The Week Ahead: January 28 - February 3, 2013
Here's what's happening in Vermont news and politics this week. Got an event for next week's calendar? Email by Friday to submit.
Monday, January 28
- At 10 a.m., U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) hosts a press conference at his Burlington office to delve into state politics. He'll oppose calls for a three-year moratorium on wind power, surrounded by reps from VPIRG, National Wildlife Federation, Renewable Energy Vermont and Conservation Law Foundation.
- At 11 a.m., U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) drops by the Champlain Senior Center in Burlington for a press conference announcing legislation to crack down on phone scams targeting senior citizens.
- Gov. Peter Shumlin is on tour today. At 11 a.m., GPS tours new state office space at Montpelier's National Life building and at noon he visits the Darn Tough Vermont factory in Northfield.
- At 11:30 a.m., yours truly will be on CCTV (Channel 17) to host "Under the Golden Dome" with guests Sens. Phil Baruth (D-Chittenden) and Diane Snelling (R-Chittenden).
- At noon, Human Services Secretary Doug Racine will defend the Shumlin administration's proposed welfare "reforms" on Vermont Public Radio's "Vermont Edition."
- At 7:15 p.m., the Burlington City Council takes up a packed agenda. On the menu: a tri-partisan proposal to jump start the federally mandated ward redistricting plan by changing the composition of the redistricting committee.
Rest of the week after the break...
Tuesday, January 29
- At 10:30 a.m., the Senate Health and Welfare Committee will kick off a series of hearings on a physician-assisted-death bill. Among those testifying today through Friday: former governor Madeleine Kunin, Attorney General Bill Sorrell, Health Commissioner Harry Chen and former Oregon governor Barbara Roberts. Also, at 5 p.m. the committee will hold a public hearing in the Statehouse where average citizens can weigh in on the issue.
- At 11 a.m., Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger has scheduled a press conference but he hasn't announced the topic. We're guessing it'll be Hizzoner's Oscar picks.
- At noon, Michael Hogan and Bill Goggins from the Department of Liquor Control will be on "Vermont Edition" to talk about Shummy's whackiest revenue idea: taxing lottery-style "break open tickets."
Wednesday, January 30
- At 9 a.m., the House Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources committees are slated to hear testimony on the effects of climate change on Vermont businesses. Among those slated to testify is climate crusader Bill McKibben.
- At 10 a.m., U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) convenes a much-anticipated hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee (which he chairs) titled "What should America do about gun violence?"
- At 10:30 a.m., Mayor Weinberger has scheduled another press conference with unspecified topic. We're guessing he'll revise his Oscar picks at this one to say The Hobbit should totally win for best use of dwarves in a feature film.
- At 11 a.m., Gov. Shumlin will be in Barre for a press conference at the future site of the City Place project.
- At 5 p.m., Lt. Gov. Phil Scott will be a celebrity judge at the Iron Chef-style "Capital Cookoff," part of the Vermont Farm Show going on at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex.
Thursday, January 31
- At 8 p.m., Gov. Shumlin takes your phone calls during a live broadcast of "Call the Governor" on Vermont Public Television.
Friday, February 1
- At 9 a.m., Gov. Shumlin is the guest on "The Mark Johnson Show" on WDEV 96.1 FM.
- 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 2
- At 10:45 a.m., Mayor Weinberger will be among the brave masses charging into a frigid Lake Champlain for charity during the annual Penguin Plunge. At the Burlington Coast Guard ramp, if you want to bring him a Snuggie.
Sunday, February 3
- 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.