Lessons Vermont needs to learn from Texas

by Matt Swenson 

Vermont, with its natural beauty and storied history, is a state burdened by its own policies and misplaced priorities. From economic stagnation and a deteriorating healthcare system to public safety and justice system failures, the state is grappling with serious challenges. These issues are not just a result of tough circumstances—they are born from policies that prioritize ideology over practicality. Vermont could learn from Texas, a state that has taken a more grounded, results-driven approach to governance.

Montpelier, Vermont’s capital, reflects many of the state’s broader failures. Once a charming and safe city, Montpelier is now plagued by a rising homeless population and escalating crime. The city’s response has been ineffective at best—artistic murals and half-measures like expensive warming shelters have done little to address the root problems. Residents now feel unsafe in poorly lit areas, especially along sections of the bike path, and crime continues to rise. When I first moved to Montpelier, safety was never a concern. Now, people actively avoid certain parts of town after dark.

Like many people, I recently left Montpelier because I simply did not recognize it anymore. The city’s once-thriving community feels hollowed out, with more people leaving every year. There’s no doubt that the situation will get worse due to the level of anti-business, pro-socialism extremes that have taken over Vermont. These policies have caused massive amounts of suffering, from underperforming hospitals to the very inner workings of state governance. Vermont’s leaders seem blind to the damage, doubling down on failed ideas rather than finding real solutions.

Meanwhile, Austin, Texas, the capital of the Lone Star State, offers an example of how pragmatic policies can make a difference. Austin, despite its own challenges with homelessness and crime, has taken proactive steps to address these issues. In 2023, more than 3,000 people were connected to permanent housing—a 53% increase from the year before. Investments in public safety, community policing, and technological innovations have created a more secure environment for Austin residents, making it a city that works to solve problems instead of just hiding them behind murals.

In Montpelier, the crime rate is higher than 91% of Vermont’s cities and towns. Residents face a 1 in 45 chance of becoming victims of violent or property crimes. While Austin has a higher overall crime rate due to its size, it has enacted comprehensive measures to combat these issues and foster growth. In Montpelier, high taxes and restrictive policies drive businesses and residents away, furthering its economic and social decline. Compare that to Austin’s pro-business environment and results-oriented governance, and the gap becomes undeniable.

The justice system in Vermont also reflects a deep failure to protect citizens and enforce the law. Vermont has become a place where law enforcement officers and law-abiding citizens are often vilified for defending themselves or doing their jobs. Texas, on the other hand, has grounded laws like the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground policies that allow citizens to adequately protect themselves without the fear of being prosecuted for years.

In Vermont, self-defense cases often drag on in the courts, turning innocent people into victims of ideological state attorneys more interested in political agendas than justice. A clear example is the case of two Vermont State Troopers who were relentlessly pursued by the Attorney General’s office for firing a non-lethal round at a man who was destroying private property and threatening others with a hammer. The individual did not die, and the officers were simply doing their job, yet they became the targets of a politicized legal system. This kind of ideological extremism within the justice system sends a dangerous message: defending yourself or doing your duty as a public servant could ruin your life.

It’s no wonder crime is rising in Vermont. How can anyone combat crime effectively when the state’s leaders prioritize ideology over the safety and well-being of its citizens? This kind of thinking has fertilized itself in Vermont, creating a justice system that punishes the protectors and enables the criminals.

The failures in Montpelier and across Vermont aren’t just isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a broader problem: leadership that clings to outdated and ideological policies instead of embracing what works. Texas offers a different path. By prioritizing practical solutions—like tax reform, investment in public safety, and streamlined governance—Texas has created a thriving economy, improved public safety, and made its cities places where people want to live and work.

Vermont must find another way. High taxes and overregulation are driving businesses and residents away. Healthcare is inaccessible for too many, especially in rural areas. Crime is escalating, and the justice system has become a tool for ideological crusades rather than a safeguard for public safety. These issues aren’t insurmountable, but they require leadership willing to adopt policies that deliver results.

In the end, it may not hurt too much just to Texafy Vermont—just a little bit. Vermont deserves better, and it’s time for its leaders to deliver.

The author is a Williston resident.