Dear Editor,
While we are at “halftime” in our current legislative term, I’ve had the opportunity to consider what was accomplished and remains to be tackled in the coming session. Most of these efforts impact the cost of living here in one way or another.
Headway was made to encourage the building of housing in Vermont that is within the reach of both low-income and working families. Expanding housing stock will relieve pressure on prices, on our tax base, on the homeless population, and will help attract the workforce we need in many fields. While the bill as passed is significant, I am convinced more must be done that is specific to smaller, rural communities.
Other, more cost effective methods are also being pursued, including VHIP, a forgivable loan program designed to rehabilitate or create housing in existing buildings. The state will also be creating a “land bank” for the purpose of resolving the red tape that often keeps abandoned properties from moving back into the housing market.
Similarly, the status of landlord-tenant relations needs to be reformed. The risks and costs involved in a rental that fails is prohibitive to owners who might have one or two units that could be available for long-term rental. It is the largest factor that causes them to prefer short-term rentals, or to simply not rent at all. Roughly, this represents more than 10,000 living units statewide: a third of our housing shortage that can be resolved through policy at a minimal expense to the state.
Education reform has made one significant step forward, but has a long hike ahead. It can’t happen hastily, but I am convinced that it should not take as long as some suggest. Current costs are, after all, a crisis, and not just an inconvenience. The bill passed early this summer anticipates further work. In and of itself, it “bends the curve” such that we will be spending 10% less in five years than if nothing had passed. It’s a start, but definitely not the last word. Education taxes and their calculation are overly complex, and do not create an equitable statewide system.
I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to write recently. Your input is valuable and welcome! When summer is over, there will be opportunities in all four of our district towns for further conversation. May your autumn be idyllic and satisfying!
Sincerely,
Thomas Charlton
State Representative, Windsor-Windham district
Athens, Chester, Grafton, Windham