Getting ready for the 2020 legislative session

The start of winter means we’re just weeks from the start of Vermont’s 2020 legislative session. We’ve been busy attending community meetings as we prepare to bring your thoughts and ideas to the debates at the State House. Earlier this month, we traveled to Montpelier for briefings with economists and policy makers. If you’re interested to dive into the data, both of these presentations are worth checking out at https://ljfo.vermont.gov/assets/Publications/Legislative-Briefing-December-4-2019/82b200feb6/Kavet-Legislative-Economic-Review.pdf and https://ljfo.vermont.gov/assets/Publications/Legislative-Briefing-December-4-2019/ffd3d0386a/Klein-Budget-Context-v2.pdf

Some highlights

The country is in the midst of 126 months of economic expansion, with 109 consecutive months of national job gains. While this growth has slowed some in recent months, jobs continue to be added to the economy, driving unemployment to historic lows. In Vermont, our unemployment rate is the lowest in the nation at 2.2%. 

As we experience low unemployment, we’re seeing modest revenue growth in Vermont. Total state revenue through November is at or near expectations, with all three of the state’s major funds-- the General Fund, the Education Fund, and the Transportation Fund-- exceeding targets. This is good for Vermont’s budget writers, as we near the midpoint of the state fiscal year.

A lot can change as we get to the State House and begin reviewing bills. Please keep in touch and let us know if you want to connect on any topics before the legislative session begins. As always, we will be sharing regular updates from the State House in a Shelburne News column and are hoping to meet with interested constituents at the Shelburne library on alternate Saturday mornings starting in mid-January. The best way to reach us during the session is by email at jbrumsted@leg.state.vt.us and kwebb@leg.state.vt.us , or call the Vermont Statehouse Sgt. in Arms Office at 802-828-2228; remember to leave your phone number so we can get back to you.

Looking forward to serving you in 2020.