Testimony: Workforce Development, Senate Economic Development Committee
Workforce Development Senate Economic Development, Housing, General Affairs Committee April 2, 2019 Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) is a non-profit, statewide business trade organization with a mission to advance business ethics that value multiple bottom lines- economic, social, and environmental. We strive to help members set a high standard for protecting the natural, human […]
Paid Family Medical Leave is Good for Business
The creation of a universal Paid Family Medical Leave system in Vermont would give security to workers who require time off to recover from an illness or welcome a new child, and to businesses who rely on qualified and experienced employees. This is a common-sense business-friendly solution that will strengthen our local labor force. Universal […]
Testimony: Workforce Development, House Commerce Committee
Workforce Development House Commerce Committee March 14, 2019 Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) is a non-profit, statewide business trade organization with a mission to advance business ethics that value multiple bottom lines- economic, social, and environmental. We strive to help members set a high standard for protecting the natural, human and economic environments of […]
VBSR’s 2019 Legislative Agenda
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility is proud to represent our members at the Vermont State House during the 2019 legislative session. Our goal is to pass laws and regulations that support triple-bottom line businesses in Vermont and foster an economy that supports our businesses, environment, and communities. Among the issues that VBSR will lobby on […]
Raising the Wage is Good for Business
By Daniel Barlow, Public Policy Manager of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility Want to hear something obvious? Raising the minimum wage increases the take-home pay for low-income workers without hurting job growth. That’s not just a sound bite from Sen. Bernie Sanders – it’s now a proven economic fact. A study released this month from […]
A $15/hour Minimum Wage is Good for Business, By Don Mayer, CEO of Small Dog Electronics
The Vermont Legislature recently passed a measure to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2024. As a Vermont business owner, I believe this is sound policy and should not have been vetoed by Gov. Scott. Many families now work multiple jobs and are still not able to meet the basic needs of shelter, […]
State House Report April, 9th
VBSR Asks VT Senate Leaders to Fund Climate Change Studies VBSR sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee last week requesting that legislators maintain funding for an important economic analysis of decarbonization policies in Vermont. Read the testimony to the Senate Committee. Climate change is a complex problem and the Vermont Legislature needs good […]
Minimum Wage should be a Living Wage
Eighteen states began 2018 by raising the minimum wage. The majority of states – now totaling 29 – have increased the state minimum wage above the federal minimum wage ($7.25 an hour) which hasn’t been raised in almost a decade. Vermont has always been a leader in taking care of our workers. Every two years, […]
VBSR’s 2017 Legislative Agenda
Based on feedback from our members and development from our Public Policy Committee, VBSR worked on the following key issues at the Vermont State House this year, as well as on a number of secondary issues. Effective Use of State Contracting The state of Vermont is a big purchaser of goods and services. We […]
Testimony: Senate Government Operations, State Procurement
Testimony by Daniel Barlow, VBSR Public Policy Manager Senate Government Operations Committee, January 18, 2017 Re: Highest Value Procurement Vermont state government is a major purchaser of goods and services from the private sector, providing economic opportunities for businesses of all sizes and supporting thousands of jobs each year. Awarding state contracts for goods and […]
