Op-Ed: The Vermont Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Priorities

Common Ground: Working Together to Address Vermont’s Affordability Crisis

Each year, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce outlines our legislative priorities with one focus in mind: creating the conditions to advance the Vermont economy. This year, our goals align closely with those voiced by Vermonters at the polls: addressing affordability, fostering economic growth, and doing the hard work to solve Vermont’s toughest challenges. 

Affordability is at the forefront of these challenges. Vermonters are grappling with rising costs, driven by demographic pressures and systemic issues in areas such as education finance spending, housing, and healthcare. Based on data compiled by the Vermont Futures Project, our state must add an average of 13,500 people to its workforce annually through 2035 to keep the economy thriving in the face of demographic shifts. Meanwhile, meeting current housing demand will require tripling Vermont’s housing output to produce 36,000 new units by 2029.

Addressing this level of need is even more pressing given Vermont’s ranking as the third-highest state in the nation for tax collections per capita, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Property and individual income taxes remain Vermont’s largest sources of revenue—placing additional stress on families and businesses already struggling with limited housing options and rising costs. While band-aid solutions might feel appealing, real progress requires honest conversations, a shared commitment, and a willingness to embrace compromise. We need solutions that tackle the root causes, not just the symptoms. 

Last year’s success in modernizing Act 250 demonstrated how stakeholders with historically opposing sides commit to working together, and in doing so, real progress can be made—even when the process is challenging and compromises are required. By remaining fully engaged and working through disagreements, participants honored diverse perspectives and paved the way for continued collaboration, providing a blueprint for how to accomplish meaningful change. This model of purposeful engagement—where people listen to different viewpoints, set aside rhetoric, and remain focused on shared goals—must be a cornerstone of how we move forward in Montpelier and beyond. As we look ahead, whether in the State House, the boardroom, or around the kitchen table, we must prioritize this spirit of cooperation to address our affordability crisis and build a stronger future for businesses and communities across the state. 

The Vermont Chamber is committed to playing an active role in this process. We will advocate for thoughtful, data-driven policies that reduce costs, grow our economy, and create opportunities for all Vermonters. Vermont’s challenges, from housing shortages to healthcare costs, do not rest on the shoulders of any one party, organization, or community. Making meaningful reforms will require all stakeholders—legislators, administration officials, advocates, businesses, and individuals—to engage in difficult conversations and embrace compromise. Only through a shared sense of responsibility—and shared accountability for the outcomes—can we create the conditions for inclusive and forward-thinking problem-solving. Blame and partisanship must give way to open-minded discussion and creative ideas that improve Vermonters’ lives. 

As we begin the new legislative session, the Vermont Chamber calls on our leaders to remain engaged in discussions, continue the dialogue, and keep conversations focused on results. It’s time to move beyond rhetoric and engage in the real work of making Vermont more affordable and sustainable for all. By doing so, we can ensure our state’s economy remains vibrant, our communities remain livable, and our future remains bright. 

Facing the Hard Truths: Vermont Businesses Call for Systemic Reforms 

Facing the Hard Truths: Vermont Businesses Call for Systemic Reforms

The Vermont Chamber’s recent Business Climate Survey reveals a stark reality: Vermont businesses feel increasingly challenged by rising costs, complex regulations, and not enough legislative focus on tackling systemic changes. From taxes to housing, and healthcare, businesses and residents alike are grappling with the same mounting pressures—escalating costs without proportional returns on investment. The message is clear: Vermont must address its most significant issues with bold, comprehensive reforms to remain competitive and economically intact.

General Business Climate: A Climate of Concern

Survey respondents consistently voiced frustration with Vermont’s business environment, citing rising operational costs, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of workforce availability. With an overall business climate score of 2.56 out of 5, the sentiment reflects significant concern. Businesses struggle to find qualified workers due to high living costs and limited housing, causing some to reduce hours, cut services, or consider relocation.

