Capital Tour

March 18 • 7:15 am–5:30 pm

We will leave the Halfway House Restaurant, on Route 22A in Shoreham, at 7:30 sharp, which means we will begin boarding the bus at 7:15. Please leave your car at the south end of the parking lot. Seating is limited. To reserve a place on the bus, call me at home: 897-7031 or email me, wstevens@leg.state.vt.us.

I will cover the cost of the bus. However, a $5.00 donation from you would help defray some of the costs and be very appreciated!

Our group will be able to:

• See the Legislature in action

The House of Representatives generally meets at 10:00 on Tuesdays. You will be able to observe a typical day of floor action as bills are presented, debated, and acted upon. The Senate usually meets at a different time, so people interested in seeing the “smaller body” in action could do that as well. Unfortunately I won’t know what will be on the action calendar until closer to the actual date.

• Meet with the Governor

I’ve arranged to for our group to meet with Governor Douglas for about 15 minutes in his ceremonial office at the State House. Bring your questions and concerns!

• Meet with the Speaker

I am also arranging for us to visit with the Speaker of the House, Gaye Symington, schedule permitting.

• Have a guided tour of the State House

I’ve arranged for two separate group tours of the State House during the day, for those who are interested. Vermont’s State House is the oldest building of its type still in active use, and it has recently been completely restored to its original glory. It is a privilege to work in such a beautiful place.

• Visit the Vermont Historical Society’s Pavilion Building

I’ve arranged for a tour of The Vermont Historical Society which has an exhibit in the Pavilion Building, right next door to the State House, for those who might be interested.

• Visit committees as they go about their business

The State House is the “people’s house,” and everyone has equal access to the legislative process. The committee rooms are where the heavy lifting is generally done on bills under consideration. You have the opportunity to sit in on committees as they go about their work, including Health Care, Human Services, Agriculture, Education, or whatever topic interests you!

• Stroll into Montpelier

What you decide to do is completely up to you, including nothing related to what I’ve lined up! Montpelier has lots of shops and restaurants to visit, for those who are so inclined.

Lunch expenses will be on your own; there are plenty of choices ranging from the State House cafeteria to a wide selection of nearby restaurants.

We will leave the State House at 4:00 sharp, in order to get back to Shoreham by 5:30.