In Vermont, the political landscape reflects a clear divide in priorities between Republicans and Democrats. Vermont Republicans advocate for reducing taxes, emphasizing the importance of lessening the financial burden on individuals and businesses. This perspective aligns with the belief that a leaner government can better serve its citizens by focusing on essential services and avoiding spending.

On the other hand, Vermont Democrats recognize that investing in critical areas like childcare, housing, climate action, workforce development, and healthcare is essential for the long-term well-being and prosperity of the citizens and the state. They argue that these investments are necessary to create a sustainable and equitable future for all Vermonters. Addressing these pressing issues requires funding, which often means raising taxes and fees. Democrats believe that the benefits of these investments — such as a more skilled workforce, affordable housing, a healthier population, and a more resilient environment — far outweigh the costs. Essentially, Republicans want to take you back(ward) and the Democrats want us to look to the future wellbeing of our citizens (our children) and the state.

Say you own a house. You can either invest in regular maintenance — fixing the roof, updating the plumbing, and insulating the walls — which costs money and time but keeps the house in good condition for many years to come. Alternatively, you could save money by doing nothing or the bare minimum, like patching leaks temporarily or ignoring small issues, which might save you money now but could lead to much more expensive problems down the road.

Raising taxes to invest in essentials like childcare, housing, and climate action is like regularly maintaining your house. It’s an investment that might feel costly at the moment and make you angry, but it ensures that your home (or in this case, the state) remains strong, functional, and viable in the future. On the other hand, cutting taxes for immediate relief is like neglecting maintenance — it may seem like you’re saving money now, but eventually, those small problems grow into major issues that are far more expensive to fix and will put the burden on our children.

This analogy highlights the importance of proactive investment to avoid bigger, more costly problems in the future. It is easy politics for Republicans to say ‘let’s lower taxes” and it is risky politics for Democrats to raise fees and taxes to do the right thing. I side with risky politics because it is the right thing to do.

This fundamental difference in approach highlights the ongoing debate in Vermont about the role of government and the best way to secure a prosperous future for the state. While Republicans prioritize immediate financial relief through tax cuts, Democrats emphasize the need for strategic investments that may require higher taxes now but promise significant long-term returns. The choice between these two visions will shape the future of Vermont and determine how the state navigates the challenges ahead.

Vincent (Jay) Merluzzi

Brandon