REP. JUBILEE MCGILL

Qualification: My career has been in public service, working for Addison Housing Works, John Graham Shelter, and my current role with Vermont Coalition of Runaway & Homeless Youth Programs. I also have a lifetime of volunteer work including service on boards, like Counseling Service of Addison County. I have a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing our community and the ability to navigate the complexities of governance. I have honed my skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and communication, values essential for effective legislation. With a proven track record of service and a passion for making a positive impact, I am a thoughtful and responsive legislator who prioritizes the well-being of our community.

Education funding: I firmly believe that our current education funding formula needs significant reform. While local school budgets were approved, I know Vermonters are concerned about affordability and equity and I believe it is necessary to create a sustainable funding model that is more predictable and stable.

I have been following the work of the Education Commission and Subcommittee on Education Finance and look forward to seeing more data on the financial impact various models will have for Vermont residents. I will really need to see what that impact looks like before committing to one model.

One potential change is to introduce a more diversified revenue stream for education funding, reducing the reliance on property taxes or moving away from property taxes completely. This would mean going from the current system of property tax with some income sensitivity built in, towards an income tax. I am interested to see if these measures would distribute the tax burden more equitably across different income levels, easing the reliance on property valuation, which can disproportionately affect those with middle or lower incomes.

We need to reassess the Non-Homestead rate and all it encompasses, and consider breaking it into sub-categories, while also taking another look at our pupil weighting system and making additional adjustments there. Any changes to our funding model must be done in conjunction with changes to how we deliver public education in Vermont.

These will be tough conversations in this next year, in our community and across our state, but our children are our future. Together, we can build a more affordable, equitable, and effective school funding system that honors our commitment to all students in Vermont, and we can foster an environment where every child has the opportunity and the support they need to thrive.

Housing: To truly address the affordable housing crisis in Vermont, we must be willing to seriously invest and to take a multi-faceted approach, doing what we can to get new housing options online quickly, while also creating and funding a plan to get Vermont to where we need to be. We need to continue funding Vermont Housing Improvement Program, which has proven to quickly rehabilitate old units and bring them back online as well as incentivize the creation of a variety of new housing options in our communities.

We can work with our municipalities to adopt flexible zoning regulations that promote relaxed minimum parking requirements, higher-density housing and mixed-use development, while providing state funding for the necessary upgrades and buildout of wastewater and public transportation systems.

We must increase tax incentives and grants for developers who commit to including affordable units in their projects. This includes increasing our funding of regional housing trusts that support permanently affordable housing initiatives across our state.

The state funded shared equity program has given so many Vermont families a path to homeownership, enhancing this and other homebuyer assistance programs will make it easier for young Vermonters to stay here and build their lives. This could include down payment assistance, mortgage assistance and increased access financial literacy training programs.

I have served as co-chair of the GA Emergency Housing Task force since this summer and we will also be making strong recommendations for our state to invest in permanent supportive housing and transitional housing solutions for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and combining it with properly funding robust wraparound services.

Many of the big issues Vermont is facing in the coming years are intertwined, housing, public education, healthcare, climate resiliency and transportation. As we plan and build to meet the current and future housing needs in Vermont, we must be thinking strategically so that our systems are working together to best serve Vermonters while remaining affordable.

Climate crisis: I strongly support Vermont taking this vital step toward addressing the climate crisis while also making it more affordable for Vermonters to heat and power their homes with no fear of sudden, unplanned spikes in their energy costs.

This law not only aims to curb emissions and help Vermonters make the transition to energy efficient homes with better air quality and stable energy costs, it also promotes innovation and the creation of well-paying jobs in the clean energy sector.

However, if the law faces challenges, I believe we should still explore alternative strategies that complement it. This would include new investments in weatherization initiatives to improve energy efficiency in homes, incentives for renewable energy technologies, and expanding access to electric heat pumps and other sustainable heating solutions. Funding for public transportation and encouraging energy conservation measures can further reduce our carbon footprint while engaging communities in sustainable practices.

Ultimately, the focus should be on a collaborative approach that incorporates public input, supports affected communities, and drives us toward a sustainable future without backpedaling on our climate commitments. By working collaboratively, we can ensure that we keep energy prices in Vermont affordable while still leading in the fight against climate change.

Other priorities: I would prioritize consideration of the current wages in Vermont to address the pressing economic challenges so many families in our state face. COVID-19 exacerbated existing inequalities and, due to rising inflation, has significantly increased the cost of living. It is essential to ensure that working Vermonters can keep up with these changes and provide for their families.

Raising the minimum wage is a key component. I would advocate for a gradual increase that ultimately aligns with the true cost of living, ensuring that all workers receive a fair wage for their labor. This will not only support individuals and families, it will also boost our local economies as people will have more resources to spend in their communities.

I would push for an enhanced Child Tax Credit to support families with children, especially those in low- and middle-income brackets. Increasing this credit would provide direct financial assistance to families, helping them afford essentials such as housing, education and healthcare or emergencies that pop up. By reducing child poverty and improving economic security, we can foster a healthier, more stable environment for our children to thrive.

Combining these efforts creates a stronger safety net for Vermont families, promoting economic resilience, and ensuring that all Vermonters can participate in our state’s prosperity. By investing in our workforce and supporting families, we pave the way for a more equitable future, ultimately benefiting our entire community.