VHFA data shows that 13% of all habitable year-round properties are held by out-of-state owners, and 6% are held by Vermonters who live in another town. We know that many camps and cottages have been in Vermont families for generations. These are properties that are likely not fit for year-round habitation, but they could easily be caught up in a "second home" tax depending on how that line is drawn. This is why it is so important to set clear goals for what we are trying to accomplish with any sort of surcharge on "second homes." campaignforvermont.org/octob…

Vermont spends $2.34 on public school students for every $1 spent in Mississippi. Yet, Mississippi's fourth graders are outscoring Vermont's. How? Mississippi overhauled its approach back in 2013 with the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, focusing heavily on the "science of reading," early literacy screening, specialized teacher training, and dedicated reading coaches. Now, Vermont’s Agency of Education is pointing to Mississippi’s success as the model to follow as it rolls out its own reading initiatives. compassvermont.com/p/vermont…

On this week's episode, Pat and Pelin lead freewheeling interview featuring Cassandra Hemenway, editor-in-chief of Montpelier's local newspaper. The conversation flows from local journalism, community underpinnings, and the bridges between print and digital media, to the challenges and joys of reporting in a small town with a vibrant civic life. vote802.com/hemenway

ICYMI, One of Vermont's top education leaders left her post abruptly last month. sevendaysvt.com/news/educati…

Can Vermont tax out-of-state homeowners? In 1997 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Maine property tax rule that favored in-state interests. The Court held that the dormant Commerce Clause, which bars states from discriminating against interstate commerce, applies to property taxes. So, the short answer is no. Vermont cannot pass a property tax surcharge that specifically applies to property owners that live out of state. campaignforvermont.org/octob…

Most school districts would see more benefits from 'virtual' mergers than conventional consolidation. Act 170 merger study committees are required to perform a cost/benefit analysis on the educational, financial, operational, and long-term sustainability effects of mergers to determine the best option. campaignforvermont.org/virtu…

This week on Vote for Vermont, Pat interviews Senator Pat Brennan, covering his political background, transportation and appropriations roles, education and healthcare challenges, housing and permitting reforms, climate resiliency, and budgeting concerns. vote802.com/brennan

Since Act 46 passed in 2015, education spending has increased 67% ($1B) even as enrollment fell. Had spending merely kept pace with inflation, Vermont would be spending nearly $400 million less on education today. campaignforvermont.org/virtu…

The second home tax that most people probably picture is not one Vermont can actually pass... campaignforvermont.org/octob…

Here in Vermont, we value local communities and local connections. Small is valuable, and rural is an asset (not a liability). Yet in education policy, many Vermonters have embraced the assumption that bigger districts are inherently better. The evidence suggests otherwise... campaignforvermont.org/virtu…

June Goodband, candidate for Vermont Governor from the Peace and Justice Party, joins Pat this week to outline a transformative platform focused on climate resilience, affordable housing through cooperative models, universal healthcare, community power redistribution, and ending inequality. vote802.com/goodband_pt1

"Over the last decade, Vermont needed roughly 22,000 additional homes just to keep up with the way Vermonters are already living. That is not 22,000 homes for a big wave of new people moving in. That is 22,000 homes for the folks already paying taxes, working jobs, raising families, plowing driveways, volunteering at fire departments, coaching Little League, and trying to stay in this state." vermontbiz.com/news/2026/sep…

Is Montpelier ready to listen to rural Vermont? vtdigger.org/2026/09/22/rura…

The Governor is telling legislators to prepare for a tough budget year as he prepares to propose a 1% increase in state government spending to make room for tax cuts. Which taxes should the state cut? vtdigger.org/2026/09/17/scot…

This week on VFV, Pat leads an interview with a group critical of Vermont's Proposition 4 (a proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the state constitution), arguing the wording is flawed, could create a hierarchy of rights, and could lead to unintended consequences like preferential treatment and ambiguous court interpretation. vote802.com/proposition_4

State income tax receipts fell short 7.5% in July. Hopefully that is not an indicator of how the rest of the fiscal year will go... vermontbiz.com/news/2026/sep…

At the end of last month, we released what our priorities are for the next year. 1. Student Outcomes 2. Ethics, Oversight, and Public Trust 3. Connecting Vermonters to Their Government 4. More Housing People Can Actually Afford 5. Health Care That Isn't the Most Expensive in the US Details here 👉 campaignforvermont.org/2026_…

Act 177, Vermont’s career technical education (CTE) reform, aims to expand access, modernize delivery, consolidate governance/funding, and align with workforce needs, while noting concerns about funding and implementation timelines. Watch 👉 youtu.be/vpoH6wHAldA

According to Vermont's own student assessments, the state's decline in student performance is starting to turn around. vermontbiz.com/news/2026/sep…

This week on VFV, Pat interviews Lieutenant Commander Stevens about Navy Week outreach and activities in Burlington, the ship USNS Burlington, and their collaboration with local communities and media. vote802.com/navy_week