The proposed fee increase would add nearly $2 million in new costs
Vermont Business Magazine A coalition of Vermont small businesses opposing a proposed handling fee increase (H.915) has more than doubled in size as lawmakers return for the final scheduled week of the legislative session. The “Keep Vermont Affordable” coalition has grown from 25 to 51 businesses as more Vermonters warn that the misguided proposal, they say, would add nearly $2 million in new costs across the state.
In a petition released May 14, coalition businesses called on lawmakers to reject the fee hike and stand with working families and small businesses who are already struggling to make ends meet. The proposal comes at a time when the costs of everything from groceries to housing to utilities continue to rise. A fee increase within Vermont’s redemption program will ultimately raise costs for retailers, restaurants, and customers. It should be taken off the table.
A letter to the editor published in the St. Albans Messenger over the weekend voiced strong opposition to the fee increase.
“Why isn’t the legislature focused on lowering costs and strengthening our local economies?” wrote Kunal Saini, the owner of the Mobil Fairfax. “For small businesses like mine, even a marginal increase in the price of the goods I sell makes a difference. We just want to stay open, make a reasonable income, keep paying our employees and support the communities where we operate.”
The full list of businesses that have signed the “Keep Vermont Affordable” petition are listed below:
802bws, Burlington
Adam's Table, Milton
Asian General Market, Burlington
Bayside Pavilion, St. Albans Bay
Brewhouse Coffee, Jericho
Brio Coffeeworks, Burlington
China Star Restaurant, Montpelier
Chittenden Mills Beverage, Jericho
CitySide Pub, St. Albans
Fairgrounds Beverage, Essex Junction
Five Corner Variety, Essex Junction
Flip Side, Enosburg Falls
Fox Market, East Montpelier
Greene Mountain Nutrition & Smoothies, Essex
Greene Mountain Nutrition & Smoothies, Williston
Greene Mountain Smoothie Truck
Jericho Cafe & Tavern, Jericho
JJ's Place, Fairfax
Kerry's Kwik Stop, Burlington
Kerry's Old North End, Burlington
Kountry Kart Deli, Burlington
M-Saigon, South Burlington
Mattarello Baked Goods, Winooski
Mexi-Cuban Cravings, Essex Junction
Mother Hubbard’s Bakery, Deli & Country Store, St. Albans
Mr. Mikes Pizza, Burlington
Mule Bar, Winooski
Nan's Mobil, Fairfax
O'Brien's Store of Williston, Williston
Papa Frank's, Winooski
Penzo Pizza Company, Essex Junction
Pho Dang, Winooski
Rocky’s NY Pizza & Ice Cream, Essex Junction
Route 7 Liquor & Deli, Shelburn
Routine Nutrition, St Albans
Rozzi's Lakeshore Tavern, Colchester
Sarom's Cafe, Winooski
Steeple Market, Fairfax
Sunny Hollow Quick Stop, Colchester
Sweet Abilities, Fairfax
T Rugg's Tavern, Burlington
Tatro's Gourmet Soup & Salad, St. Albans
The Bagel Place, South Burlington
The Kitchen Table Market & Cafe, South Burlington
The North Branch Cafe, Montpelier
The Traveled Cup, St. Albans
Three Brothers Pizza & Grill, Colchester
Vermont Curry & Cocktails, Winooski
Vermont TASTee Grill, South Burlington
Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup, Burlington
Zachary's Pizza of Colchester, Colchester
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Vermont Business Magazine