The Basics
Give power to your voice!
Civic engagement – in whatever form is right for you – is essential to a well-functioning government. So, for starters, thank you for visiting my website to learn more. You’re engaged! You have a voice, and when that voice is heard by your legislative representatives, the opportunity to help shape your own future.
There are many ways to become involved, but it can be as simple as a conversation, email, or phone call to your legislature. However you choose to become engaged, don’t miss out on the chance to be heard.
I have had many conversations in the short time since I started my run for office, and I have come to learn that just how our government works for us isn’t always clear. So, let me share a bit on just what my role would be if given the opportunity to serve you in Montpelier as State Representative for Colchester’s Chittenden-20 district.
What does a State Representative do?
State representatives are members of the House of Representatives. The House and Senate make up the legislative branch of state government, with the responsibility to make laws, set tax rates, and make spending and funding decisions. Each January through mid-May, the Vermont legislature considers hundreds of legislative proposals (bills) as part of this work.
When it comes time for your legislators to discuss and vote on bills, it is essential that they know what is important to you and our community. That is why it is vitally important that you share your stories and experiences with your representative. I intend to take what I learn from my Colchester neighbors and give voice to your stories, experiences, concerns, and hopes in Montpelier.
How does a bill become a law?
For those who remember the Schoolhouse Rock video “I’m Just a Bill,” the explanation to follow might not be as fun, but bear with me. The path a bill takes to become a law has several important steps, each creating an opportunity for input and voices to be heard.
Laws begin as ideas and become written bills.
A proposed bill is sponsored by a member of a legislature chamber (House or Senate).
After a bill is introduced, it is referred to a committee for study and consideration.
A bill can be passed out of committee by a majority vote, read, and amended two more times.
After three readings, a bill can pass by majority vote to the next chamber (House or Senate).
The second chamber discusses the bill and has an opportunity to propose amendments.
If the two chambers are unable to agree, they enter a committee of conference (smaller, appointed group) and further discuss the bill, ultimately leading to a vote.
If both chambers agree and pass the bill, the final version goes to the Governor to sign or veto.
If the Governor vetoes the proposed bill, the House and Senate can overturn the vto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.
If the Governor signs the proposed bill, allows it without signature, or the chambers successfully override a veto, the bill becomes an official law of Vermont and is assigned an act number.
Click here to see an infographic created by the State of Vermont that provides a visual for how the process works.
How to stay informed and connected:
Visit the Vermont legislature’s website for a great resource to keep track of what is happening – the bills being considered, their progress, and how legislators are voting. At this site, you can also find links to watch or listen live as legislative committees and the House and Senate meet. Want to learn more about existing laws? You’ll find that here as well!
As we all know, there is a lot going on right here in Colchester that impacts our lives each day. To learn more about our town government, visit Colchester’s website.
Most importantly, stay in touch!
Please reach out if you would like to discuss how to get more involved, have any questions about the role of a state representative, or would like to discuss issues that are important to you.
A special shout out to Representative Monique Priestly, whose website inspired me to include my own passion for civic engagement!