A New Year, Biennium and State Representative
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: JANUARY 4, 2021
On Wednesday, January 6th, the Vermont legislature will remotely convene to begin the 2021-2022 biennium. I am excited to take my oath of office and get to work advancing many of the issues you all raised with me during the campaign. We talked about stronger protections and support for workers as we navigate the pandemic, real paid family leave, affordable quality child care and a vibrant education system.
We also talked about the urgent need to understand how systemic racism, bias and marginalization permeates our community. Many of you named the need to acknowledge and improve the disproportionate negative outcomes for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in our health care, education and economic systems.
Policy making improves when constituents engage elected leaders and elected leaders engage their communities. I will ask and keep asking who benefits? Who is harmed? Who is missing in the conversation? I will need YOUR input and ideas to help answer these questions and to better inform policy discussions. Please do not be shy in reaching out to me. I proudly work for you.
A virtual legislative session means more access (#thanksCOVID) and transparency in the policy process. You can find daily calendars, search bills by topic, and find loads of useful information here. If there is an issue you are interested in, please let me know and I will do my best to keep you updated and/or point you in the right direction.
I also offer you the following ways to connect with me in the coming weeks:
Opening Day of the Biennium - - January 6th, 10am. Join me and all of our elected state leaders for the General Assembly’s opening ceremony. You can watch the proceedings on the Vermont House of Representatives YouTube channel here.
First Event - - Conversation on Senior Housing, January 8th, 3-4pm. We will be joined by advocates on senior issues and staff from Cathedral Square. Open to any Burlington resident. For this event, email me for the Zoom link.
Save the Date - - Second Tuesday and Fourth Sunday Coffee/Teas with Emma. Join me for my first one on Tuesday, January 12th from 8-9am (RSVP here) and again on Sunday, January 24th from 4-5pm (RSVP here). Bring your ideas, questions and concerns. Learn the latest news from the legislature. I will offer policy themes to keep things interesting. BYO coffee or tea.
Regular Weekly Updates - I will use the Chittenden 6-2 area Front Porch Forums, the monthly Ward 2/3 and Ward 4/7 Neighborhood Planning Assemblies, or my social media (Instagram or Facebook at @emmaforvthouse or my new legislative social media handle @staterepemma) for regular written/verbal updates.
Individual Chats. You can also call or email me directly for any help navigating state government or accessing services.
One final thought. There will be a strong desire by some to return to “normal” in Vermont after this pandemic ends. Yet, we know the status quo prior to the pandemic did not work for many Vermonters. We must open up policy conversations and invite new thinking that rebuilds a more inclusive and responsive Vermont where everyone can thrive. It is time to challenge “third rail” thinking where certain policy items are untouchable, too complicated, or too political. Legislators owe it to our fellow Vermonters to offer bold thinking and new ideas. I ran for office to be part of that kind of work.
I look forward to serving you.
Peace,
Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, State Representative Elect Chittenden 6-2 (Old North End/New North End) emulvaneystanak@leg.state.vt.us 802-448-0838 Social Media @emmaforvthouse
Picture description: A picture of me (white, brown-haired woman with glasses and red lipstick wearing a navy blue dress, hand on hip, standing in front of the Vermont Statehouse. The Statehouse is a light gray granite building with columns and a bright golden dome against a blue bird sky.
