Public Policy Detail
Vermont’s economic policies should be conducted from a long-term perspective, advocating for economic growth and approaches to development that are sustainable.
The goals of Vermont’s economic development efforts should be stated in terms of increasing sustainable wealth for Vermont’s workers and communities, preserving Vermont’s assets and increasing the economic self-sufficiency of Vermonters while developing links to the global marketplace and counteracting the trends toward polarization of income and unequal distribution of economic and societal costs and benefits.
We should leverage Vermont’s competitive advantages, such as high quality of life, environmental quality, strong work ethic, and proximity to the Canadian marketplace.
When targeting resources to help companies expand or locate in Vermont, we should look at each company’s primary factors (e.g., Does this company result in a neutral or net positive effect on the environment? Employ skilled workers or give Vermonters the chance to develop new skills? Have an impact that does not overwhelm local resources?).
