Global warming took center stage at the Vermont State House last week as legislators from both chambers focused their attention on the issue at a series of hearings intended to inform them of the consequences of a changing climate and steps a small state might consider in response. 

Eight committees of the House and Senate dedicated large chunks of their schedules to the hearings that also drew crowds of interested spectators from the public. Noted energy efficiency expert Amory Lovins capped the series of hearings with a well attended speech on Thursday.

Legislative leaders and Governor Douglas have cited the issue as a priority this year and are pondering incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as methods to encourage a developing industry in Vermont around efficiency and alternative energy.

While global warming captured the spotlight, legislative committees also began work on their respective areas of jurisdiction. Policy committees embarked on a heavy schedule of issue orientation and to educate new members and refresh returning members. Those orientations and updates for new and returning members will continue into this week also.

The House Health Care Committee last week revisited the Health Care Affordability Act (Catamount Health) that was passed last year and heard about the state’s Blueprint for Health and chronic care initiative. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee also received updates on last year’s health reform legislation and heard about the state’s Medicaid programs. Senate Finance heard updates from state agencies that regulate health care and insurance and public utilities.

Speaker of the House Gaye Symington (D-Jericho) announced committee assignments Tuesday. Following are assignments for committees responsible for health care policy:

•  COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE (Room 45)
Representative Maier of Middlebury, Chair
Representative Chen of Mendon, Vice-Chair
Representative Leriche of Hardwick, Clerk
Representative Copeland-Hanzas of Bradford
Representative Keogh of Burlington
Representative McCormack of Rutland City
Representative McFaun of Barre Town
Representative Milkey of Brattleboro
Representative O'Donnell of Vernon
Representative Ojibway of Hartford
Representative Wheeler of Derby

•  COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES (Room 46)
Representative Pugh of S. Burlington, Chair
Representative Fisher of Lincoln, Vice-Chair
Representative French of Randolph, Clerk
Representative Andrews of Rutland City
Representative Donahue of Northfield
Representative Frank of Underhill
Representative Haas of Rochester
Representative McAllister of Highgate
Representative Morrissey of Bennington
Representative Mrowicki of Putney
Representative Orr of Charlotte

NEW BILLS OF INTEREST:

S.21 Introduced by Senator Mullin of Rutland District

This bill proposes to allow small businesses that offer health insurance to all employees to purchase small group insurance even if less than 75 percent of the employees enroll in the employer’s plan.

S.24 Introduced by Senator Mullin of Rutland District

This bill proposes a number of changes related to medical malpractice actions.
For more information on legislative proposals, visit the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont website at www.bcbsvt.com or call Leigh Tofferi at (802) 223-6131 or Kathy Parry at (802) 371-3205. If you wish to discontinue receiving these updates or know of anyone else who would like to receive it, please call Kathy Parry or send an e-mail to parryk@bcbsvt.com