Taxes: Rising Burdens Without Balanced Returns 

Taxation emerged as a dominant concern, with 91% of businesses stating that Vermont’s current tax structure hinders growth and investment. Businesses report feeling overwhelmed by an increasing array of taxes—property, payroll, income, and sales— and regulations while expressing frustration with what they see as inefficient state spending. A staggering 95% believe Vermont is not balancing tax increases with meaningful investments. Without reforms to taxation and spending, respondents fear that Vermont risks jeopardizing its viable business climate and driving businesses—and their employees—elsewhere. 

Housing: A Crisis Blocking Growth 

Housing availability remains one of the most pressing challenges for workforce development in Vermont. Despite significant state investments, businesses report little progress in improving housing options for their employees. The high cost of housing, combined with permitting restrictions and the increasing prevalence of short-term rentals, continues to hinder efforts to attract and retain workers. To address these challenges, businesses are advocating for streamlined permitting processes and targeted incentives that prioritize market rate workforce housing for renters and ownership. 

Healthcare: Costs Rising Beyond Reach 

Healthcare costs are another critical challenge, with escalating insurance premiums pushing many businesses to evaluate coverage options. Nearly 45% of respondents have had to adjust their benefits due to rising costs, and smaller businesses struggle most acutely. Employers are seeking systemic reforms to reduce healthcare costs and provide more equitable solutions without shifting the burden solely onto them.

Payroll Tax: Frustrations Over New Costs

Childcare remains an issue for Vermont’s workforce stability, though Vermont’s demographic realities mean that 48% of respondents indicated that none of their employees currently have childcare needs, raising frustrations over the financial obligations to the new childcare contribution payroll tax. For businesses with employees who rely on childcare, respondents indicated that current efforts have fallen short and have not provided effective solutions for working families. Employers report that childcare remains a challenge, with 47% seeing no improvement in affordability or availability since recent legislative changes.

While businesses recognize the importance of childcare, many are concerned about the financial impacts imposed by the new payroll tax, with 87% opposing further increases. These responses indicate that it will be critical to review independent data on how the recent investments are working and if additional reforms, rather than tax increases, are possible.

A Call to Action: Facing Complex Challenges Head-On 

The survey underscores a common frustration: Vermont needs to focus on tackling the systemic issues that drive costs and limit growth. Vermont businesses are calling for bold reforms to the state’s tax structure, housing policy, and healthcare system to alleviate pressures and unlock long-term economic potential.

As the 2025 legislative session approaches, the Vermont Chamber remains committed to amplifying these voices and advocating for policies that reflect Vermont’s values while addressing its greatest challenges. The real progress Vermont needs requires facing complex issues directly, balancing costs with investments, and creating an environment where businesses and communities can thrive.

2024 Election Results

2024 Election Results

On Tuesday, Vermonters cast ballots to elect 150 House members, 30 Senate members, and most statewide officials. While many incumbents retained their seats, significant turnover reshaped the Legislature’s composition. Republicans gained 17 seats in the House and six in the Senate, breaking the Democrats veto-proof majority in both chambers. Republican John Rodgers will assume the role of Lieutenant Governor, presiding over the Senate and holding a tie-breaking vote if needed.

The Vermont Chamber’s recent biennium report highlights the need for a collaborative approach to lawmaking; a sentiment reflected by voters in this election. With the new legislative balance, it is critical for the Legislature and administration to work together to address Vermont’s most pressing challenges. Without collaboration, there is a high risk of gridlock.

Implications for Businesses in the 2025 Legislative Session:

As the session begins, issues tied to affordability—such as housing, education, workforce, resilience, and healthcare—must be prioritized to sustain Vermont’s economic resilience and support communities statewide. The new composition of the Legislature, with over 50% turnover in key committees like House Ways and Means, House Commerce, and Senate Natural Resources, offers an opportunity to refocus on these critical issues. The Senate will see new chairs in the Appropriations, Judiciary, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation committees, while the House will have new chairs in its Transportation, Government Operations, and Military Affairs committees. These considerable changes bring fresh perspectives but also underscore the need for alignment on voters’ priorities, from fiscal policy to workforce recruitment, development and retention.

