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By Rep. Ashley Bartley (R-Franklin-1)
In Vermont, the winds of change are unmistakable. With them comes an urgent need to reassess how we approach growth, housing, and taxation. Feedback from my recent legislative survey sends a clear message: Vermonters are calling for thoughtful reforms to keep our state affordable, functional, and equitable for all residents.
Act 250: Balancing Growth and Protection
Act 250, Vermont’s landmark land-use legislation, has served our state well for nearly 50 years. However, times have changed. While environmental preservation remains crucial, the majority of respondents believe it’s time to reform Act 250 to better address Vermont’s current challenges—especially the need for housing. Streamlining the permitting process, reducing bureaucratic delays, and easing restrictive zoning regulations are key steps toward solving our housing crisis.
Vermont is facing a significant shortfall, with experts indicating that 40,000 new housing units must be built in the next decade. Without sensible reform, the very red tape designed to protect our communities may end up strangling their growth and affordability.However, this cannot mean we turn a blind eye to environmental stewardship. Many Vermonters agree, and I’m with them. Reform must strike a careful balance, enabling smart development while preserving Vermont’s natural beauty and our farmland.
Addressing Housing Affordability and Availability
Affordable housing is at the core of Vermont’s future sustainability. Building 40,000 units isn’t just about increasing numbers; it’s about increasing the right kinds of housing. This means higher-density developments in town centers, renovating existing buildings, and supporting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to provide more flexibility in options for families, seniors, and young professionals.
Private-sector involvement and strategic incentives can drive this effort, but excessive regulations are stifling progress. Cutting unnecessary bureaucracy and modernizing building codes will allow developers to meet our housing needs without compromising quality. Additionally,many who responded to our survey suggest revising tax policies on second homes and short-term rentals to prioritize local families over speculative investments.
At the same time, expanding infrastructure—water, sewer, broadband—is essential to support this growth. Without it, new housing projects will remain stalled, and affordability will remain out of reach for many Vermonters.
Taxes: A Growing Burden
Affordability in Vermont isn’t just about housing costs—it’s about taxes. Property taxes are pushing retirees and working families to their financial limits. Calls to eliminate taxes on Social
Security and pensions reflect a broader concern that Vermont’s aging population is being priced out of their homes. Tax relief, especially for seniors and most vulnerable, is not just compassionate; it’s necessary for maintaining the integrity of our communities.
At the same time, respondents are frustrated by perceived inefficiencies in school spending. Consolidating school districts and supervisory unions could reduce administrative costs while preserving quality education. It’s clear by recent votes and Vermonters choosing more balance in the Legislature, we must find ways to fund our schools that are more equitable and not tied solely to the ability to own a home.
Healthcare Costs: The Hidden Driver of Tax Hikes
Healthcare costs and education funding are deeply intertwined. As healthcare premiums for teachers and staff rise, so too do school budgets—and subsequently, taxes. Vermonters are calling for innovative solutions, including exploring single-payer systems or other healthcare
reforms that remove profit-driven increases. Addressing healthcare costs could provide long-term relief to taxpayers and ensure that education remains accessible and sustainable.
Finding the Path Forward
What’s clear from these responses is that Vermonters are seeking a balanced approach. They want reforms that tackle affordability without sacrificing Vermont’s core values of environmental protection, strong education, and community integrity. This isn’t about partisan politics; it’s about practical solutions that work for everyone.
As elected officials we must rise to the challenge, working across party lines to deliver results. Whether it’s reforming Act 250, rethinking tax structures, or modernizing healthcare, the time for action is now. Vermont’s future depends on it.
Let’s ensure Vermont remains a place where families, seniors, and future generations can thrive—without being priced out, overburdened, or left behind.
Author is the Representative for the Franklin-1 District, serving Georgia and Fairfax.
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Categories: Commentary, Housing, Legislation, State Government, Taxes
As Rich L points out repeatedly, VT’s overly generous welfare benefits with no strings attached is importing poverty to the state.
Single payer health care will make it 100 times worse.
As PJ O’Rourke said, ” If you think healthcare is too expensive now, just wait until it is free”
We need to overhaul the welfare system. Too many people are on it that could be at least bagging groceries somewhere. These are people who get the things that we working stiffs pay dearly for. Housing, heat, food, utilities, clothing and insurance yet the state hands it to people on welfare for free. Generations of families do this and why not, if one can live comfortably on the generosity of Vermont welfare and get more with each child they have, why do anything? This needs to change. I believe that if one does nothing to contribute to the tax base, one should not benefit from it.
There are working people who sometimes need a hand to get through some tough times. I was one of those people years ago when my son was born. The state told me and I quote, “Quit your jobs and we will give you all the help you want.”
Appalled, I figured it out on my own. I’m a veteran with more pride than that.
Re: “What’s clear from these responses is that Vermonters are seeking a balanced approach.”
And just what *is* a ‘balanced approach? Other than the continuing tossing of typical word-salad euphemisms. What *are* the ‘practical solutions that work for everyone’?
Clearly, even this so-called ‘Republican’, Rep. Ashley Bartley, doesn’t get it.
Elected officials *can’t* ‘rise to the challenge, working across party lines to deliver results’. Not only do they not know how to do it, they still don’t realize that the more they try, the more they assume they know what’s best for everyone, the worse our station becomes.
Ms. Bartley, please, just step aside. If you are going to do anything for Vermont’s future, pass laws like H.16 – the act relating to the repeal of the oxymoronic Affordable Heat Act.
And, while you’re at it, pass the H.405 School Choice bill.
Allow us, as John Montgomery so eloquently stated above, to ‘figure it out on our own’.
Where is the step by step plan to cut costs?
Where exactly are we cutting costs how much is being saved and returned to the taxpayer?
We’re not interested in hearing the generic political speak.
Enough patronizing comments.
Mr. Arnold: Speaking of patronizing comments, have you considered the H.405 School Choice bill? Vermonters are currently spending more than $30 thousand per student in the public school system. If the H.405 bill is passed, every Vermont student will be eligible to attend a private school using a $20 thousand voucher. For every student making that choice, the cost savings will be $10 thousand. And for every student making that choice, there is one less student in the public-school monopoly absorbing $30 thousand of inflated and irrelevant services. That’s where cost cutting occurs… if you take the time to consider the H.405 option.