Collective Impact of Major Proposals Must be Central to Funding Discussions

The Vermont Chamber is continuing to urge legislators to consider the collective impact of proposals on Vermont businesses when evaluating funding sources for new revenue streams. Testimony this week encouraged the Senate Finance Committee to consider the inability of employers to fund multiple major investments in new paid family and medical leave and childcare proposals without putting the success of their business, and their communities, at risk. 

In response, committee members acknowledged the substantial number of priorities in discussion this session. Sen. Ann Cummings, chair of the committee, assured they would take a realistic approach and “tack them all on the board and look at all possible ways to fund them” once bills reach their committee. Eli Lesser-Goldsmith of Healthy Living testified in support of prioritizing issues to ensure sustainable implementation and cautioned implementing multiple major investments requiring new revenue streams this session. As bills begin to move into money committees, the Vermont Chamber will continue to advocate for pragmatic decision-making.