by Alison Despathy

The significance of the Tap Trees. Not Vermonters rally is undeniable. People and grassroots organizations from all over the state gathered together because we love Vermont, we care about the environment, hard working Vermonters deserve to be able to afford to live here, and we have had enough of the supermajority wreaking havoc in our lives. These were the overarching themes that brought together this diverse, dedicated and concerned group to the statehouse on April 25th and May 9th.

Vermonters should not have to show up at the statehouse to voice their opposition because they are literally afraid of the destructive legislation cruising though. At this time, Vermonters hold legitimate fears and anxiety about the decisions made by our Democratic supermajority. We elect public servants to represent us, we trust that these legislators are looking out for our best interests as they make laws—that is their job, their oath. Yet so many are failing Vermonters and the people have lost faith. The supermajority is working as a mob and they have blatantly ignored their constituents. 

As a result, we are punished, penalized and attacked through compromised and impulsive legislation that unnecessarily charges more for heat, electricity, gas and diesel, property taxes, health insurance, education, and childcare. There are alternatives for all of these destructive bills, yet the supermajority has chosen to repeatedly ignore these options in favor of regressive legislation promoted by special interest. 

The cumulative impact of these expenses is hitting home for many as they recognize what has been brewing in the supermajority controlled statehouse. So many have been trying to warn Vermonters for the past several years. The message is finally coming through, peoples’ eyes are opening and many are now taking action to stop the imminent affordability crisis.

We have written to our legislators, published letters to the editors, testified in committees, held meetings in our towns and used social media to try and spread the word. Showing up at the statehouse was another attempt to make sure our elected officials hear us and know we are serious. 

We are engaged, we care deeply and we will fight for Vermont and our right to be able to work hard and afford Vermont, raise our children here, protect our environment and continue to live in this state we call home. We will not be burdened with unsustainable property taxes, exponentially rising education costs and regressive carbon taxes that do not serve the people or environment.

I received more than 200 phone calls and emails from people of all ages around Vermont who wanted to be at the rally on Thursday, but could not make it because of work, final exams, and lack of gas money or a ride. There were so many with us in spirit and many who were able to show up to stand up and say enough. 

Looking around the Cedar Creek room at the rallies, the love for Vermont was astounding. Moving past differences, rising above political parties, we all know that what matters most is ensuring balance is restored at the statehouse in order get Vermont on the right path with a Vermont plan to serve the people and the environment. A plan based on support, service, and options that is designed by Vermonters and for Vermonters versus taken from a lobbyist, activist or an agenda-driven and heavily funded nonprofit because it sounds good in words yet cuts like a knife to hard working Vermonters already struggling to make ends meet. 

From controversial and invasive payroll taxes, exorbitant property tax increases, an education finance fiasco, higher electric rates due to a special interest driven Renewable Energy Standard, a potential cap and invest program that will raise the cost for gas and diesel, and increasing health insurance costs, the supermajority decisions are bringing economic devastation to Vermonters They have clearly chosen special interest at the expense of Vermonters who will pay for this compromised legislation. 

There are several solutions available for this supermajority predicament. Most importantly voting for fiscally responsible candidates who are informed, understand the dangerous legislation that must be reversed, and will serve their constituents is key. Legislators are our line of defense and they must be promoting fiscal responsibility and solutions that do not bring burdens to hard working Vermonters. 

It will be critical next session to ensure that the ‘Affordable’ Heat Act is defeated and that the Global Warming Solutions Act is repealed in order to allow Vermont to get back on a path that serves Vermonters, encourages stewardship of the environment and the people and keeps Vermont affordable. 

If you want to “Display your frustration with out of control taxes!”, consider buying a shirt, bumper sticker or yard sign from a local Vermont print shop and spread the word- 

See link below- Tap Trees Not Vermonters / Milk Cows Not Vermonters | JC Image | powered by OrderMyGear (itemorder.com)

The author is a clinical nutritionist in St. Johnsbury.