NEK Chamber seeking input on issues to be discussed at first legislative breakfast

ST. JOHNSBURY — There will be a notable change at the Northeast Kingdom Chamber Legislative Breakfast to be held Monday, Jan. 28, at 8 a.m., at the St. Johnsbury House, 1207 Main St., St. Johnsbury.

Unlike in years past, when local legislators gave committee reports during their allotted time, there will be far more discussion on the issues that directly affect the businesses and residents of the Northeast Kingdom.

“In the past year, the NEK Chamber received quite a bit of feedback from people who want the sessions to be more Kingdom-centric, so we will be soliciting issues and concerns prior to each monthly breakfast for the chamber to either research or the local legislative contingent to address,” said Darcie McCann, chamber executive director.

McCann noted the chamber has worked very hard to carve out more time for breakfast guests to ask questions of the legislators in past years and this latest change is the logical next step in making these sessions as responsive and relevant as possible.

“The chamber bears a responsibility to cover as many of the necessary and critical issues affecting the region as we can and we will work closely with the legislators to ensure they are well prepared to answer any concerns,” she said.

Topics that might be discussed include health care, labor issues, the carbon tax, permitting concerns, economic development issues, taxes and, fiscal policies, all issues that affect the Northeast Kingdom.

Individuals wishing to express any comments or region-wide issues may contact McCann at 802-748-3678 or [email protected].

These monthly programs provide area business people and residents an overview of the session and legislative issues affecting the region.

The Northeast Kingdom Chamber organizes the monthly forums and provides a brief legislative report each month.

Following legislator updates, there is always time allotted at the end of each breakfast for questions from the public.

The breakfasts are held the last Monday of each month from January to May, from 8 to 9 a.m.

There is a small fee to attend the breakfast.