government

Town Meeting TV talks with Vermont's Deputy Secretary of State Chris Winters about recent strides by Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) to reduce barriers to entry for licensed professionals in 50 professions and occupations, without sacrificing public protection.

Working with 12 other states, the Vermont SOS office has implemented: fast track licensing, credit for military experience, apprentice pathways, credential verification for new Americans, second-chance determinations for those with criminal convictions, the addition of compact licensing with 38 other states for nursing and digitization of the entire licensing process. The focus remains on public protection, understanding that licensing and enforcement of licensing standards benefits both the profession regulated and the consumers they serve.

For more information: sos.vermont.gov/opr

Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos is pleased to announce the dates and locations for his fifth biennial Transparency Tour. Throughout late October and November Secretary Condos will travel to several locations across Vermont to provide training and facilitate discussion on Vermont’s transparency laws, Vermont’s Public Records Act, and Open Meeting Law.

“The public’s right to know is enshrined in our Vermont Constitution,” said Secretary Condos. “Vermonters deserve openness and transparency in government. By educating municipal and state employees, elected officials, and engaged residents on the requirements of government under Vermont’s Open Meeting Laws and the Public Records Act, I hope to help government officials of all stripes better serve Vermonters.”

Government officials at all levels, from local volunteer board and commission members, to elected officials and state employees, and interested members of the public, are invited and encouraged to attend.

For the first time, this year’s Transparency Tour will include an overview of Vermont’s election procedures, and the steps the Secretary of State’s office is taking to ensure the integrity and security of our elections, titled “Defending Our Democracy.” With the 2020 elections just around the corner, Vermonters increasingly want to know that their votes are safe, secure and will count on Election Day.

As a longtime proponent of transparency and openness in government, Secretary Condos looks forward to engaging attendees in an informative discussion on the requirements of government officials, and the rights of Vermont citizens.

“With trust in government at an all-time low, I believe that sunshine is the best disinfectant,” said Secretary Condos. “Let the sun shine in!”

Presented by Common Good Vermont, Vermont Nonprofit Legislative Day is an opportunity for nonprofit organizations and community leaders to raise awareness about the crucial role the nonprofit sector plays in supporting communities, strengthening our economy, and making Vermont a better place to live.

Nonprofit Legislative Day begins with a welcome from Kate McGowan, Director of the Center for New Leadership, and Morgan Webster, Director of Common Good Vermont.

Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson provides a brief update on legislative proceedings and policy discussions.

The second panel of the morning begins with a State Legislative Briefing by Senate President Pro Tem Tim Ashe (D-Chittenden), and a panel on the Impact of Federal Policy and Budget on Vermont where national and state level leaders shed light on the consequences of federal actions and discuss actions your staff and board can take to protect the programs you deliver and the people you serve.

Congressional View: Erica Campbell, Outreach and Policy Staff, Senator Bernie Sanders
Tax Policy: Paul Cillo, Executive Director, Public Assets Institute
Human Services: Jesse Bridges, Executive Director, United Way Northwestern
Vermont Water Quality and Environmental: Lori Fisher, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Committee
Governor’s View: Jason Gibbs, Chief of Staff, Governor Phil Scott
Moderator: Scott Johnson, Lamoille Family Center

Burlington, Vermont and Yaroslavl, Russia have had a sister city relationship since 1988.  More information at: www.burlingtonyaroslavl.com