Sen. Jane Kitchel, D-Caledonia, is leaving the Vermont Senate.
Kitchel announced her retirement from the body on Friday morning, according to a press release from Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth’s office. She’s set to leave office after 20 years and, arguably, as the chamber’s most influential member. As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she’s a leading architect of the state budget each year.
“When I began in public service over fifty years ago, I had no idea of what wonderful opportunities would lie ahead for me,” said Kitchel, a Danville resident, in the release. “Leaving office was a difficult decision, but the time has come.”
The surprise announcement did not provide a specific reason for Kitchel’s decision. She was recently elected to serve as the third member of the Senate’s powerful Committee on Committees, which appoints members to all other committees.
“I have adopted a two-word mantra as President Pro Tem, and it has served me well: ‘Ask Jane,’” Baruth said in the press release. “That will need to change now, in the wake of her decision to take a very, very well-deserved retirement, as will many other things.”
This story will be updated.
Read the story on VTDigger here: After a career in public service, Jane Kitchel to retire from the Vermont Senate.