VBSR’s 2014 legislative agenda supports health care Exchange

Lawmakers returned to the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier Tuesday and the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility has issued its stance on big questions regarding health care, clean energy, food security, economic development and the state budget.
VBSR’s 2014 Legislative Agenda
Health Care
We support the full implementation of Vermont Health Connect and will work to ensure that the system is successful for our businesses and their employees. Vermont must also continue to build on federal health care reform efforts and create a health care system that covers all residents, cuts unnecessary waste and spending and decouples insurance from employment. This system must also be funded fairly and based on a person’s ability to pay.
Tax Reform and Fiscal Policy
While Vermont has one of the least regressive tax systems in the country, we can still make further changes to the code that will make the system simpler, fairer and more sustainable. It is also necessary and appropriate to increase the transparency and accountability of tax expenditures. Vermont policy-makers should consider the benefits and values that tax-funded public investments bring to communities and the economy when making budget decisions.
Early Childhood Education
Research shows that investments in quality pre-kindergarten services results in positive outcomes for school aged children. This is a smart investment in our economy and future workforce. VBSR believes we should expand access in the state to publicly financed prekindergarten education.
GMO Labeling
The use of the word ‘Vermont’ on a label has come to indicate product quality and purity. Meanwhile, the introduction of genetically engineered food has changed how food is grown in the United States and the attitudes consumers have about the food they eat. VBSR believes the use of GMO/GE ingredients in products produced in Vermont threatens to undercut the vitality and reputation of the Vermont brand.
Clean Energy
The most important strategy to ensure a secure energy future is a vastly increased commitment to energy conservation, energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy. We support lifting the cap on net metering projects and finding the appropriate public investment to meet the state’s efficiency goals.
Paid Leave
Families have changed, the workforce and the economy have changed, but many of our labor and workforce policies have not. A stable workforce and stable families are essential components in a sustainable economic system. Allowing employees the ability to earn paid leave will benefit our economy, our workforce and our communities.