FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Business Groups Provide Guidance for Economic Stewardship

Lawmakers urged to put economic stewardship front and center during the 2021 legislative session

MONTPELIER (Jan. 5, 2021) – Nearly two dozen business organizations, representing more than 200,000 workers, issued an open letter to the Governor and Vermont General Assembly on Monday, December 28, 2020 acknowledging the daunting task lawmakers have in governing during a global pandemic. The virtual nature of lawmaking during this extraordinary time – requiring physical distancing – creates challenges for everyone. 

But as the administration and legislative leaders commence the 2021 legislative session, on January 6^th, these organizations suggest that this is not the time for business as usual and urge sole focus on the most immediate task at hand – chart a path to our state’s economic recovery by:

1. Prioritizing Critical Needs – Focus on fulfilling critical needs to help Vermont employers and their employees get through and emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic on solid ground.

2. Directing Resources to Relief & Recovery – Available federal and state resources should prioritize assistance focused on basic needs and economic impact.

3. Addressing Cost Shocks – Mitigate impending cost shocks that will hurt already struggling Vermont businesses, beginning with deferring scheduled automatic increases in UI taxes.

4. Not Adding Burdens that Would Weaken Economic Recovery – New taxes, fees, mandates, or other laws or regulations will make it more difficult for Vermont businesses to continue or restore operations, or to retain or rehire employees.

5. Planning for Recovery & Growth – Let’s work together to look beyond survival and focus on longer term recovery and growth. That can be achieved by planning for and investing in Vermont’s economic future now.

The business organizations listed below have come together in this unprecedented time to help lawmakers shape their economic stewardship priorities during the 2021 session.

Agri-Mark

Associated General Contractors of Vermont

Associated Industries of Vermont

Barre Granite Association

Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Green Mountain Slate Quarriers Association

Lake Champlain Chamber 

National Federation of Independent Business

Vermont Association of Broadcasters

Vermont Association of Realtors®

Vermont Association of Snow Travelers

Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Vermont Farm Bureau 

Vermont Forest Products Association

Vermont Fuel Dealers Association

Vermont Groundwater Association

Vermont Retail & Grocers Association

Vermont Ski Areas Association

Vermont Traditions Coalition 

Vermont Truck & Bus Association

Vermont Vehicle and Automotive Distributors Association

Click on the links above for more information about the organizations on this letter, as well as the hundreds of Vermont businesses and thousands of working Vermonters they represent.