful landscape.

Moving the Primary

Election date Vermont received notice earlier this year that we were not in compliance with the federal election laws. Federal law requires that states send out absentee ballots 45 days before an election to overseas voters. Because we have a number of Vermont Guard soldiers serving overseas, the Primary date was changed to protect our soldiers’ ability to exercise their right to vote. With our largest deployment of soldiers since World War II the legislature felt it appropriate to move the primary election to the 4th Tuesday in August. This extra time will allow for receiving ballots from overseas in a timely manner so they are more likely to be counted. With the increased use of absentee ballots, those voters who are away or on vacation at the end of August can still cast their vote absentee. This bill is cost-neutral and definitely helps our overseas voters.

Protecting traditional

Vermont sports

The House originated three bills that are designed to encourage fishing and hunting. One of these was H.477, an act reauthorizing reciprocal fishing licenses on Lake Champlain.

We realize how important hunting is to the State’s economy and the problem of the declining number of hunters. H. 243, an act related to mentored hunting allows a licensed hunter to accompany a mentee on a hunt. It is designed to give prospective hunters an opportunity to try hunting before making the investment needed in equipment and hunter safety course. A great deal of responsibility is put on the mentor and considerable concern was voiced about safety. However, the experience of other states was that no serious safety issues had arisen.

Also an effort to increase the number of young hunters, H. 555 provides for a youth hunting weekend for deer and turkey. This bill was designed to give younger hunters a “first shot” at the available game in order to encourage them to continue to enjoy the sport.

The Capital Bill

The capital bill invests the state’s bonded dollars in state and municipal infrastructure. This year the $71 million to be invested will create jobs while improving government functions and facilitating future economic development. This legislation allocates funds to the construction or renovation of state buildings and parks, municipal water supply and wastewater treatment projects, rural fire protection, fish hatcheries, and environmental protection projects.

This year we will complete the construction of the new forensics lab in Waterbury and the Bennington state office complex will be renovated and rebuilt with a geothermal system for heating and cooling. Planning for a new state health lab in Colchester will move forward. Other major maintenance projects will be undertaken at state buildings and parks throughout the state.

Funding to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board for affordable and supportive housing projects is provided. We provide grants which to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to make investments in community infrastructure to support education, recreation, and cultural activities. Funding is allocated for the Vermont Telecommunications Authority to extend high-speed internet service throughout the state.

Protecting Vermonters

from toxic chemicals

The legislature has banned the manufacture, sale or distribution of several types of products containing Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a chemical used in manufacturing various hard plastics. Even low-dose exposure to BPA has been linked to delayed development, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and various other health issues. Young children, infants and fetuses are particularly susceptible to toxic damage. Beginning July 1, 2012, infant formula or baby food stored in a plastic container, jar, or can that contains BPA may not be sold in Vermont. Infant formula or baby food stored in a can that contains BPA may not be sold here starting in July 2014. Food or beverage containers intended for reuse such as baby bottles, sippy cups, and water bottles that contain BPA are prohibited in July 2012. Many stores already have stopped selling some of these items because safer alternatives are available. Contact:

maxjg@wcvt.com or 496- 7667.