Balanced Data Privacy Bill Receives Unanimous Support in the Senate

Balanced Data Privacy Bill Receives Unanimous Support in the Senate

This week, the Vermont Senate unanimously passed a comprehensive data privacy bill, signaling strong bipartisan support for the protection of Vermonters’ personal data and Vermont’s economy. The bill, which was supported by Vermont business organizations, nonprofits, and medical providers, aligns with the privacy framework passed in other New England states and outlined in Governor Scott’s veto last year. By passing the bill, the Senate has sent a clear message: Vermonters deserve strong privacy protections, and Senate lawmakers are listening to the concerns of trusted local organizations.

During the Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affair’s review of the bill, Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale expressed the Senate’s commitment to the bill, stating, “I will say on the record, if you touch a hair on this bill’s head it may not garner the votes in the Senate to pass.” This statement underscores the Senate’s resolve to keep the bill intact as it moves to the House. Despite external pressures from out-of-state interests trying to push Vermont toward more extreme policies, the Senate has prioritized a solution that balances privacy rights with the needs of Vermont’s economy.

The bill was reported by Bennington Senator Rob Plunkett, a meaningful moment for the businesses in his district, which have been a prominent voice on this issue. This action by the Senate highlights the importance of creating a privacy framework that protects local businesses from unnecessary legal risks. As the bill moves to the House, the Vermont Chamber hopes to see the same commitment to a regionally compatible approach that supports Vermont’s economy while safeguarding privacy. We thank the Senate for their thoughtful, bipartisan leadership and urge the House to follow this show of leadership.

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Rethinking Property Taxes

Rethinking Property Taxes

The Vermont Chamber testified this week in the House Ways and Means Committee on proposed property tax classification changes, which will be a critical component to the future of education finance. From taxes to housing and healthcare, businesses and residents are grappling with mounting pressures. The message is clear: Vermont must address its most significant issues with bold, comprehensive reforms in order to remain competitive and economically resilient. A path toward sustainability and predictability is needed to support Vermont’s economic drivers.

The proposed system expands property classifications into nine distinct categories. Although this could enable a more nuanced tax framework, there are concerns about the feasibility of implementation. In the Vermont Chamber’s recent Business Climate Survey, 86% of businesses expected last year’s property tax increases to impact their financial health. We encouraged the committee to recognize the significant tax burden businesses face, to support investment and growth, and to ensure that Vermont remains competitive in attracting business investment.

While there are concerns with the current proposal, we remain committed to staying at the table to ensure that the business community has a proactive voice and that any changes remain equitable, transparent, and supportive of economic growth. Meaningful reforms will require all stakeholders to engage in difficult conversations. 

As a member-driven organization, we value your feedback, which will help shape our advocacy work as we continue these conversations. Please consider taking this micro-survey to inform our efforts.

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