The Vermont Chamber remains committed to advocating for Vermont businesses. Our advocacy team will work closely with policymakers to address the economic and demographic challenges facing the state. Through collaboration with the Legislature and administration, we aim to support policies that benefit Vermont’s businesses, families, and communities, paving the way for a prosperous future.

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RECENT NEWS

Vermont Chamber of Commerce Joins Employee Wellness Partnership

Vermont Chamber of Commerce Joins Employee Wellness Partnership

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce announced today its participation in the Employee Wellness Partnership, a statewide initiative coordinated by Workplace Compliance and Wellness Vermont (WCWV). The program brings together companies, organizations, and resource providers to reduce suicide and overdose deaths in Vermont by promoting a culture of care and empathy within workplaces and communities.

As a member of the Employee Wellness Partnership, the Vermont Chamber joins The Associated General Contractors of Vermont, Ski Vermont, Jenna’s Promise, Sana at Stowe, Invest Employee Assistance Program, and the Vermont Department of Health, to highlight the health and wellness of employees across the state. The partnership seeks to destigmatize conversations around mental health and substance abuse through training, education, and open dialogue, making workplaces safer and more supportive environments for everyone.

“We’re partnering in this effort because we recognize how critical the role of employee wellness is to retention and overall business success,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve heard from businesses that have employees in crisis and want to help but don’t always have the tools to support them. This partnership aims to reduce stigma and provide the resources and training needed to  build on our culture of healthy and  supportive workplaces across Vermont.”

The Employee Wellness Partnership has made a significant impact since its inception, reaching approximately 150,000 Vermonters—25 percent of the state’s population—through its programs. The initiative has distributed 15,000 doses of Narcan, 25,000 harm reduction kits, and held 12 virtual discussions and 25 on-site visits to promote mental health awareness and employee well-being. The initiative’s success was recently recognized with a Power of Associations Gold Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

“By actively caring for people in the workplace, we can save lives and build stronger communities,” said Reid Wobby, a leading advocate for employee wellness and a representative from WCWV. “The Employee Wellness Partnership offers the resources and support that businesses and organizations need to make a real difference in the lives of their employees and their families.”

As part of this ongoing commitment to workplace well-being, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Solutions Summit on September 25th, a one-day conference focused on workforce development programs. Reid Wobby will present a session titled “Supporting Employees in Crisis: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Response and Support,” offering practical steps employers can take to assist employees in crisis. Registration for the event is now open, with more details available at www.vtchamber.com/workforce-solutions-summit.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is proud to join this critical initiative to help foster healthy, supportive work environments across the state. For more information on the Employee Wellness Partnership or to learn how your business can get involved, please visit www.wcwvt.com.

Senators Listen to Vermont Businesses, Uphold Veto on Data Privacy

Senators Listen to Vermont Businesses, Uphold Veto on Data Privacy

Business voices played a crucial role in ensuring an extreme data privacy bill, in its current form, did not become law. While businesses support comprehensive consumer data privacy legislation, H.121 was rife with provisions that lacked clarity and would have unintended consequences for businesses, consumers, and the Vermont economy. The Governor and Senators listened to their constituent businesses on this issue and voted accordingly so an improved bill can be passed in the next biennium.

Earlier this session, when Vermont businesses tried to provide input during the policymaking process, they were dismissed by some politicians as misinformed or as being influenced by big tech. However, a bipartisan group of fifteen Senators decisively rejected that misleading narrative and voted to uphold the veto, deciding to pump the breaks and return to the drawing board. See how your Senators voted, here and how your Representatives voted, here. On the floor, Senator Christopher Bray (D-Addison) stated, “The uniformity of the concerns that I heard from the business community made me re-read and ask questions…there is so much uncertainty in [H.121] that it has Vermont businesses deeply concerned about the consequences of enactment… there is wisdom in pausing when you find that the work you have done, no matter how well intention, may have negative consequences.” Senator Ann Cummings (D-Washington), who also voted to uphold the veto, stated, “We need to make sure the business community supports this… We need to make sure we get this right because it is a very serious issue.”

