Policies
EFFECTIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
During the COVID19 crisis we have put in place special support programs for workers, farms, and businesses, and we may need to do more. State investments in telecommunications & work force training should be focused on towns and rural areas like this district, so that children can learn from home and people can work from home or run businesses from home. State investments in housing and energy efficiency can also help to support the economy.
EDUCATION FINANCE REFORM
Reforms that result in lower education property taxes can support affordable homeownership & rental apartments as well as all helping businesses. The state must stop using the Education Fund to finance costs that are not directly related to pre K through 12 education spending because this drives up property taxes. The state should pay for the Act 46 tax incentives that reward merging districts directly rather than allowing that cost to drive up property taxes in the Education Fund. Most unfortunately, the Legislature has voted to raise education property taxes despite the fact that Vermonters are struggling. I voted against this tax increase, but Rep. Kathleen James voted for it.
BALANCED ENERGY POLICIES
Efficiency, conservation, & small scale renewable energy should be pursued in order to reduce climate change emissions. We must reform any state tax provisions that subsidize fossil fuel use. Regulation of electric utilities should be done with the interests of ratepayers as the first priority instead of catering to the utilities.

