This commentary is by Hayden Ross. He is an honors student at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs studying public policy and food studies. He is a proud product of the Vermont public school system and graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre. Last week the Vermont General Assembly reconvened for a new biennium, just a couple of months after voters across the state elected a very different slate of lawmakers than usual. However, I do not anticipate the new Legislature to be much different than those of recent years because of institutional practices that will long haunt the halls of the Statehouse. For far too long, lobbyists have been able to influence the agenda and decision-making process in ways that prioritize special interests over the needs of Vermont residents. While legislators’ faces may change, the outsized presence of well-funded lobbying groups ensures that policies continue to reflect the priorities of a select few rather than the broader public.If Vermont’s Legislature is to reflect the will of its people truly, systemic changes are necessary. This includes greater citizen engagement in the legislative process, especially in terms of delivering testimony to committees. In many cases, it is far more valuable to hear from people in the field rather than bureaucrats who don’t relate to the issues being discussed. Without these changes, the patterns of influence and inertia will continue to dominate, leaving many Vermonters feeling disillusioned and unheard in the halls of power.On a positive note, the Senate Committee on Committees and House Speaker Jill Krowinski showed some aspiration to change the status quo by shaking up the leadership and composition of key committees. For instance, the Senate Education Committee is now composed of six members with equal party distinction thus demonstrating a newfound desire for consensus.In the House, Manchester Rep. Kathleen James has been tasked with leading the new Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee. While these changes are undoubtedly promising, much more will be needed from legislative leadership to shift the dynamics of the Vermont Statehouse.Read the story on VTDigger here: Hayden Ross: Why this biennium may not be different .