Join the tourism and hospitality industry at the State House to raise awareness of the importance of the $3.2 billion annual economic impact of the industry in Vermont. All are encouraged to attend and show support for industry leaders who will be testifying, as well as engage throughout the day during coffee hour with the Governor, and an evening reception with complimentary food and drinks.

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The House is moving forward with H.66 and is expected to vote it out by the end of next week. Despite it taking two months to pass the legislation, few substantive changes were made from the time the bill was introduced to the time it was voted out of the House. The plan goes far beyond what was passed, and ultimately vetoed, in 2019. Funded by a 0.55% payroll tax, the plan would require $117 million annually to administer, $112 million in one-time startup funds, and as many as 65 new state employees during a severe workforce shortage. In the Senate, legislators have offered their own solution as part of their childcare bill, which would be twelve weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

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The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted out their childcare bill, S.56, along party lines, 3-2, leaving the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees only a week to consider revenue sources for the major spending proposal. The bill’s contribution to the cumulative impact of pricey policies that are being prioritized this session is further worrisome due to an anticipated increase in costs next year for the cost of care and teacher pay. Questions on how the legislation will be paid for remain unanswered despite childcare being touted as a top legislative priority this session and the release of the RAND report, which was commissioned by the legislature for $600,000 to guide their work this session.

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Multiple labor bills were hurried through the Senate Economic Development Committee to meet the crossover deadline. One committee member acknowledged that the bills, “make changes that are significant” while another questioned why the Vermont Chamber was raising “last minute” questions, despite it being the first opportunity that the Vermont Chamber had to testify on the bill. When the bills are picked up in the House, the Vermont Chamber will continue to testify on the consequences S. 102 and S. 103 would have for the business community. 

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As expected, the Senate Natural Resources Committee amended essential solutions from S.100, altering major components of the bill that were thoughtfully crafted in the Senate Economic Development Committee to address workforce housing needs by breaking down regulatory barriers. The HOME bill stands for “housing opportunities made for everyone” but the legislation no longer lives up to its name. Due to the changes made by the Senate Natural Resources Committee, the delicate coalition that supported the bill as passed by the Senate Economic Development Committee is no longer sound. This leaves questions on how, and if, Senators will step up next week to further amend the bill and act on what was voiced as the number one priority of the session by legislators.

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Over the last 10 weeks, the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee has taken extensive testimony to advance H.10, a bill related to the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) program. As originally introduced, the bill would have effectively ended the program. However, after taking extensive testimony on the value of the program from the Vermont Chamber and businesses, the bill would successfully renew VEGI through January 1, 2026. The legislation also enhances transparency and creates a task force to look at new approaches to a future economic development incentive program. 

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• H.276 Rental Registry – The bill is expected to pass out of the House General and Housing Committee. For the lodging industry, the registry would be a step forward to leveling the playing field by ensuring a safe rental environment, moving towards equity in the lodging marketplace, and providing information for future pragmatic policy decisions.
• H.288 Liquor Liability – Following significant testimony from the Vermont Chamber in recent weeks, legislation that would amend the statute hindering the ability of some Vermont businesses to obtain insurance is expected to be up for a vote on the House floor next week.
• Committee Bill 23-0991 Workforce Development – The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee put together a workforce development bill this week that would invest $40 million in recruitment and retention strategies. The bill was voted out of committee, 10-0-1.