CampaignForVermont

This week Pat finishes the second part of her interview with Bruce Roy, a candidate for the Chittenden Southeast senate district, discussing Vermont’s legislative history, the impact of supermajorities, and Roy’s policy priorities on affordability, education funding reform, tax fairness, Act 250, carbon policy, and local governance. vote802.com/bruceroy_pt2

For Vermont families who own a "second home," generally they are already paying a higher tax rate on that property. And the taxes on that hunting camp, seasonal cottage, etc. are not income-sensitized like a primary residence can be. This means there is no circuit-breaker to protect families with generational properties from sudden income loss or just an inability to afford increasing carrying costs for that property. The circuit-breaker becomes selling the property off, more than likely to an out-of-state buyer. campaignforvermont.org/octob…

The emotional appeal of a "second home" tax is to lower costs and free up housing for full time residents. But this framing overlooks the role second homes play in our economy. Tourism accounts for roughly 9% of Vermont's GDP, and second-home owners are part of that story. campaignforvermont.org/secon…

VHFA data shows that 13% of all habitable year-round properties are held by out-of-state owners, and 6% are held by Vermonters who live in another town. We know that many camps and cottages have been in Vermont families for generations. These are properties that are likely not fit for year-round habitation, but they could easily be caught up in a "second home" tax depending on how that line is drawn. This is why it is so important to set clear goals for what we are trying to accomplish with any sort of surcharge on "second homes." campaignforvermont.org/octob…

On this week's episode, Pat and Pelin lead freewheeling interview featuring Cassandra Hemenway, editor-in-chief of Montpelier's local newspaper. The conversation flows from local journalism, community underpinnings, and the bridges between print and digital media, to the challenges and joys of reporting in a small town with a vibrant civic life. vote802.com/hemenway

This week on Vote for Vermont, Pat interviews Senator Pat Brennan, covering his political background, transportation and appropriations roles, education and healthcare challenges, housing and permitting reforms, climate resiliency, and budgeting concerns. vote802.com/brennan

June Goodband, candidate for Vermont Governor from the Peace and Justice Party, joins Pat this week to outline a transformative platform focused on climate resilience, affordable housing through cooperative models, universal healthcare, community power redistribution, and ending inequality. vote802.com/goodband_pt1

This week on VFV, Pat leads an interview with a group critical of Vermont's Proposition 4 (a proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the state constitution), arguing the wording is flawed, could create a hierarchy of rights, and could lead to unintended consequences like preferential treatment and ambiguous court interpretation. vote802.com/proposition_4

Act 177, Vermont’s career technical education (CTE) reform, aims to expand access, modernize delivery, consolidate governance/funding, and align with workforce needs, while noting concerns about funding and implementation timelines. Watch 👉 youtu.be/vpoH6wHAldA

This week on VFV, Pat interviews Lieutenant Commander Stevens about Navy Week outreach and activities in Burlington, the ship USNS Burlington, and their collaboration with local communities and media. vote802.com/navy_week

Act 169 is still best understood as both an annual yield bill and a short-term education finance management bill. It sets the yield amount needed to run the education financing system for FY27, but the final enacted version changes how the Legislature is trying to manage pressure in the following years. This week's Banter & Beans episode dives in 👉 youtu.be/sz9s2p1q_jg

This week on VFV, Pat interviews John Rogers about his background, policy priorities, and efforts as Vermont's Lieutenant Governor. The conversation focuses on tax relief, cost of living, housing, education funding, regulatory reform, and economic development through trades, manufacturing, and diversified agriculture. vote802.com/john_rodgers

Campaign for Vermont led the coalition that secured Vermont's 2017 ethics law. That coalition has since dissolved, and the progress it won is being chipped away. It's time to rebuild that coalition to pursue ethics and oversight structures in Vermont that are stronger, not weaker. Vermonters should be made aware when public officials resist independent oversight of themselves. campaignforvermont.org/2026_…