BRATTLEBORO >> When the 2015 state legislative session kicks off Wednesday, many lawmakers will be thinking about three major issues property tax/education reform, budget shortfalls and health care.

But the recent closure of Vermont Yankee has local lawmakers also focused on another perennial priority economic development. The first major job cuts at the Vernon plant will happen in the legislative session's second full week, and Windham County's legislators want to ensure that state officials in Montpelier don't forget about that.

"Regardless of your position on nuclear power, the economic impact of VY's closing will be severe, and it will be felt across many sectors of our economy," said Windham County Sen. Becca Balint, a Brattleboro Democrat.

"Those high-paying jobs at VY had significant ripple effects that are just now fully being understood," Balint added, noting a recent study of the closure's impact. "There will be a substantial decrease in the amount of discretionary income being spent in our community, and this will greatly impact many individuals, local businesses and our many nonprofits. I will do everything I can within my job at the Legislature to ensure that Windham County's economy stays at the center of the statewide discussion of the plant's closing."

Balint is one of four new additions to the Windham County delegation for the 2015 session, having won one of the county's two Senate seats in November. Also, Newfane Democrat Emily Long is replacing retiring Rep. Dick Marek in the Windham 5 House District; Dover-based independent Laura Sibilia defeated Rep. John Moran in the Windham-Bennington House District; and Londonderry-based independent Oliver Olsen, who previously served in the Legislature, will step in for retiring Rep. Tim Goodwin in the Windham-Bennington-Windsor House District.

They will join 10 returning lawmakers in tacking issues such as health-care reform. But that issue will look much different following Gov. Peter Shumlin's recent announcement that, due to financial and tax concerns, he will no longer pursue adoption of a single-payer, publicly financed, universal health care model.

Shumlin's decision "changed the issue priorities significantly," said Rep. Mike Hebert, R-Vernon. "I believe that single-payer would have been the hottest issue for the biennium. I (now) believe the issue of universal coverage will remain in play but will not lead the list."

Rep. Carolyn Partridge, D-Windham, declared that "we can't continue the way we've been, because (health care) premium costs continue to skyrocket."

"I think we need to continue to find a path forward on health care," Partridge said. "I was disappointed that the governor decided to back off of it. But I also respect his judgment."

Windham County Sen. Jeanette White, D-Putney, had expressed deep disappointment at Shumlin's decision and is eager to keep working on the issue. For 2015, White said, "big on my agenda is getting universal health care coverage and moving toward a publicly financed health care system."

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Windham County legislators focus on taxes, health care, economy