Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth
Vermont has a spending problem, period. For too many years, the growth of the state budget has far surpassed inflation, economic growth, payroll growth, population growth, and every other metric. Vermont’s per-capita spending is the 3rd-highest in the nation, but our incomes are just above average.
Families that were barely getting by are now not getting by, and those who were doing well are now barely getting by. Vermont needs to reduce taxes and spend less, now, and that will require a majority of Republican Senators in Montpelier.
Vermont should focus on creating the conditions for a growing economy that benefits all Vermonters, especially rural Vermonters, and reducing onerous regulations and fees. Vermont needs to return to being a place where individuals, small businesses, and our farmers and foresters can succeed.
Environmental Regulation and Rural Economic Development
Rural communities, farms, and forests are the heart of Vermont, and it’s crucial that their voices are the basis of any public policy that affects them, not an afterthought once policy has been imposed. Vermont cannot have another Act 181 disaster. While rural Vermont was thankfully victorious in getting the Road Rule and Tier 3 repealed, they shouldn’t have to deal with such incompetence. Many people feel that recent policies have made it harder for rural towns and working lands businesses to grow and succeed, and they are correct.
Vermont’s natural beauty is something we all value deeply, and protecting it remains essential. At the same time, there are opportunities to make our permitting and regulatory systems less costly, faster and more predictable. By modernizing these processes, we can support local businesses, encourage new investment, and strengthen rural communities—while still protecting the environment we all love.
And, we should never forget that landowners are far better stewards of the land than the government could ever regulate. The pockets of Vermont that have destroyed their natural landscape in favor of urbanization should not be telling rural Vermont how to take care of rural environments and landscapes.
Housing
Vermont is facing a real housing challenge. Many homes are older and don’t always meet the needs of today’s families, and the cost of building or restoring housing is too high.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live near the community where they work. By taking a closer look at regulations and removing unnecessary barriers, we can encourage the development of more housing while still protecting Vermont’s natural resources. Increasing supply is a key step toward making housing more affordable.
Recent spending programs (VHIP and MHIP) designed to subsidize housing renovation and construction have worked, but they are only a band-aid for a dysfunctional housing market. Vermont has to reduce the cost of housing renovation and construction. CHIP and 802 Homes are the programs of the future, and both are designed to reduce the actual costs renovation and construction.
Education and Property Taxes
Vermont’s education property tax has increased by more than 40% between 2020 and 2025. High property taxes are making the cost of remaining housed a struggle for too many.
Vermont’s K-12 student population has decreased from 104,000 to 74,000 in the last 25 years, and Vermont’s achievement, as measured by test scores, has dropped, putting us in the bottom half. Our high school completion rate has dropped from 92% to 83% and is going in the wrong direction.
Vermont school districts have been tasked with transforming the delivery of education, and many will soon face additional cost containment.
Everyone wants the best education possible, but we cannot afford the all-in cost of over $35,000 per student. Vermont must transform itself from a 20th-century system to a modern, efficient 21st-century system that achieves excellent results. This will be very difficult work, but so necessary.
Health Care
Vermont’s healthcare is the most expensive in the country, and probably the world. Only 20 years ago, we were about average. What happened? Vermont Democrats moved decisively toward adopting universal health care, and the medical field reacted by moving away from competition.
When Gov. Shumlin pulled the plug on universal healthcare in December of 2014 we were left with a healthcare system with little competition that was further crippled by an aging Vermont demographic and rising prescription drug prices.
Vermont has recently passed restrictions on exorbitant pricing and is working to build competition back into the healthcare marketplace.
We support competition that is appropriately regulated and a return to association healthcare insurance plans.
Public Safety
Vermonters want to feel safe in their communities. Many towns have seen changes in recent years that have raised concerns about safety and access to reliable law enforcement.
Supporting public safety means ensuring that communities have the resources they need, while also addressing root causes such as addiction, mental health challenges, housing instability, and economic hardship. It’s about creating a balanced approach—one that supports people who need help and ensures accountability when necessary.
Exploring creative solutions, like regional cooperation between towns, may help strengthen services in areas where resources are limited. The goal is to build safer, healthier communities for everyone.
Vermont Senate Republicans will put forth a proposed bail reform constitutional amendment in 2027 Individuals who need to be locked up should not be allowed to terrorize communities while awaiting a court date.
Energy Policy and Affordability
Mercifully, the Public Utility Commission pulled the plug on the Clean Heat Standard after Vermont Democrats refused to hold a promised checkback vote in 2025. Vermont Senate Republicans will continue to work toward repealing the Global Warming Solutions Act.
Vermont is the greenest state in the nation, and can continue making progress toward cleaner energy in ways that are practical and affordable. Energy policies must take into account the financial realities facing many families, especially in rural areas. Everyone will move at their own pace toward electrification as affordable technologies become available. Vermont should not punish those who cannot move as fast as environmental groups demand.
Vermont needs to be particularly sensitive to destroying its working lands in the name of alternative energy. Solar and wind are touted as the least expensive electrical generation available. So, why is the government subsidizing solar and wnd while they cover fields and ridgelines?
Flood Recovery and Resilience
Recent flooding has highlighted the importance of strong recovery efforts and long-term planning. Communities need clear guidance and consistent support as they rebuild and prepare for the future.
Improving coordination between state and federal agencies can make recovery more efficient and less confusing for local leaders. At the same time, investing in resilience—like thoughtful river management and infrastructure improvements—can help reduce the impact of future storms.
Vermont needs to do selective dredging, we can’t keep letting rivers get filled with silt and debris and then hope the water won’t end up over the banks. This is just common sense.