Dear Friends,

As always, it is my honor to represent you in the Vermont House of Representatives. This session continues to be unique as we try to get back to normal while meeting in a hybrid model. While far from ideal, we are still working hard dealing with the usual issues, namely the budget and policy matters that affect Vermonters every day.

The Governor presented his $7.6 billion budget proposal. We are very fortunate in that our state received large amounts of Covid relief monies and ARPA funds compared to our population. Key budget items are as follows: fully funding the state retirement and debt service obligations and maintains, or exceeds, statutory reserve requirements; provides over $48 million in tax relief to low and moderate income families, critical occupations, military retirees and students; makes major investments in workforce training and expansion through education, internships, and outreach; expands early care and learning subsidies for families and launches new initiatives to help those suffering from mental illness and addiction; and upgrades or replaces legacy software and equipment to deliver better, more timely information and services.  All of this will be accomplished without any new taxes or fees. The proposed budget heads to our House Appropriations Committee and will probably see several adjustments.

I serve on the House Committee on Education where we deal with Education policy. We have worked mostly on bills that fix language from previous legislation. We have also looked at budget proposals that would affect the Education Fund and the Vermont State College system as they change to Vermont State University. Schools have asked for no significant legislation that would affect our already struggling schools during the pandemic.

Every ten years the Vermont State Constitution requires the legislature to redraw legislative districts to align with the population of the state based on the US Census. It looks as though the current Franklin 3-1 district will look a little different for the next ten years. Franklin 3-1, the district I currently represent, will become a single member district composing of St. Albans City Wards 1-4 while Franklin 3-3 will also become a single member district composing of St. Albans City Wards 5 & 6 along with the section of St. Albans Town I currently represent with Hill Farm Estates. Please look for updated maps in the next coming months.

It has really been a sincere pleasure representing you in the Vermont House of Representatives over the last four years. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I am always here to listen. Feel free to contact me:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (802) 309-3522

Facebook: facebook.com/caseytoofvt

Twitter: @toofy26

Thank you for your continued support.

Best,

Representative Casey J. Toof

Franklin 3-1 St. Albans City & Town