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Senate adopts compensation and two honorary resolutions during short veto-session day; recesses until 11 a.m.
Summary
The Vermont Senate adopted a temporary compensation resolution for members and two honorary resolutions — one recognizing Senator Martha Jane Kitchell’s service and one memorializing Senator Richard Sears — then recessed until 11:00 a.m. for the day’s veto-session pace.
The Vermont Senate, meeting for what was described as a likely one-day veto session, adopted a short-term compensation measure and two honorary resolutions before recessing until 11:00 a.m.
The chamber adopted JRS 57, a joint resolution setting member compensation for the remainder of the 2024 adjourned session. The resolution, read aloud by the Secretary, specifies that members are entitled to compensation equal to a daily rate of one-fourth of the annually adjusted weekly compensation (citing 32 V.S.A. §§ 1051a and 1052a) and authorizes reimbursement at the statutory daily rate in 32 V.S.A. §§ 1051a(3) and 1052b. The resolution also states that no member shall receive compensation for more than four days in any week. The presiding officer put the question and the ayes carried, and the Senate adopted JRS 57.
The chamber then considered SR 19, a Senate resolution honoring the public service of Senator Martha Jane Kitchell. The Secretary read the resolution’s biographical text and legislative accomplishments; a roll call was requested and recorded, and the Secretary reported 29 yays, 0 nays. The Senate adopted SR 19.
The Senate next read SR 20, a memorial resolution for Senator Richard Sears that summarized his life and legislative work. The resolution directed the Secretary to send a copy to Senator Sears’s family. A roll call again produced 29 yays and 0 nays, and the Senate adopted SR 20. After adoption, the presiding officer called for a moment of silence.
Following the votes, the presiding officer put a motion to recess until 11:00 a.m.; senators voted in the affirmative, and the Senate stood in recess. Senate leaders and members warned that the day would be “stop-and-start” as bills move from the House during the veto-session process.
Votes and outcomes at a glance: JRS 57 (member compensation) — adopted; SR 19 (honoring Martha Jane Kitchell) — adopted; SR 20 (memorial for Richard Sears) — adopted. The Senate recessed until 11:00 a.m. for further action during the veto session.
