Dear Editor,
Vermont’s 2026 legislative session was adjourned Friday, May 29, in the early evening. It concluded in a flurry of all the critical “must-pass” bills being passed. After the business of the Senate was complete, and our farewell and thank-you speeches were finished, the governor was formally escorted in for his farewell address, which was short and full of gratitude for a productive session. As a retiring senator, I was honored to be one of his escorts.
It was a poignant week and last day for me. It was my final end-of-session week full of last-minute negotiations, bills we worked hard on failing on the floor or because of a procedural delay, attempted amendments being scuttled, and the big bills – the education transformation bill, H.955; the fiscal year 2027 budget, H.951; and the fiscal year 2027 yield/education tax bill, H. 949 – passing with little debate, on voice votes. Barring a veto session later in June, I cast my last vote in the General Assembly, which was to adjourn, “sine die.”
My heart was full as I gave my farewell speech. I spoke of the overwhelming gratitude I feel after 22 years of public service – it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of the Windsor District and Vermont. I am full of gratitude for the trust my constituents have placed in me to make big decisions on their behalf; gratitude for being given the opportunity to grow my public service; gratitude for being given the gift of getting to know Vermont so much better and to appreciate how, despite our differences, we share and value more in common than we realize; gratitude for being able to solve problems for constituents; gratitude for the pride and satisfaction I feel in having helped pass so much important policy which has had very real impacts on Vermonter’s lives. From marriage equality; to disaster relief and improved resiliency; to education and tax policy; to patient choices at the end of life; to the Global Warming Solutions Act; to each budget in which essential programs are funded, our most vulnerable are protected, our roads and bridges are taken care of, and our public education system is funded, all of this policy work is something I am grateful for having helped advance.
I ended by sharing my joy in working with all of my colleagues, in the most functional legislature in the country, in the most beautiful Statehouse in the country. I encouraged my colleagues, most of whom will be returning, to work intentionally to build the community so essential to maintaining the trust and respect that enables this functionality – all of which is essential to a vibrant democracy. I have treasured my time in the Legislature. I thank all of you, my constituents, for the opportunity to serve you and this great state. It has been such an honor and a privilege – one that I will never forget and always be appreciative of. Thank you.
Overall, it was a very productive session. We’ve advanced the second phase of education transformation in a bill which garnered support from all parties and the governor, and managed to agree upon and pass a $9.3 billion fiscal year 2027 budget. This bill alone could take a whole article; every line funds something essential. This was a very tight budget year, and it was impressive we came together to pass this bill unanimously.
I appreciate hearing from you. I can be reached by email at aclarkson@leg.state.vt.us, by phone at the Statehouse, Tuesday-Friday, at 802-828-2228, or at home, Saturday-Monday, at 802-457-4627. To get more information on the Vermont Legislature and the bills which have been proposed and passed, visit the legislative website, www.legislature.vermont.gov.
Sincerely,
Sen. Alison Clarkson
Windsor District