It's been a busy first day of the new session of the Vermont Legislature. Here are some highlights.
- Rep. Shap Smith easily won election as the new Speaker of the Vermont House. It was a unanimous vote and even the House Republicans voted for him.
- Smith wasted no time getting started by quickly announcing plans for a $150 million bonded stimulus package, an announcement that was a complete surprise to Gov. James Douglas. Look for more information on that in tomorrow's Times Argus and Rutland Herald newspapers.
- He also wasted no time in appointing House committees. Longtime political observers told me that this usually didn't happen for another week or more.
- Shortly after lunch, Smith held his first Q&A with the Vermont media in his office. It was a packed room with most people standing. He was joined by Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin, who vowed that the two Democratically-controlled chambers would work closely together.
- Douglas quickly followed up with his own Q&A with the media, saying he is worried that Smith's plan would result in tax increases. He also teased portions of his inaugural speech, scheduled for Thursday.
- Of course, the whole event is overcast by the sudden death of political columnist Peter Freyne. Tributes are flowing in today, including statements from Douglas and U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy.
-Dan Barlow
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