BRATTLEBORO-State Rep. Mollie Burke will not seek re-election after 18 years of service in the Vermont House of Representatives, calling it “a difficult decision” in her remarks to voters at Annual Town Meeting on April 11.
“I’ve loved serving in the House,” said Burke, who represents District 8. “It’s been an extraordinary opportunity to work with dedicated representatives from all over the state on issues that impact the lives of Vermonters, but just as much to work for constituents to access state government assistance [...] in our best moments, the house is a family with family quarrels, of course, but most of all with shared respect and affection.”
The nine-term Democrat, first elected in 2008, called her work in the state capital “a great honor.”
“I hope I’ve served you well,” she said. “You’ve all been very kind. I will miss knocking on your doors this fall — that has been a special part of my service. But I look forward to spending more time in town and will hope to see you out and about on the streets and at events in our wonderful community.”
She chose to serve on the Transportation Committee due to concern about climate change and desire to cut Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions. She was also passionate about promoting a diversified transportation system, with expanded public transit and more opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists, and persons with disabilities. She has served on the transportation committee her entire tenure.
In a press release, Burke cited accomplishments of which she is especially proud: sponsoring the first safe passing law for bicyclists in 2010; the first Complete Streets law in 2011; a 2013 anti-idling bill, and in that year, becoming lead sponsor of a bill to allow undocumented residents to obtain driving privilege cards. Burke’s committee oversaw the multi-year construction of the I-91 bridge over the West River.
She was an official stakeholder in conversations with Amtrak over the decision to build a new train station, and she served on the two-state committee designing the new Hinsdale Bridge. She advocated on behalf of Brattleboro for several paving projects and for a reduced speed limit on Route 30.
In Montpelier, she worked to set up incentive programs to help low- and moderate-income Vermonters purchase electric vehicles and electric bicycles or more fuel-efficient, gas-powered vehicles.
Burke was also one of the original sponsors of the important Working Lands Bill and recently co-sponsored a bill (S.30) that just passed, which establishes a farm-and-forestry special fund to help with recovery from weather-related disasters.
She also co-chairs the Climate Solutions Caucus and is the House appointee to the Public Transit Advisory Council. In 2025 and 2026, she brought her skills as an art teacher to the State House to direct a community art project for colleagues and staff.
This News item by Virginia Ray was written for The Commons.