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The House Committee on Corrections and Institutions considers matters relating to Vermont’s State bonding as it relates to the financing of State-owned properties, State preservation initiatives, climate change mitigation, and water quality; the Department of Corrections’ role in the criminal justice system; and other similar policies.
Supporting A Dynamic And Successful Corrections System
The number of incarcerated individuals in Vermont’s corrections system has remained stable over the last few years. A little more than 1,400 individuals are incarcerated in Vermont at any given time. The Department of Corrections mission is to create a safe environment that is equitable while also seeing potential in all incarcerated people. They strive to support positive change by advancing restorative justice practices, creating rewarding career opportunities, and cultivating meaningful partnerships that break down systemic barriers for reentry into our communities.
Working to meet these needs is one of the key policy areas for the legislature. We are looking at creating educational opportunities within correctional policy. Today, the Community College of Vermont (CCV) teaches classes in many of our correctional facilities. It allows incarcerated people to get college level classes that set them up for success when they reenter our Vermont communities. At the same time, CCV has also enrolled correctional officers and their families to help advance their careers or just give them the opportunity to take a life enriching class.
Crucial Infrastructure - Adjusting The Two-Year Capital Bill
The Corrections and Institutions Committee is actively involved in adjusting the two-year, $127 million Capital Bill. The legislature works to fund crucial infrastructure investments for our municipalities. It covers a range of projects like wastewater systems, water systems, and historic state office buildings with an aim at supporting public services and boosting economic growth.
Recognizing the need to carefully invest public funds, the legislature's goal is to direct resources to initiatives that best serve all Vermonters' priorities. One example is the Vermont Rural Fire Protection Task Force and their ongoing mission to improve the safety of rural communities. The legislature has helped fund rural, year round dry hydrant systems that protect towns in every county from the threat of fire. The legislature also is looking at necessary facility and mechanical upgrades at our Vermont State University campuses. It is an investment in the future of Vermont that will pay dividends to all of us for years to come.
The locally-focused component of the Capital Budget creates important opportunities for municipalities and community entities to leverage state dollars to initiate projects, stimulate growth, and address local needs. Some of the grant and loan opportunities considered include:
Building Community Grants (which cover a variety of areas such as recreation and cultural facilities, historic barn restoration, and economic development initiatives)
Visit each program’s website to learn more about the application process and deadlines.
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