Public Policy Update
Vermont Legislature - Week 01
January 07, 2014

Vermont lawmakers return to the Statehouse in Montpelier this Tuesday, Jan. 7th for the 2014 legislation session.

Lawmakers Return to Montpelier

Second half of biennium starts today

Lawmakers return to the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier today and face big questions regarding health care, clean energy, food security, economic development and the state budget.

The decisions made under the Golden Dome this year will have short and long-term consequences for Vermont. VBSR is optimistic that we can build on past successes during this legislative session and continue to reform health care, advance the clean energy economy and invest in our state's future.

But we need your help to make this work. Please review VBSR's 2014 legislative agenda below and let us know if you can help advance any of these objectives. We are looking for members who want to speak with lawmakers or administration officials, testify before committees or even writer letters to their local newspaper. Details can be found at the bottom of this email. Thank you!

VBSR's 2014 Legislative Agenda

Health Care

We support the full implementation of Vermont Health Connect and will work to ensure that the system is successful for our businesses and their employees. Vermont must also continue to build on federal health care reform efforts and create a health care system that covers all residents, cuts unnecessary waste and spending and decouples insurance from employment. This system must also be funded fairly and based on a person's ability to pay.

Tax Reform and Fiscal Policy

While Vermont has one of the least regressive tax systems in the country, we can still make further changes to the code that will make the system simpler, fairer and more sustainable. It is also necessary and appropriate to increase the transparency and accountability of tax expenditures. Vermont policy-makers should consider the benefits and values that tax-funded public investments bring to communities and the economy when making budget decisions.

Early Childhood Education

Research shows that investments in quality pre-kindergarten services results in positive outcomes for school aged children. This is a smart investment in our economy and future workforce. VBSR believes we should expand access in the state to publicly financed prekindergarten education.

GMO Labeling

The use of the word "Vermont" on a label has come to indicate product quality and purity. Meanwhile, the introduction of genetically engineered food has changed how food is grown in the United States and the attitudes consumers have about the food they eat. VBSR believes the use of GMO/GE ingredients in products produced in Vermont threatens to undercut the vitality and reputation of the Vermont brand.

Clean Energy

The most important strategy to ensure a secure energy future is a vastly increased commitment to energy conservation, energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy. We support lifting the cap on net metering projects and finding the appropriate public investment to meet the state's efficiency goals.

Paid Leave

Families have changed, the workforce and the economy have changed, but many of our labor and workforce policies have not. A stable workforce and stable families are essential components in a sustainable economic system. Allowing employees the ability to earn paid leave will benefit our economy, our workforce and our communities.

Meet Your VBSR Lobbying Team

Representing SR Businesses at the Statehouse

VBSR Executive Director Andrea Cohen and Public Policy Manager Daniel Barlow are your lobbying team at the Vermont Statehouse for the 2014 legislative session. Don't hesitate to contact them with any questions or ideas you have for the session. You can also follow VBSR's legislative actions at our Policy Blog and on Twitter and Facebook.

VBSR Policy: How to Get Involved

Take the VBSR 2014 Public Policy Survey: Your input is important and helps us make the case for socially responsible policies and legislation at the Statehouse. The survey takes about 10 minutes to fill out and the deadline to complete it is Friday, Feb. 14, 2014.

Join a VBSR Work Group: This is an easy way to track and help advocate for legislation at the Statehouse. VBSR Work Groups are chaired by a member of our Public Policy Committee and meet for conference calls as needed throughout the legislative session. If you are interested in joining a Work Group, email Public Policy Manager Daniel Barlow and indicate which of the following groups you are interested in:

- All policy

- Taxes, Budget and Economic Development

- Energy, Efficiency and Transportation

- Health Care

- Environment and Agriculture

- People and Communities (paid leave and workplace issues)

Contact:

Daniel Barlow, Public Policy Manager danielb@vbsr.org
255 South Champlain Street, Suite 11, Burlington, VT | 802.355.7461