Shannon Edmonds-Folsom of Jay Peak Childcare testifies as the Senate Health and Welfare Committee considers the licensure of early childhood educators at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Toddlers can enter a state of conflict every 20 minutes, S hannon Edmonds-Folsom told lawmakers Wednesday morning. It’s a symptom of their gradual development, the child care manager at Jay Peak Resort said — and it’s part of what makes caring for young children such a challenging career. “Sounds like the Senate,” quipped Sen. Ginny Lyons, D-Chittenden Southeast. But Vermont’s youngest senators-in-the-making are seeing better care than ever, experts and child care providers told Lyons’ Senate Health and Welfare Committee Wednesday. Since Act 76 expanded the state’s child care subsidy program in 2023, the industry has added 100 programs and 1,700 care slots in Vermont, according to Aly Richards, board chair of the Let’s Grow Kids Action Network. The main focus of the advocates who streamed into a cramped Room 17 was the state’s child care workforce. Though Richards estimated that 400 new jobs had opened up in the sector since 2023, she called recruitment difficulties “the primary constraint” for the project of bringing affordable, high-quality child care to all Vermonters. Lawmakers were seeking input on S.206, a bill sponsored by Lyons that would create a rigorous state licensure system for child care providers, with increasing requirements for higher tiers of certification. Aly Richards of Let’s Grow Kids Action Network, left, testifies as the Senate Health and Welfare Committee considers the licensure of early childhood educators at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger In practice, the measure would create a “clear and supported career path” for early childhood educators, argued Let’s Grow Kids Action Network Executive Director Emilie Tenenbaum. But along with higher standards, she said, the state must continue to strengthen scholarship and apprenticeship opportunities for Vermonters training to be child care providers. “Better qualifications means better outcomes for kids,” she said. Others raised concerns that the proposition might disadvantage employees who don’t go through traditional degree programs — particularly those already in the workforce. Greater Burlington YMCA’s Danielle Harris recommended the state create alternative licensure pathways that honor demonstrated competence in caring for kids. But all parties were in agreement Wednesday that Vermont’s corps of child care professionals needs help to keep up with the growing industry. “We deserve a career with respect, longevity, value and fair compensation,” Edmonds-Folsom said. — Theo Wells-Spackman In the know “So I don’t know about you, but I’m angry. I’m really, really angry,” said Sen. Becca White, D-Windsor.  She spoke to a packed Cedar Creek room convened by activists for immigrant rights, lobbying for legislation they said would protect immigrants in Vermont as national tensions over President Trump’s immigration agenda rise.  White had some strong words for Republican Gov. Phil Scott — and called on him to do more.  “We have a governor who, in good times, talks about demographics and supporting immigrant communities. In good times, gives a State of the State where Afghan refugees are giving him a standing ovation for protecting them. And then remains silent when that same group of people is being targeted,” White said.  To be sure, Scott rejected Trump’s requests to send the Vermont National Guard to Washington, D.C., and to have the troops do clerical work for ICE. Scott also later called Trump’s use of the Guard unconstitutional, though he has remained silent on other matters.  Leah Brenner, an attorney for the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project, said she’s seen people detained by federal authorities in Vermont struggle to access medical care or get in contact with attorneys because of a lack of language interpretation services.  Her organization, along with activist organizations Migrant Justice and the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, voiced support for two bills in the Senate that could bar civil arrests in certain locations and prevent federal immigration agents from hiding their identities when operating in Vermont.  They also declared support for another bill, S.144, that aims to limit the scope of law enforcement making traffic stops. The bill was introduced in the Senate Judiciary Committee last year but never made it out.  — Charlotte Oliver On the move The Senate approved a set of further changes Wednesday to a bill that would require disclosures on certain AI-generated media. The bill, S.23, first passed the Senate last year and then cleared the House with some changes. But the Senate never took up those revisions before the Legislature adjourned in June.  Compared to the House’s version of the bill, the Senate version approved Wednesday would apply a disclosure requirement to AI-generated media depicting any person — not just political candidates, as the House’s version called for. (In both versions, the media would have to be published in the leadup to an election for the requirement to take effect.) The Senate also expanded the disclosure requirement to apply to issue campaigns, such as a local budget, and not just a person’s bid for office. Another change in the Senate’s version adds language to the bill meant to make sure the text or audio of a disclosure would be visible or audible to people with disabilities. S.23 will now head back to the House for further consideration. — Shaun Robinson A liberal lunch Rep. Ian Goodnow, D-Brattleboro, said Wednesday he had “woke liberal” lunch: tinned fish. It was in a fancy little can, he added. — Charlotte Oliver Read the story on VTDigger here: 3 years after Act 76, lawmakers eye Vermont’s lagging child care workforce. ...read more read less