RECOVERY & RESILIENCY

Businesses that were severely damaged by the 2023 flooding need support to recover. Specifically, to address the collective unmet economic injury needs that total hundreds of millions of dollars. Looking ahead, it’s not a matter of if, but when, a catastrophic weather event will hit Vermont again. Resiliency must be central to rebuilding and future planning. Business vitality is crucial to the wellbeing of all Vermonters.

Issue Updates

A bill that ensures considerations for businesses while enhancing government responses to natural disasters is expected to pass. The Vermont Chamber advocated for businesses to be included in the scope of the bill early in the session.

A Senate bill that would include considerations for businesses while enhancing government responses to natural disasters is now making its way through the House.

The House Government Operations Committee took testimony throughout the week on a Senate bill that would include considerations for businesses while enhancing government responses to natural disasters.

The Senate Government Operations Committee approved a bill designed to enhance government responses to natural disasters. At the committee's request, the Vermont Chamber contributed language to ensure that the scope of work would include considerations for businesses.

An omnibus bill covering flood protection and climate resilience infrastructure and financing will be considered by the House Environment and Energy Committee. The bill includes renewed funding for business recovery grants and mitigation and planning initiatives.

Policy Priorities

Replenish Business Recovery Programs

This will address mid-to-long-term economic recovery efforts for businesses that collectively face an unmet economic injury need that totals hundreds of millions of dollars.

Fund Disaster Preparedness Initiatives

This will ensure business, homeowner, and community resiliency by proactively planning and implementing mitigation strategies. The goal is to reduce the downtime of operations and revenue loss following future disasters.

Create Rapid Program Implementation Strategies

This will help state agencies create standardized programs that can be quickly mobilized during disaster response and efficiently meet the needs ofthose impacted.