Devoted to Vermonters

2023-04-19

Dear friend,

There is a lot of ceremony in the Legislature.

For example, we pledge allegiance to the flag every Tuesday morning, usually led by an 8th-grade page.

We start our work for the day with three to five minutes of contemplation, in the form of a Devotional reading or musical piece.

We pass laws not to solve a specific problem in the state, but simply to honor the hard work of good Vermonters -- like 2023-04-19

When a constituent, family member, or neighbor of a Representative attends a House session in the gallery, they may be introduced from the House floor by their Representative. The Speaker of the House then invites the entire House to "Welcome the guest of the member from [town]." The guest(s) stand, we applaud.

I've never been a big ceremony guy, but this stuff makes my vision-glands start to water. There is a lot going on in the State House. It's easy to swept up in it. These moments of grace in honor of real Vermonters remind us why we're here.

A recent Devotional from some young Vermonters.

You can also tune in at home! Two exciting ceremonies this week for Halifax and Windham County:

--Today, April 19, Halifax resident Wyn Cooper, a poet and Halifax resident, will read today's House Devotional. Floor starts at 1 p.m.

--Tomorrow, April 20, Laura and Lewis Sumner and their children are planning to be in attendance, and H.C.R. 42 will be read in their honor. Floor starts at 1 p.m.

Watch live or stream later on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VTHouseOfReps/streams​

While you're on YouTube, hit the "subscribe" button and tune in for some policy debates:

--S.5 - The Affordable Heat Act, will be on the House floor for the first time tomorrow. Signs point to interesting.