Dear Editor,
I read in a recent VTDigger Final Reading column about how the Vermont House of Representatives had recently passed H.132, a vastly amended homeless bill of rights legislation (compared to the bill as originally introduced), which is now in the hands of the state Senate.
Afterward, I wrote to state Rep. Tom Stevens, chair of the House Committee on General and Housing, which had recently passed the bill out of its committee, to thank him, members of the committee and members of the House for the passage of the bill.
Many years ago, I had been among those who testified before the Committee on General and Housing, formerly the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs, concerning the need of a homeless bill of rights legislation and why its passage was so very crucial in addition to being sorely needed.
It is my hope that the state Senate will also pass the bill as passed by the House and that the governor will sign it into law.
For those who would also desire to have this bill passed by the Legislature and become law, please consider urging members of the state Senate to pass H.132 and, then, urge Gov. Phil Scott to sign the bill into law.
Although it goes without saying that the passage and the signing of this particular bill into law would merely be one small — yet crucial — step on behalf of those living unhoused within Vermont, in my opinion, it would still be an important and vital step taken.
It is hoped that other equally crucial, important and vital steps will continue to be taken to address the other very real and most urgent needs of people living unhoused and end homelessness within the state — sooner rather than later.
To help ensure that this hope will become a reality down the road, please urge members of the state Legislature and the governor to do so as well.
Morgan W. Brown
Montpelier