The outpouring of feedback from Vermont businesses in recent weeks no doubt played a key role in securing this result. The successful veto of H.121 means that a more balanced bill can now be crafted in a future session. The Vermont Chamber is committed to working with legislators in the next biennium to pass an improved bill that aligns with neighboring states via a process that respects all voices at the table.

Well-Intentioned Data Privacy Bill Misses the Mark

Senate Economic Development Passes Strong Data Privacy Bill

H.121, a data privacy bill passed by the legislature and vetoed by Governor Scott, is a well-intentioned attempt to protect consumers’ personal data that misses the mark. In its current form, this bill will create major problems for Vermont’s businesses, consumers, and economy. Our organizations strongly support comprehensive data privacy legislation, but H.121 goes far beyond the measures adopted in neighboring states like Connecticut and New Hampshire, which we support as workable models. H.121 goes far beyond these measures and would make it harder for businesses to serve their Vermont customers than to serve those in other states. 

Unfortunately, when Vermont businesses tried to provide input throughout this policy-making process, they were routinely dismissed by some in the legislature as misinformed or as being influenced by big tech. This is an inaccurate characterization. Further, it has had a chilling effect on the ability of Vermont businesses to engage in the legislative process for fear of being villainized and of ramifications for their businesses. 

This bill will put Vermont businesses at a serious disadvantage, making them less competitive than businesses in other states, raising their marketing and compliance costs, and exposing them to potential legal battles. H.121, as passed by the Legislature, is unworkable. It threatens the survival of many local businesses and would put a serious dent in the Vermont economy.

H.121 could also spell the end of loyalty and other programs that many Vermonters benefit from. These programs, like airline miles, hotel and credit card points, multi-mountain ski passes, savings on gasoline, and more, are all at risk. Under the new law, it would be too difficult, expensive, and risky for businesses to continue offering these programs and benefits to Vermonters.

Unfortunately, H.121 is not balanced legislation. Vermont should join our neighboring statesby adopting a comprehensive privacy law that creates regional alignment. This would protect consumers and hold bad actors responsible while helping businesses to comply. H.121 as drafted, does not accomplish this. The 105-page document is rife with provisions that lack clarity and will lead to unintended consequences.

We urge legislators to support Governor Scott’s veto of H.121 and return next year to work on creating a better bill. Vermont can have strong privacy laws that protect consumers without hurting local businesses. Let’s find a solution that works for everyone.

Signed,

Associated Industries of Vermont

Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Heating and Cooling Contractors of Vermont

Vermont Association of Broadcasters

Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Vermont Fuel Dealers Association

Vermont Independent Restaurants

Vermont Retail and Grocers Association

Vermont Ski Areas Association

Vermont Technology Alliance

Vermont Vehicle and Automotive Distributors Association

Legislature Adjourns: What Businesses Need to Know

Legislature Adjourns: What Businesses Need to Know

The House and Senate gaveled out on Saturday at 2:07 AM and 1:18 AM respectively, following a tumultuous day of negotiations. Bills will now head to the Governor for his consideration and potential veto. Legislators are then set to return to the State House on June 17 to try and garner the two-thirds vote majority to override his decisions.

