The legislature passed its long-awaited bill to reform the way Vermont finances pre-K to 12 education.  What it neglected to consider is what to do about the quality of the state’s education system.

Ask any legislator, or your neighbor, or yourself, how good Vermont’s schools are, and you’ll find near unanimous agreement that our schools are at the least very good,  and most likely excellent.

Ask me, and I’ll say they are below average.  Why?  Because I go where the data take me.

A thriving, prosperous state is a goal that all Vermonters can agree to. That goal is easier to achieve with a growing population.

More people means a larger selection of workers for businesses, government, and non-profits. It means more people earning incomes, supporting local businesses, and paying taxes to support government programs—many of which serve the neediest of our citizens. A growing economy means more opportunities for us and our children.

We hope that the legislature takes note of these findings, the demographic challenges in Vermont are not improving and we believe the inaccessibility of housing is preventing more young people from moving here or staying here. Adding tax surcharges for the wealthy also does not seem to be the answer as there are real questions about tax flight and what that might do to our overall tax base and the state’s revenue streams.

On behalf of Vermonters,

Pat McDonald
President, Campaign for Vermont

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