Editor’s note: This commentary is by Rep.-elect John Killacky, a Democrat who will be one of four legislators from South Burlington in the Vermont House of Representatives. He was formerly the executive director of the Flynn Center.
[A]s one of the newly elected citizen legislators in Vermont, I had a busy four days of orientation last week along with 45 of my freshman colleagues: farmers, administrators, restaurateurs, librarians, policeman, ex-mayors, and more. Over two days, the Snelling Center for Government, Vermont Legislative Council, and Joint Fiscal Office introduced us to the process of committee structures, drafting bills and resolutions, budgeting, ethics, and logistics at the Statehouse. Speakers included legislators, members of the governor’s staff, and Supreme Court justices.
Another full day was spent with the entire House and Senate reviewing the state’s demographics, real estate trends, and revenue forecasts as well as updates on school consolidations and funding needs for water quality and liabilities for unfunded retirement commitments. Mental health workers discussed the continuing impact of the opioid epidemic. At lunchtime, the climate change caucus introduced new members to its agenda.
Finally, the entire Democratic caucus got together to elect our leadership, discuss what each of us have been hearing from constituents and to determine priorities for the upcoming session. Newbies like me and experienced legislators listened and learned from one another, strategizing how to build stronger, healthier communities. With solid majorities in both the House and Senate, comes responsibilities to develop an inclusive economy for all families. Partnering with the governor and coalitions with Republicans, independents, and Progressives will be crucial.
While the Democratic caucus was meeting, eighth-graders from around the state who were chosen as pages were being oriented prior to their six-week residency in the Vermont Statehouse. What fun it was to welcome them as future legislators.
There is much to learn, which is both exciting and daunting. As a citizen legislator, expertise from my nonprofit administrative experiences is in my wheelhouse, however, my job is to now learn what I don’t know to better represent my constituents and all Vermonters.
My new political pals and I have been meeting with workers and advocates for affordable housing, health care, human services, environment, workforce development, disability, education, and criminal justice systems. In other parts of the state, new legislators are delving into these and different issues.
Officially, swearing in is on Jan. 9, the opening day of the new session. We will then be given committee assignments determining my public service focus over the next months as programs, revenue and spending are put in place. I am grateful for the opportunity and still can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to work every day with such good people striving to make Vermont an ever better place for all to thrive.
