The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has announced the release of its 2023-2024 Legislative Biennium Report, highlighting the critical role of state-level policymaking in shaping the business landscape and economy of Vermont.

“As we present this report, we are reminded of the resilience and dedication that define Vermont’s business community,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber. “Over the past two years, we’ve navigated significant legislative activity and unprecedented challenges that have both tested and strengthened our collective resolve.”

The report underscores the essential need for active engagement and advocacy in Montpelier. “It is imperative that a diverse range of perspectives is included in the policymaking process,” added Spear. “True innovation and balanced policy outcomes arise from collaboration—a practice central to the work of the Vermont Chamber.”

Highlights from the 2023–2024 Legislative Biennium Report:

• Advocacy Efforts: The Vermont Chamber’s advocacy team, led by Vice President of Government Affairs Megan Sullivan, testified 55 times before legislative committees and monitored 964 committee hearings, ensuring that the voice of the business community was heard.
• Legislative Engagement: The Chamber hosted with 14 legislative interns, fostering the next generation of leaders and advocates.
• Economic Focus: Amid record-high government spending supported by one-time federal pandemic relief funding, the Chamber emphasized the need to return state spending to sustainable levels to address the affordability crisis impacting businesses, individuals, and families.
• Policy Impact: Several key bills beneficial to Vermont’s business community were successfully passed, while numerous proposed tax increases that could have strained the state’s economic climate did not advance.
• Voting Transparency: Incumbent legislators’ voting records on key economic issue. This resource provides businesses with clarity on how their Senators and Representatives voted, enabling informed political engagement and advocacy to strengthen Vermont’s business environment.

As election season progresses, it is imperative for candidates to prioritize economic growth and recognize the significant role Montpelier plays in shaping Vermont’s business landscape. Looking to 2025, the Vermont Chamber’s commitment to balanced, data-driven, and pragmatic approaches remains strong. The Vermont Chamber advocacy team will be visiting communities across Vermont in the coming months to preview the full slate of business issues expected in the State House during the upcoming legislative session.