Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs; Clerk

The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs has jurisdiction over matters relating to economic development, commerce and community development, including tourism and marketing, promotion of the arts, and film activities; matters relating to labor; matters relating to housing; matters relating to liquor and tobacco control; matters relating to lotteries; and all matters relating to subjects for which there is no other appropriate committee.

Committee on Institutions; Vice Chair

The Senate Committee on Institutions has jurisdiction over matters relating to public buildings, lands in which the State has an interest, and the Department of Corrections.

Public Transit Advisory Council; Senate Member

This Council serves as an advisory group to the Agency of Transportation on all matters relating to public transit service.

Vermont Econonomic Progress Council; Senate Member

This Council serves as an approval and authorization body for the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive and the Tax Increment Financing District program.

Legislation I’ve proposed.

S.230 Medicare Advantage removes the main barrier for Advantage customers to switch to regular Medicare and addresses deceptive advertising.

S.265 Development Soils requires better environmental protection for disposal of moderately contaminated soils.

S.263 to study how to expand our healthcare workforce with graduates of international medical schools.

S.227 Transit Amenities allows towns to require bus stops, signs and shelters in development review.

S.243 Stormwater Utilities, clarifies how towns can create and operate these funding sources to improve climate resiliency.

Opportunities to Connect

During the Legislative Session (January through May) I’ll be joining my local delegation colleagues on Saturday mornings for constituent conversations.

Jan 6, Feb 3, April 6, May 4—10:30am— Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro

Jan 20, Feb 17, March 16, April 20, May 18—10am—Rockingham Library

Feb 10—10-11am—Townshend Library

Feb 24—10am—Windham Meetinghouse

Feb 24—11:30am—Putney via Zoom

March 2—11am- Dover Library

March 9—9am- Marlboro via Zoom

(Vernon to be scheduled)

If none of these times work for you, E-mail or call me at your convenience.

I, Wendy K. Harrison, Senator from Windham County, in the General Assembly of the State of Vermont, do solemnly swear, that as a Member of this Assembly, I will not propose or assent to any bill, vote or resolution, which shall appear to me injurious to the people, nor do or consent to any act or thing whatever that shall have a tendency to lessen or abridge their rights and privileges, as declared by the Constitution of this State: but will in all things conduct myself as a faithful, honest representative and guardian of the people, according to the best of my judgement and ability. So help me God. I do solemnly swear that I will be true and faithful to the State of Vermont, and that I will not, directly or indirectly, do any act or thing injurious to the Constitution or Government thereof. So help me God. I do solemnly swear that I did not at the the time of my election to this body, and that I do not now hold any office of profit or trust under the authority of Congress. So help me God. I do further solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the State of Vermont and the Constitution of the United States. So help me God.

My Priorities

  • Inclusive Processes

    I am committed to deep collaboration with the people who are most impacted by an issue and with those who are already working on the issue.

  • Climate Change

    Climate Change is truly an existential threat. We must be bold, strategic and relentless in our commitment to effective climate action.

  • Childcare & Parental Leave

    Children need to be nurtured and their parents deserve options. Programs that invest in our youngest children typically result in benefits that far exceed the cost.

  • Housing

    A lack of affordable, workforce, and “missing middle” housing hurts Vermont families and employers and is a barrier to new residents. Vermont has been working on housing for decades, and certainly, more needs to be done.

  • Equitable Economic Development

    Economic growth must benefit the entire community for the long term. When public funding is used, the benefit to the public should be clearly identified. When privately funded, the impacts to the public must be addressed.

  • Sustainable Transportation

    Transportation is the largest single generator of greenhouse gasses in Vermont, and a large part of our household budgets. Everyone deserves safe and sustainable transportation options. This is good for people, our environment, and our economy.

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