Just when it seems impossible, the legislative session is wrapping up according to schedule.

S.36, the workplace violence bill, has passed both the House and the Senate and is going to the governor’s desk. Thank you to all the health care providers who contacted legislators—they heard you.

Hold on tight. This is when being in the building matters most. Language changes come in at the last minute and the addition or deletion of one word can make a big difference. See below for what we’ve been following.

On Friday evening, the Senate Appropriations Committee wrapped up their work on the FY 24 budget, and passed it out of their committee unanimously.

Last week provided a moment of reprieve as the fire alarm went off during the morning and we were all forced outside to enjoy the sun.

Going into this week, the big thing on my mind is the House Judiciary Committee’s discussion on the violence against health care workers bill, S.36.

Regulatory Flexibilities: The governor signed the COVID regulatory flexibilities bill, H.411, into law last week just shy of the March 31st deadline. VAHHS appreciates the quick work on this bill from the legislature and the governor’s office.

In Vermont, for both weather and the legislature, March is in like a lion and out like a lion. Last week wrapped up the crossover deadline for money bills.

We’re officially in the second half of the session. Anything that didn’t get passed out of its committee of jurisdiction is dead… unless it’s a money bill; or dispensation is requested; or it is turned into a committee bill; or it gets tacked on to a different bill.

… and, we’re back! Things were quiet last week without legislators in town, but this week will be a flurry of activity as committees try to make Friday’s crossover deadline

Happy Town Meeting Week! You may see your local legislator out in the wild at the grocery store or the transfer station. If you do, feel free to share the VAHHS Advocacy Agenda. Next week will be crossover week, where non-money bills must be voted out of committees or else remain on the wall until next year. Stay tuned!

As we head into town meeting week next week, the countdown to crossover has begun. Things are starting to move fast!

Despite weather warm enough to keep the Capitol doors open earlier last week, the return to cold weather reminded us that the session is far from over. We’re hunkering down as bills pass out of committees and the House starts working on the FY 2024 budget in earnest.

The legislature had a busy week last week touching upon key advocacy priorities for VAHHS and more.

VAHHS wants to thank Sen. Dick Sears and Sen. Ginny Lyons for holding a joint hearing last week to hear from health care providers on S.36 and workplace violence.

Last week continued to be a mix of learning, introductions and policy initiatives, so let’s dive right in.

Whether it’s the joy of being back in person, or the infusion of new members, or the sheer amount of work that needs to be done, there’s a new energy in the building.

VAHHS is proposing that workplace violence, and the threat of workplace violence, against health care workers result in immediate removal of the perpetrator from the facility by law enforcement.

“This year, VAHHS is putting forward initiatives to keep health care providers safe, strengthen mental health and long term care, and preserve regulatory flexibilities so our hospitals can better serve their communities. Health care everywhere is at a breaking point, and addressing these areas can help stabilize the system so we can better provide care to all Vermonters.”