Supporting Governor Scott’s solutions
By Dr. August Murray
This week, I attended an event at the River Valley Technical Center in Springfield, VT, where Governor Phil Scott addressed civic and business leaders about the affordability and housing crises crippling our state. His message was clear: skyrocketing costs, an unsustainable tax burden, and a major housing shortage are straining every sector of our local economy. He has a plan to fix this—but he can’t do it alone. As a farmer and veteran, I expressed my gratitude for his leadership in addressing these critical issues that impact all our rural communities.
A Government That Lives Within Its Means
For years, Montpelier’s answer has been more spending—paid for by Vermonters already stretched to the breaking point. Governor Scott rejects that. In January, he laid out a plan rooted in what he believes we elected him to do: make Vermont more affordable.
“Vermonters sent a clear message last November—they want action on the rising cost of living,” he said. His ideas resonate with me: reform and reduce education costs, boost housing, and grow our workforce. He’s also pushing to exempt military pensions from taxes, lighten the load on Social Security benefits, and expand tax credits to keep working families and young people here. His plans are practical and achievable. As a moderate and fiscal conservative, I believe that Governor Scott’s approach reflects what most Vermonters want: common-sense, fiscally responsible solutions.
Supporting Our Communities
When businesses thrive, farmers hold onto their land, and builders aren’t buried in red tape, Vermont prospers. These are the pillars of a sustainable economy—one where families can build their futures instead of being driven away by financial strain.
I’ve witnessed sacrifice and hardship—Soldiers leaving home to serve. Now, I see families leaving Vermont, not because they want to, but because they can no longer afford to stay. No one should have to walk away from their multi-generational farms and homes.
Governor Scott’s plans offer us a path forward. We need to give our kids a reason to stay, build their futures, and invest in Vermont. Taxes must stop outpacing paychecks.
Putting People Over Politics
Governor Scott gets it. He has always put Vermont first, reaching across the aisle. Now, he needs lawmakers—Republican, Democrat, and Independent—to back his no-nonsense fixes: housing we can build, taxes and education costs we can manage, and an economy that works for all.
Call your Representatives and Senators. Write to them. Show up. Demand they ditch partisan games and stand with our Governor. We deserve to thrive, not just survive.
A Clear Path Forward
Some want bigger government, partisan legislation, and steeper taxes. That’s not the Vermont way. Governor Scott offers practical solutions that align with the majority of our residents. In the last election, you broke legislative supermajorities, sending a loud signal: Make Vermont more affordable!
If lawmakers push activist agendas over the Governor’s solid plans, it’s time to elect leaders in 2026 who will put affordability first and work with him to get results.
Let’s rally behind Governor Scott’s vision and keep Vermont strong!