Housing

While many issues confront Vermont, I believe the shortage of housing rises to the top. New data shows home prices rising faster than any other state. Tenants feel trapped with much of their paycheck going to rent and few options to move. Younger Vermonters can only dream of buying a home, if there were something affordable to buy, with supply and demand far out of balance.  Montpelier has moved too slowly on the issue.

The experts say there is more we can do to expand rentals and homeownership units of every type. More regulatory reforms and state incentives could help. State resources are essential to build affordable homes. Right now the lack of housing is choking Vermont's economy and that threatens to push an entire generation of working Vermonters away to other states. That is the absolute last thing we need. As your senator, housing will be priority #1.

Supporting the Middle Class

Many residents in our district say they struggle to pay the bills in 2024. Beyond general inflation, we're seeing double-digit property tax increases this summer, sure to drive up rent along with the cost of owning a home. And Vermont health insurance companies now want to raise rates 10-20% at the end of the year. It's a lot.

We must have great schools and a strong economy that generates plenty of well-paying jobs. I'll work to protect students and teachers if the Legislature again considers restructuring Vermont's public education system.

Community Vitality and Safety

I love downtown Burlington and have lived here most of my life. It's clear our city is facing real challenges now: a serious drug epidemic, retail theft and graffiti, and the departure of too many public safety professionals. Some long-time residents say they no longer feel safe going downtown. We must fix that. Our beautiful Queen City is an absolutely critical economic and tourism magnet for Vermont. In the Senate, I will push to use the available state levers to support communities like Burlington to really thrive again.

Climate Change

I’m proud of Vermont’s leadership in shifting toward renewable sources of energy. I support an accelerated effort to insulate and weatherize more older homes – because we have a lot of them. It’s a proven strategy to permanently reduce utility bills and carbon emissions. I’ve lived through three severe flooding events that ravaged our capital city and other communities in Vermont. It’s our new reality. We must incorporate resiliency into every rebuilding effort and pursue compensation from fossil fuel companies.