The meeting focused on key legislative topics in Vermont, including healthcare spending challenges, tax policy proposals, and educational outcomes. Discussions covered various initiatives such as homelessness frameworks, property tax expansions, and the impact of Act 181 on zoning and development. The organization emphasized the importance of engaging with legislators through lobbying, research, and public education to address ongoing challenges in healthcare, housing, and education.
Vermont Healthcare Spending Challenges
Ben Kinsley, the executive director for Campaign for Vermont, discussed upcoming legislative topics in Vermont, focusing on healthcare spending challenges. He explained that while recent healthcare bills were positive, there’s a disconnect between hospital spending, provider spending, and what insurance companies can pay out, leading to rising premiums. Ben also mentioned that the legislature is considering bringing back the Towns Care Organization model, an ACO model previously run by UVM Health Network, though there are doubts about its success.
Legislative Updates on Housing and Taxes
Ben discussed several legislative initiatives, including a new framework for addressing homelessness that moves away from motel voucher programs. He highlighted two tax policy proposals: a wealth tax being considered by the House Ways and Means Chair, though unlikely to pass the Senate, and a planned expansion of property tax categories beyond the current homestead and non-homestead classifications. Ben also explained that Act 181, passed in 2024, overhauls Act 250 and includes the creation of statewide zoning maps that will determine development tiers, with city centers and downtown areas designated as Tier 1, requiring minimal review.
Vermont’s Redistricting and Spending Debate
Ben discussed several key issues facing Vermont, including the upcoming redrawing of district maps under Act 181, which has sparked debate among development organizations. He highlighted the governor’s focus on housing, as evidenced by his State of the State address, and the potential for increased property taxes due to rising education spending. Ben also mentioned a proposed bill to cap spending for two years, which faces opposition from the education establishment but could help address ongoing property tax increases.
Improving Vermont’s Education Outcomes
Ben discussed the lack of focus on educational outcomes in Vermont, highlighting that while spending has increased by 47%, student outcomes have declined, with Vermont now scoring mid to high 20s compared to its previous top 5 ranking. He compared Vermont’s education system to Mississippi’s, which has seen improvements over the past decade by focusing on basics and implementing clear accountability measures. He emphasized the need for a strategic plan with measurable goals and suggested that reducing student-teacher ratios from the current low levels could improve outcomes while saving money. He also discussed the challenges of the current education funding system, which encourages spending increases due to the way property tax rates are calculated, and proposed a more stable funding model based on a foundation formula.
Private Schools’ Cost-Effectiveness in Education
Ben discussed Vermont’s non-operating districts, which fully tuition students to other schools, and highlighted St. Johnsbury Academy as an example of a private school providing comprehensive special education at a lower cost than the state average, despite having a high poverty rate. He noted that St. Johnsbury students outperform those in less impoverished districts, suggesting a better cost-performance ratio at independent schools. However, he emphasized the lack of capacity in private schools to absorb all students and stressed the need to improve the public school system, suggesting that private schools have a clear mission compared to public schools, which lack leadership and a defined mission.
Massachusetts Education Accountability Model
Ben discussed Massachusetts’ education system as a model for improving outcomes despite higher poverty rates and more diverse student populations. He highlighted Massachusetts’ strong accountability framework, which includes clear performance criteria and consequences for underperforming districts. He compared this to Winooski district, which spends the most per student but has poor outcomes, leading him to question the leadership and accountability in his field. He expressed frustration that common sense solutions, like holding back failing students or providing tutoring, are not being implemented in Montpelier, despite some legislators caring about the issue.
Mega-District Proposal and Union Impact
Ben discussed the mega-district proposal, explaining that it would consolidate 5-6 school districts and benefit the union by providing teachers with a significant payout through higher pay. He noted that while the proposal is politically advantageous for the governor by neutralizing the union, it may not be the best solution for addressing educational challenges. He encouraged constituents to engage with their legislators by writing articulate emails, attending public meetings, or meeting them in person, as this can influence policy discussions and decisions.
Vermont Land Use Policy Advocacy
The organization discussed their efforts to engage with the Vermont legislature, including lobbying, research, public education, and creating accessible bill summaries. They explained their work on land use policies, particularly Act 181 and the new Land Use Review Board, which will review and update development maps. The discussion highlighted concerns about using land use regulations to prevent development, suggesting a need to balance development needs with regulatory controls.
Policy Trends and Workforce Challenges
Ben discussed various policy areas, noting that while housing and healthcare are trending in the right direction, education could go either way. He attributed rising healthcare costs to the dominance of UVM Health Network and suggested that Stephen Loeffler, the network’s head, understands the challenges due to his commitment to Vermont. He also highlighted the workforce deficit, linked to the lack of housing, and mentioned efforts to address this issue in areas like Chittenden County.
Next steps
- Ben (Campaign for Vermont): Testify before the Senate Finance Committee this week.
- Meeting participants: Sign up for the Campaign for Vermont newsletter at campaignforvermont.org to keep up with their work and action alerts.
- Meeting participants: Contact their legislators via email, in person, or at public meetings to express concerns and ideas about education and other issues, especially using clear, well-thought-out messages.
- Campaign for Vermont: Continue to issue action alerts to subscribers when key bills are up for vote, including links for contacting legislators.
- Campaign for Vermont: Continue to produce and distribute plain English bill summaries (including for Land Use Review Board/Act 181) to help the public understand legislative proposals.