🏛️ Montpelier Minute: Week 12 Recap
Each week, Megan Sullivan, our VP of Government Affairs, provides an update on key developments at the Vermont State House. Here’s what happened last week, and a look at what’s ahead:
✔️ Celebrating Vermont Manufacturing: Over 100 industry leaders gathered at the State House on April 2 for Vermont Manufacturing Day, highlighting the sector’s $3 billion economic impact and essential role in our workforce.
✔️ Focus on budget and tax reform: The Chamber is encouraged by proposed investments in housing, workforce, and infrastructure. As discussions on property tax reform continue, we’re advocating for a balanced approach that addresses affordability without placing undue burden on businesses.
✔️ What’s on deck: Join us this Thursday, April 10, for Tourism Economy Day, where we’ll spotlight the vital contributions of Vermont’s tourism and hospitality industries.
One, I'm Megan Sullivan. Welcome back to the Montpelier Minute where we recap last week. Statehouse highlights in preview the week ahead. It was a busy week at the State House with lawmakers working through a full of legislation post crossover. We kicked off the week with Vermont Manufacturing Day at the Statehouse, where over 100 industry leaders met with legislators to highlight the sectors $3 billion economic impact. On the budget front, we're encouraged to see investments in housing, workforce and infrastructure. Strategic investments that grow the economy will allow future budget growth without the need for tax increases. The Vermont Chamber team is actively engaged with property tax reform proposals. Vermont is the highest per capita property tax in the country, which has been surging at a rate well beyond general inflation. While recent revisions to the tax classification and proposal are pared down, concerns remain over proposals that could unfairly single out businesses. Cost containments and education must move hand in hand with tax reforms to ensure we are addressing affordability and not creating a shell game. We are continuing to track legislation across the economic spectrum from housing, PFAS, labor, energy and more. Check out our weekly State to Main newsletter for updates. In the week ahead, tourism and hospitality industry leaders will convene at the Statehouse this Thursday, April 10th for the Tourism Economy Day. Join us for this event, which will raise awareness of the contributions of these industries to the Vermont economy. Thank you for turning into this week's Montpelier Minute. Your feedback helps shape our advocacy. Reach out to us.govtaffairs@vtchamber. com.
