Rep. Phil Pouech

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public prekindergarten education program in Vermont, making full-day early education available to three- and four-year-old children and five-year-olds not yet in kindergarten. It creates a new Department of Economic Empowerment by reorganizing the Department for Children and Families, adds a second Deputy Secretary to the Agency of Education with specific qualifications, and provides property tax exemptions for child care providers. The legislation also expands eligibility and payment rates for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, creates a new Noncitizen Child Care Assistance Program, and introduces grants to support child care workforce retention.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Vermont Pension Investment Commission to review and divest state pension funds from investments in the fossil fuel industry. It directly affects the Vermont State Employees' Retirement System, the State Teachers' Retirement System, and the Municipal Employees' Retirement System. The Commission must complete an initial review by August 2023, submit a divestment plan by November 2023, and finish divesting fossil fuel holdings by December 2030, with annual progress reports required until 2031. The legislation defines fossil fuel companies based on reserves, coal plant ownership, core business activities, and revenue sources, while prohibiting new fossil fuel investments after July 2031. The bill also appropriates $100,000 in FY 2024 to support the planning and reporting process.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to ban the retail sale of flavored cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes, and flavored e-liquids in Vermont, directly affecting tobacco retailers and consumers. It expands existing laws on tobacco product seizure and destruction to include e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and related paraphernalia, while directing the Attorney General to report on the legal scope of advertising and labeling restrictions for vaping products. The legislation defines "tobacco substitutes" to include electronic vaping devices and clarifies that only FDA-approved cessation products would be exempt from the ban.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to gradually implement Green Mountain Care, a publicly financed health care program for all Vermont residents, over a ten-year period. It would begin with primary care coverage in the first year, add preventive dental and vision care in the second year, and expand to additional services in subsequent years based on recommendations from an advisory group. The legislation requires the Green Mountain Care Board to analyze and report on financing sustainability, economic impact, and cost containment measures before full implementation. It also seeks a federal waiver to adjust health insurance benefits and funding to avoid duplication with Green Mountain Care coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors organizations and individuals working to improve rural broadband access in Vermont. It recognizes the Communications Union Districts (CUDs) and related groups like the Vermont Communications Union Districts Association and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for their efforts in building broadband networks. The resolution acknowledges past legislative actions that created funding and oversight structures to support these broadband initiatives. It does not change any laws or policies but serves to formally recognize the achievements of these groups in expanding internet access to over 200 municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits operating motor vehicles with inadequate or modified exhaust systems, such as those lacking interior baffles, gutted mufflers, or amplification devices, on Vermont highways. It directly affects vehicle owners and drivers by requiring their vehicles to meet specific mechanical noise standards. The law allows exceptions for vehicles used in authorized public racing or speed demonstrations and prevents non-compliant vehicles from passing state inspections. Violations carry escalating civil penalties ranging from $100 for a first offense to $350 for subsequent violations, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Vermont's Agency of Transportation to develop a funding plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding access to efficient, low-cost transportation options. It establishes a working group to study regional climate initiatives and implements a self-funded fee system that charges higher fees for less efficient vehicles while rebating funds to owners of more efficient cars. The legislation also allocates money for electric vehicle incentives, e-bike programs, public transit improvements, and infrastructure updates, while requiring the agency to work with Amtrak and provide training on complete streets design to municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect the academic freedom of public educators in Vermont by affirming their right to teach about gender identity and systemic and structural racism. It directly affects teachers and school staff in the state's public education system. The legislation would establish legal protections ensuring educators can address these topics without facing retaliation or censorship. The bill is currently in its early stages and has been referred to the Committee on Education for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Affordable Heat Act, which establishes a Clean Heat Standard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating in Vermont's residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The program requires energy companies and heating fuel sellers to earn tradeable clean heat credits by delivering low-carbon heating technologies, efficiency improvements, or weatherization services to customers. The Public Utility Commission will manage the credit system and ensure the program protects low-income households and minimizes costs for all energy users.