My Open Letter to the Speaker of the House Regarding the Vote Procedures on H. 454

Last night, the vote on Vermont’s biggest education bill was called before anyone could speak. The speed by which a voice vote was called caught many legislators off guard. No debate. No roll call. I’ve written an open letter to leadership explaining why that moment demands accountability:

Dear Speaker Krowinski and Members of the Leadership Team,

I’m writing to express my  profound disappointment in the way the floor process unfolded during final consideration of H.454.

As you know, this was arguably the most consequential bill of the session, both in scope and in its political sensitivity. When we reached the point at which members would have normally stood to initiate floor debate, there was a brief and natural pause as people assessed who would rise first for recognition. Rather than allowing that space for members to speak, the vote was immediately called. No one was recognized for debate and, with that, we also lost any chance to call for a roll call vote on the underlying bill. I am nothing but certain that each of you were absolutely clear that debate would accompany this vote.

While I understand this may fall within the boundaries of procedural correctness, I believe it represents a misuse of authority. The choice to move forward without even a single voice of formal debate, particularly when leadership was well aware of how tight the vote would be, felt like a deliberate effort to avoid public deliberation.

We owe our constituents and colleagues more than just technical adherence to rules. We owe them a process that affirms their right to be heard. As someone who believes deeply in restorative principles and fair process (a cornerstone of restorative practices), I found that moment to be damaging not only to the legitimacy of this bill, but to the integrity of our deliberative body. It is my considered belief that ethical leadership, at such a point, would have voiced surprise or clarification on why that debate was stalled before so quickly moving to the voice vote.

I urge you to reflect on what occurred and reaffirm our shared responsibility to foster open, transparent, and fair dialogue, especially when the stakes are high. I will state directly that repair work will be necessary in this instance.

Respectfully,
Troy Headrick
Representative, Chittenden 15