Here's what's happening in Vermont news and politics this week. Got a newsworthy event for next week's calendar? Email by Friday to submit.
Monday, February 18
- At 11 a.m., Channel 17 airs its legislative issues show, "Conversations With Your Legislators." Today's guests: Reps. Kesha Ram (D-Burlington) and Patrick Brennan (R-Colchester). Stream it live.
- At noon, Vermont Public Radio's "Vermont Edition" hosts Burlington-based immigration attorney Leslie Holman discussing the prospects for achieving real immigration reform this year. Listen live.
- Gov. Peter Shumlin is in Montréal today. At 2:30 p.m., he's in a private meeting with Québec Premier Pauline Marois, and at 3:20 p.m. both will sign a "cooperation agreement" between Vermont and Québec. Of note: the advisory says the leaders will pose for photos but take no questions. Mon dieu!
Rest of the week after the break...
Tuesday, February 19
- At 8 a.m., Shumlin speaks at a breakfast event hosted by WCAX-TV and called "Policy Over Easy: WCAX All-Access Town Meeting" in the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier.
- At 10:30 a.m., Vermont nurses join with activists from the Healthcare Is a Human Right campaign for a press conference in the Statehouse Cedar Creek Room, at which they will "push to return focus on health care as a public good."
- At noon, "Vermont Edition" talks to several Vermont mayors about why they're banding together to get stuff done. Scheduled to appear: Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, St. Albans Mayor Liz Gamache and Rutland Mayor Chris Louras. Listen live.
Wednesday, February 20
- Got a question for Hizzoner, Mayor Weinberger? Find him at the Bagel Café on North Avenue at 8 a.m. for his weekly "Mornings with Miro" sesh.
- At 9 a.m., the House Health Care Committee will hold a full morning of testimony on H.234, a bill to impose taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. On the roster of witnesses: somebody named Keith Richards.
- The Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition has organized its annual legislative day for today. At 9 a.m., housing and conservation advocates will gather in Statehouse Room 11 to hear from Shumlin, Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, Senate President John Campbell and House Speaker Shap Smith. Following that is a full day of testimony on housing investments.
- At 11 a.m., Shumlin holds his weekly press conference. Details TBA.
- At noon, Lt. Gov. Phil Scott is the guest on "Vermont Edition." Listen live.
Thursday, February 21
- At 10:30 a.m., the state Senate and House will hold a joint session to elect the next adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard. Four candidates are in the running. One guy isn't. Legislators will also elect UVM trustees.
- At 10:45 a.m., Shumlin holds a press conference to launch the Vermont Home Energy challenge. Location in Montpelier TBA.
- At noon, "Vermont Edition" discuss the Vermont Gas pipeline through Addison County. The company has declined to participate, but VPR will hear from a range of community leaders on the topic. Listen live.
- At 8 p.m., Vermont Public Television airs a special call-in show, "Report From Montpelier" to discuss legislative issues. Host Mark Johnson will be joined by Democratic House Majority Leader Rep. Willem Jewett (D-Ripton), House Progressive Leader Rep. Chris Pearson (P-Burlington) and Republican House Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Brian Savage (R–Swanton). Stream it live.
Friday, February 22
- Shumlin, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, is off to Washington, D.C., today for a series of events. At 8 a.m., he'll go head-to-head with RGA chair Bobby Jindal of Louisiana in a Politico-sponsored discussion on challenges facing states. At 10, Shumlin meets with President Obama and Democratic govs at the White House.
- As always, get your VT politics fix with Stewart Ledbetter and crew on "Vermont This Week," 7:30 p.m. on Vermont Public Television.
Saturday, February 23
- From today until Monday, Shumlin attends the National Governors Association Winter Meeting 2013 at the Marriott in Washington, D.C.
Sunday, February 24
- Sunday talking heads! "You Can Quote Me" airs at 11 a.m. on WCAX-TV. Check the station's website later this week for guests.
- In case you missed it, watch the rebroadcast of "Vermont This Week" at 11:30 a.m. on VPT.
