Rep. Emilie Kornheiser

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors Vermont television journalist Stewart Ledbetter for his 40 years of news reporting. The bill formally recognizes his career achievements, including his work as a news director, political campaign moderator, and recipient of multiple broadcast awards. It directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Ledbetter and WPTZ, the television station where he worked.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a new Vermont personal income tax on unrealized gains for wealthy individuals, requiring those with net worths of $10 million or more to pay tax on 50% of the increase in value of their assets each year. The tax applies only to the portion of gains up to 10% of the taxpayer's net assets exceeding $10 million, and losses from these deemed sales can be carried forward indefinitely but may be refunded after two consecutive years of losses. The legislation establishes specific rules for adjusting the basis of assets to reflect gains and losses, including provisions for related-party transactions and temporary residents with substantial presence in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a 3% surcharge to the personal income tax for Vermont residents with federal adjusted gross income of $500,000 or more. The surcharge would apply in addition to existing taxes and be collected using the same process as current personal income taxes. The threshold amount would be adjusted annually for inflation based on established procedures. The bill would take effect retroactively starting January 1, 2024, and applies to taxable years on and after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program, which would require fossil fuel companies that operated in Vermont between 2000 and 2019 to pay for their share of climate change costs. The program targets entities involved in extracting coal, oil, or natural gas, charging them based on how much greenhouse gas their products contributed to global emissions. Money collected from these payments would go into a dedicated fund to finance climate resilience projects like flood protections, upgraded infrastructure, and health programs addressing climate-related health risks. The law defines specific types of infrastructure projects eligible for funding and establishes rules for determining which companies must pay and how much they owe.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Transportation Infrastructure and Resiliency Act of 2024, directs state funding and policy changes to improve roads, support electric vehicle adoption, and enhance transportation options across Vermont. It increases funding for road repair programs, provides grants for eBike and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and establishes new rules allowing property owners to install charging stations. The legislation also expands funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, creates a plan for carsharing expansion, and requires the state to develop new revenue sources for transportation and environmental initiatives. Additionally, it allows certain areas to set speed limits below 25 mph and mandates reporting on electric vehicle outreach efforts and charging station availability.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally honors Richard DeGray for his volunteer work beautifying downtown Brattleboro with flowers. The resolution recognizes DeGray's decade-long effort to maintain over 200 flowerpots and plants, which he waters daily before dawn during warmer months. It also acknowledges Ahmed Rashed of Rashed's Garden Center as a primary supplier for the project's gardening materials. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this resolution to both DeGray and Rashed as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont municipalities to receive reimbursement for state education property taxes they abated for property owners affected by severe storms and flooding between July and October 2023. It also permits municipalities to be reimbursed for reasonable interest expenses incurred when borrowing funds to make these tax payments, capped at eight percent. Additionally, the bill excludes federal disaster relief payments from household income when calculating the homestead property tax credit for the 2023 and 2024 tax years, helping homeowners maintain eligibility for tax credits despite receiving disaster assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act to create a statewide framework for conserving Vermont's natural landscapes and protecting biodiversity. It defines three types of protected land areas - ecological reserve areas, biodiversity conservation areas, and natural resource management areas - and sets conservation goals to protect 30 percent of the state's land by a specified target date. The legislation requires the state to prioritize conservation efforts that maintain connected ecosystems, support sustainable land management practices, and ensure access to land for Indigenous peoples and historically marginalized communities. By creating these protections, the bill aims to help Vermont address climate change impacts, reduce flood risks, and preserve natural habitats while balancing conservation with housing and economic development needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally approves amendments to the Town of Brattleboro's charter that were previously approved by voters in March 2019. The changes establish new election rules that allow 16- to 18-year-olds, known as youth voters, to participate in local elections alongside regular voters. Key provisions include creating a Representative Town Meeting with up to 140 members elected by district, establishing a five-person Selectboard, and implementing early voting options for youth voters. The bill also defines the roles and terms of various elected positions, including school directors and Town Meeting members, while clarifying that youth voters have the same rights and responsibilities as adult voters once elected to office.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Vermont. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Jewish communities in the state. The measure acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to Vermont and the nation, noting their early settlement and ongoing cultural significance. It does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of Jewish heritage and history.