Below are the top headlines that you should know:

  • Housing and Act 250 Modernization: Vermont lawmakers and stakeholders have achieved a noteworthy feat: passing substantial reforms that exempt the building of housing units from Act 250 in villages, neighborhoods, and downtowns across the state. The legislation represents a historic compromise that will help reduce regulatory barriers to meet workforce housing needs. Following nearly a year of negotiations, the bill is set to introduce a process to create a tiered location-based approach through extensive community engagement over the next three years. It will tailor the applicability of Act 250 based on a development’s location and environmental sensitivity. It will also establish a professional board to make the Act 250 process more predictable, fair, and timely in every district. The Governor has been critical of the bill throughout the session, but it remains to be seen if he will sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.
  • Property Taxes: The Vermont House and Senate reached a consensus on the annual property tax bill aimed at funding school districts’ budgets. The bill would increase the average education property tax bill by a crushing 13.8%. Key provisions that brought it down from 18% include utilizing a one-time state budget surplus of $25 million to mitigate property tax rates, introducing a new 3% surcharge tax on short-term rentals, and a $14.7 million tax on internet software access (aka the “cloud tax”). The absence of immediate structural reforms to education financing remains deeply concerning and the establishment of a study committee on the issue does little to temper fears that Vermonters will be facing extreme increases again, next year. All eyes will be on the Legislature in June to see if there are enough votes to sustain the Governor’s likely veto, and if a veto letter will provide further suggestions on how to reduce the double-digit increase before Vermonters receive their tax bills.
  • Data Privacy: In the final hours, Senators walked back their version of a data privacy bill that would have been regionally compatible and removed a private right of action. The Vermont Chamber has consistently advocated for three essential pillars, all of which we have advocated for in other policy proposals as well: regional compatibility, empowering the Attorney General as the sole enforcement authority, and funding small business education and training through trusted in-state technical assistance providers. The bill will now be sent to the Governor for his consideration and, if enacted, it would introduce rigorous and untested regulations impacting businesses of all sizes. While it aims to enhance consumer privacy, a goal supported by the Vermont Chamber, it also presents significant challenges for businesses. It would require substantial adjustments to data management practices that could impact operational efficiency, and leave education and outreach to the Attorney General.
  • Public Safety: To address the statewide uptick in retail theft, a bill passed by the House and Senate amends the penalties associated with various theft thresholds by increasing the penalty per repeat incident. Currently, theft of merchandise valued at less than $900 constitutes a misdemeanor offense, regardless of repeat offenses. The bill, which still awaits a verdict from the Governor, classifies a third offense as a felony if the stolen property falls within the $250 to $900 value range. This would entail substantial fines and potential jail time.
  • FY25 Budget: A conference committee reconciled differences before sending an $8.6 billion state budget to the Governor, who signaled at a press conference he would likely sign the bill, despite a 0.25% increase over his proposed budget.
  • Renewable Energy Standard: The Legislature passed a bill significantly expanding the state’s Renewable Energy Standard, with most retail electricity providers required to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030, and municipal providers by 2035. The bill has estimated cumulative costs to ratepayers ranging between $150 million and $450 million over the period from FY 2025 to FY 2035, with potential incremental electricity rate increases up to 6.7% by FY 2035.
  • Chemical Regulation: A bill banning chemicals such as PFAS, phthalates, formaldehyde, mercury, and lead from various consumer products is headed to the Governor for his consideration. The bill aligns with similar legislation in California, Minnesota, Maine, and Washington.
  • Liquor Liability Insurance: A miscellaneous alcohol bill passed by the Legislature delays the implementation of mandatory liquor liability insurance until July 1, 2026. This essential measure would meet the need for the insurance market to adjust due to increasing premium rates and reduced capacity for insurers to accept risk.
  • Job Advertisement Requirements: A bill mandating the inclusion of a wage range in job advertisements has been sent to the Governor for consideration. If signed, the law will go into effect in 2025 with a mandate for the Attorney General to work with stakeholders on education and outreach.
  • Captive Audience: A bill that limits the ability of a business to communicate with employees, if an employee felt the communication was of a religious or political nature, has passed and will move to the Governor for review.
  • Recovery and Resiliency: 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.
  • Business Incentives: Several studies and changes to Vermont’s primary business incentive, the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) program, were considered in the last two years. Ultimately, all that was agreed to was a two-year extension of the programmatic VEGI sunset.

