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Committee reviews draft Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum; debate over multi‑year agreements, payment rates and hotel use
Summary
At a Feb. 11 markup on a committee bill to create a Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum (committee bill “766”), lawmakers and service providers debated a new two‑year minimum agreement for shelter contracts, whether rates must fully cover operating costs, and rules for using hotels and motels while permanent housing is developed. The committee asked staff to draft collaborative base‑rate language, clarify agency roles, and return with memos and suggested statutory text.
A legislative committee convened Feb. 11 to resume markup of a draft bill creating a Vermont Homelessness Response Continuum (committee bill, “766”), focusing on shelter services, specialized shelter services and emergency hotel and motel usage.
Katie McLennan of the Office of Legislative Council said the draft (2.1) places the Department responsible for determining shelter need and entering agreements with community partners to provide shelter services that meet Department of Public Safety, Vermont Fire and Building Code safety rules. The draft includes a new minimum two‑year agreement term for providers. Committee members questioned whether two‑year agreements are feasible within the state’s grant and appropriation processes and whether statutory language should direct the Department to use agreements rather than contracts.
Service providers and advocates supported multiyear terms to add stability. One provider said multiyear agreements reduce annual uncertainty…
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