Navigating Federal Policy Now

This is a challenging time for our state and nation.

From tariffs and the prospect of ICE raids, to the potential loss of information security, government contracts, basic human services, and federal funding for LGBTQ+ rights, environmental protection, DEI, and refugee support, recent federal policy actions have created a climate of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.

VBSR acknowledges the tremendous impact these actions are already having on Vermont's businesses, communities, and economy.

We also recognize the importance of clear information and calculated responses to minimize the disruption to our lives and livelihoods.

Below are events and resources intended to support businesses in this moment, including information on DEI, ICE & Immigration, support for LBGTQ+ people and Tariffs. Please contact us to let us know how we can support you – or to share a resource you believe would be helpful to VBSR members at this time.

Navigating the Two DEI Executive Orders: Merit-Based Practices and Belonging in the Evolving Policy Landscape
Source: SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)
This SHRM webinar recording and slides from January 29, 2025, provide detail about President Trump’s Executive Orders on DEI programs. Workplace leaders are now facing new challenges in maintaining inclusive and effective organizational cultures. To navigate this evolving landscape, it's crucial to understand how to uphold merit-based practices while fostering a sense of belonging among all employees. You may need to register briefly with SHRM to watch the video. The slides can be found in two parts, here and here.
[posted to this page 02/05/25]

Immigration & ICE Rights, Responsibilities, & Support for VT Businesses and Non-Profits
Source: State of Vermont – Office of the State Treasurer
On February 6, 2025, an expert panel of Vermont and national leaders convened to get your questions answered regarding what the new federal immigration actions mean for your business. This webinar was offered as a partnership of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, VBSR and State Treasurer Mike Pieciak’s Task Force on the Federal Transition.
[posted to this page 02/06/25]

Report ICE Raid or Activity to VAAP
Source: Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP)
VAAP is a new legal services organization that exists to (among other areas of focus) provide VT immigrants and community members with access to legal knowledge and direct services. In addition to offering a variety of free resources, they have set up a reporting system for ICE activity.
[posted to this page 02/06/25]

Know Your Rights with ICE Border Patrol For Employers, Motorists, and Farmers
Source: National Lawyers Guild, Vermont Chapter
If ICE, Border Patrol or any other Law Enforcement wants to search your house, barns, or other buildings do you know your rights? Do you know what to say and do to defend your property from unwarranted search? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this document from the Vermont Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.
[posted to this page 02/05/25]

Employer Rights and Responsibilities During HSI Worksite Enforcement Actions
Source: American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
AILA provides a checklist to help you understand an employer’s rights and responsibilities during a Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) worksite enforcement action. There is a generic PDF version and a customizable Word version. These flyers outline recent changes in immigration law, provide explanations for frequently asked questions, and tackle typical immigration concerns.
[posted to this page 02/05/25]

Vermont Tariff Resources
Source: State of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development has created a tariff resource page for Vermonters to learn more about evolving tariff circumstances. This resource will continue to be updated if more information becomes available. Additionally, the Vermont Tariff Taskforce created by Governor Phil Scott continues to meet regularly to analyze possible scenarios created by new tariffs and evaluate their potential impact on Vermonters and Vermont businesses.
[posted to this page 03/17/25]

Roundtable with Sen. Peter Welch: Impact of Tariffs on the Vermont Economy
Source: The Office of Sen. Peter Welch
Senator Welch held a virtual roundtable to discuss the impact of current and prospective tariffs on your business or organization. The roundtable was held Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 and was recorded. Watch that video here.
[posted to this page 02/05/25]

Supportive Resources From Pride Center of Vermont
Source: Pride Center of Vermont
Pride Center of Vermont has made a statement about navigating this moment on social media that includes resources for support. Find that information here. They also have an extensive resources page on their site here.
[posted to this page 02/19/25]

Information for LGBTQ+ People Under the Trump Administration
Source: GLAD Law
GLAD Law, the "GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders", has an "Information for LGBTQ+ People Under the Trump Administration" page that can be found here. They also have an Employment & Discrimination page that is specific to Vermont; that page can be found here.
[posted to this page 02/19/25]

Federal Cuts Tracker Map
Source: Abigail André, Doctoral Fellow at The Ohio State University
Started by a Doctoral Fellow at The Ohio State University (Environmental Law & Policy Specialist, Environmental Social Science), a crowdsourced Federal Cuts Tracker Map is in the works. It is an interactive visualization of impacts felt across the country as the result of federal firings, funding freezes and cuts, and program cancellations. More stories (which translates to dots on the map) are being added all the time.
[posted to this page 03/04/25]

If you or anyone you know may be interested in contributing by sending local newspaper articles about these impacts, you can click here.
If you are a federal worker (including international) who would like to share your story, click here.
If you are in business in any way with the federal government and have been impacted by cuts, you can share your story here.
If you are a grant or loan recipient whose funding has been impacted by federal cuts in any way, you can share your story here.

Seeking similar information for Vermont's nonprofit sector?

Common Good Vermont has a similar resource page dedicated to the current uncertainty. Common Good Vermont will continue to update this page with resources and guidance related to executive orders, the federal funding pause, and immigration actions.

Get Involved

Take action here or reach out to our Public Policy Manager, Johanna de Graffenreid, at johannad@vbsr.org.