By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-998761.mp3
Montpelier, VT – Vermont Speaker of the House Shap Smith gavelled the House into session a few minutes after 10 o'clock this morning.
Lawmakers returned for the second half of their two-year term. Initial business included seating of new representatives before the legislators address their top issues. The top priorities are expected to be continued recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Irene and closing a projected $75 million budget shortfall. Middlebury College Professor Emeritus of Political Science Eric Davis.
There will be numerous secondary issues competing for lawmakers' attention over the course of the session, according to Seven Days Political Columnist Andy Bromage.
A couple hours after lawmakers began their session, the Vermont Workers' Center was planning a rally on the steps of the Statehouse. Director James Haslam will present legislators with petitions for a people's budget.
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin will deliver his State of the State address to the Legislature on Thursday afternoon. Streaming Audio from the Vermont Legislature is provided by Vermont Public Radio.