Representative Dobrovich’s Weekly Newsletter

Week of April 8, 2025 – April 11, 2025

Dear Constituents,

As we conclude another week at the State House, I'm pleased to share updates on our legislative activities, focusing on House Education, House Committee on Human Services, and House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs.

Weekly Recap

This week, the Vermont House passed H.454, a bill presented as a reform to our education system. As a member of the House Education Committee, I spent 13.5 weeks working on this legislation, listening to your concerns, and striving for solutions that would make education more affordable and deliver better outcomes for our children. After careful consideration, I voted no on H.454 because it falls far short of the bold, urgent reform Vermonters deserve.

You’ve told me clearly: you want an education system that eases the burden of skyrocketing property taxes and ensures our kids receive a world-class education. H.454 fails to deliver on both fronts. The bill’s funding formula does little to address the root causes of rising school costs, leaving working families and homesteaders vulnerable to higher taxes without a clear path to relief. It does nothing to protect our vital independent schools, which many communities rely on for quality education, and will likely harm them with no benefit. More troubling, it lacks the vision to transform our classrooms. Vermont spends among the highest per-pupil amounts in the nation, yet student performance lags, rural schools struggle, and too many children are left without the opportunities they need to thrive. Instead of tackling these challenges head-on, H.454 delays meaningful change until 2029, relying on commissions and tweaks rather than decisive action.

Worse, this bill marks a concerning first step toward eroding the tuitioning and school choice options our communities value. These systems empower families to choose the best education for their children when no public option is available, a lifeline in our rural state where independent schools have been an integral part of Vermont’s long history of education. Undermining these options risks stripping away opportunities Vermonters have relied on for generations.

I understand that some of my Republican colleagues voted yes, as part of a strategic party decision, with these individuals volunteering to keep the conversation alive in the Senate. We all hope amendments and bipartisan collaboration will strengthen the bill, addressing issues like property tax relief and student outcomes. I respect their intent, and I share their desire for a better outcome. However, I could not support a bill that doesn’t meet the urgency of this moment. Vermonters sent us to Montpelier to act now—not to pass half-measures or shift responsibility to another body. Our children can’t wait five years for better teachers, modern facilities, or programs that prepare them for the future.

Moving forward, I remain committed to fighting for real reform. We need an education system that is equitable, affordable, and excellent—one that lifts the tax burden from our communities, protects our independent schools, preserves school choice, and gives every student the tools to succeed. I will continue to work with colleagues across the aisle and advocate for your priorities.

Week in Review

Medicare for Play Therapy

This week, my proposal, H.58, an act to expand Medicaid coverage for play therapy, was discussed in the House Committee on Human Services. I’m not on that committee, but I’m fighting for this because our kids’ mental health is too important to ignore. The committee sees the value in play therapy, but Medicaid’s rules are unclear, failing to recognize play therapy as an evidence-based therapy under psychotherapy. Worse, Medicaid has been known to claw back claims from therapists, scaring some away from offering this proven approach. I’m pushing to make play therapy a clear, accessible option for Medicaid families, so every child can get the support they need to heal and thrive. While H.58 might not become a full bill, I’m working with the committee chair and Medicaid to fix this concern and get play therapy recognized as Evidence-Based Therapy. Our kids deserve better.

Synthetic Media in Elections

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, where I serve, kicked off discussions on S.23, an act tackling synthetic media in elections. This bill says anyone spreading fake or manipulated media within 90 days of an election has to disclose it—or face a misdemeanor with fines from $1,000 to $15,000. Look, trust in our elections is sacred, and Vermonters deserve honesty. But we’ve got to balance that with free speech. This one’s worth a serious discussion.

Eyes Up: Looking Ahead

Next week, the House Education Committee has not yet finalized a comprehensive agenda, as we’ve been focused on wrapping up other priorities. We may begin discussions on H.54, an act relating to cell phone-free schools, which could shape the learning environment for our students. Please keep an eye on the committee’s web page for agenda updates throughout the week.

Stay Engaged

For more detailed information about all things happening in the legislature, please refer to the official Vermont General Assembly website. Here are some helpful links:

  1. Home | Vermont General Assembly | Vermont Legislature
  2. House Calendar
  3. House Committee List
  4. Senate Calendar
  5. Senate Committee List

Your input is invaluable. Please feel free to reach out with your questions, concerns, or suggestions. Together, we can work towards a better future for our community and state.

Warm regards,

Joshua Dobrovich

jdobrovich@leg.state.vt.us

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