By Rep. Joan Lenes

I thought I would write briefly about several topics and give information as an overview from the past week's activities.

Both the Transportation bill and the Capital bill were passed by the House and will be getting reviewed and worked on by the Senate. Much has been in the media about these bills. For me they are economic engines for Vermonters and the State. In terms of the Capital nill, with maintaining our state bonding rating at the AAA level, we are still authorized to bond up to $153 million dollars. We are authorizing this over a two-year period in order to get more thorough, thoughtful planning and implementation accomplished. One example of this is the funding of $29.4 million dollars for our State Health Lab, currently being constructed in Colchester, which will replace the nearly 60 year old Health Lab in Burlington.

Within the Transportation bill, Vermont is working to secure $80 million dollars of Federal money to go toward rail along the western corridor from Rutland to Burlington. If this is the case, the state has committed $15 million dollars in transportation infrastructure bonds as a match. We do not have an answer from the Federal government at this time.

Although unscientific, we received Senator Bill Doyle's survey results that voters filled out during March 1 voting this week. Interesting statewide information was gleaned from the 15,000 returns from the 142 Vermont towns received. I thought you might like to have the results.

Should Vermont Yankee's license be renewed in 2012?  

45% yes 41% no 14% unsure

Should drivers be prohibited from using cell phones while driving?

75% yes 19% no 6% unsure

Should Vermont legalize physician-assisted suicide?

50% yes 37% no 13% unsure

Should Vermont have a four-year term for governor?

61% yes 28% no 11% unsure

Should there be a mandatory minimum sentence for repeat DUI offenders?

79% yes 12% no 9% unsure

Should Vermonters be required to buy health insurance?

31% yes 50% no 19% unsure

Do you have confidence in Gov. Shumlin?

43% yes 30% no 27% unsure

Should Vermont continue to require the use of motorcycle helmets?

90% yes 8% no 2% unsure

Should law enforcement personnel be permitted to use tasers?

56% yes 24% no 20% unsure

Should Vermont Legislature encourage bicycling and walking?

71% yes 18% no 11% unsure

Should Vermont's bottle deposit law be expanded to include all bottled beverages?

79% yes 14% no 7% unsure

Are you willing to pay more for locally-grown food?

63% yes 26% no 11% unsure

In order to encourage wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources, are you willing to pay higher prices?

45% yes 39% no 16% unsure

Also this week, I received information from our Commissioner of Buildings and General Services, Michael Obuchowski, about a state surplus property Spring Auction. It is set for Saturday, May 7 at the State Highway Garage on the Barre-Montpelier Road. After April 8, you can see a preliminary list of items to be auctioned. This list will be available on the website http://bgs.vermont.gov/business_services/surplus/auctions. Items include plow trucks, State police cruisers, heavy equipment, and more. Preview and registration are Friday, May 6 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. as well as Saturday, May 7 at 8 and 10 a.m. This auction has the opportunity to be of tremendous value to Vermont communities and Vermonters looking to save on used equipment and vehicles. If you have questions, please call Mark Casey at (802) 241-3384 or bgs-surplus@state.vt.us

Please join Kate Webb and me Tuesday mornings 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Brueggers Bagel. You can reach me at 985-8515 or jglenes@aol.com. You can call the Sergeant at Arms at (800) 322-5616 and leave a message.