Senate Working to Mitigate Property Tax Increases Below 13%

Senate Working to Mitigate Property Tax Increases Below 13%

The Senate Finance Committee only had one week to work on a critical bill which, as passed by the House, would raise property taxes by 15-18%, create a cloud tax (including software as a service, infrastructure as a service, and platform as a service), and add a 1.5% surcharge to short term rentals. The Chair of the committee, Ann Cummings (D-Washington) continues to be a champion for balance and well-informed policymaking this session and is working to get the property tax increase below 13%. She is taking a measured approach to the issue, with an understanding that raising other taxes to achieve this would also have implications.

One measure under discussion is leveraging the influx of general fund revenue from the solar eclipse to buy down $25 million. An additional proposal is borrowing $20 million from our reserves. However, the Treasurer is scheduled to testify later today that using reserve funds would pose a risk to Vermont’s credit rating. He previously testified in the House Ways in Means Committee on these concerns. The Senate Finance Committee is also considering a handful of sales taxes on items such as candy, sugar-sweetened beverages, clothing over $150, and vaping tobacco. Separately, following business testimony on the anticipated cost and complexity of a widespread cloud tax, the committee appears ready to scale back the House proposal to a tax on software as a service. The committee is expected to work late into this evening to ensure they vote the bill out.

Earlier this week, the committee considered transitioning from the proposed 1.5% short-term rental tax to a .5% rooms tax increase. The Vermont Chamber and members of the lodging community voiced concerns that another tax increase on the lodging industry could have far-reaching ramifications for the visitor economy. Kim Donahue, Owner of the Inn at the Round Barn Farm, testified that for every dollar spent at her business, visitors spend another $4 at neighboring businesses. These figures are particularly notable at scale when even a slight increase in taxation could redirect major events like wedding spending to neighboring states, jeopardizing Vermont’s competitiveness.

Senate Economic Development Passes Strong Data Privacy Bill

Senate Economic Development Passes Strong Data Privacy Bill

Vital changes were made by the Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee before they unanimously passed the data privacy bill. The legislation is now a strong consumer privacy bill without placing an undue burden on Vermont businesses. In particular, the committee removed the controversial private right of action which would result in collateral damage of rampant litigation placing undue strain on businesses and non-profits of all sizes. It instead asks a technology-based state council under the purview of the Agency of Digital Services to look into a path forward. Additionally, the bill brings it back to a place of interoperability with other New England state data privacy laws. The bill will likely be on the Senate floor for a vote next week.

Businesses testified in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee on the importance of the Senate changes. Jim Hall, CEO of the Vermont Country Store, stated that the House-passed version of the bill would effectively slow down the economy. We encourage more businesses to reach out to their House and Senate members and ask them to support that bill as it has been amended by the Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee.

House Advances Property Tax Hikes and Delays Reform

House Advances Property Tax Hikes and Delays Reform

Amid a $200 million increase in education spending, instead of making meaningful reform with cost containment measures, the House Ways and Means Committee has advanced legislation that includes double-digit property tax increases and adds more expenses for businesses. To pay for an increased property tax credit, the non-homestead tax would increase to 18%, 3% higher than the homestead rate. A cloud tax would also be implemented, including software as a service, platform as a service, and infrastructure as a service. Additionally, the bill proposes a $200,000 “Commission on the Future of Public Education” that would take 18 months to further study and make recommendations on how to improve the system. This means that rate increases will not be addressed this year and Vermonters could face another high increase again next year.

In written testimony, the Commissioner of the Tax Department stated, “The proposal to increase property tax credits for FY25 is not a reduction in total property taxes, but a cost shift that renters and businesses will pay. This is a puzzling approach when you consider the affordability crisis renters and employers currently confront.” Sending the issue to yet another study would not address the immediate needs of Vermonters. Meanwhile, in addition to property tax increases, the House has already passed $125 million in tax increases earlier this session.