Vermont Senate Democrats Announce Shared Vision for the 2025 Legislative Session

MONTPELIER, VT – Today, Vermont Senate Democrats announced their shared vision for this legislative session. Senate committees have recently undergone a significant restructuring: six new Democratic chairs will bring a fresh perspective and have expressed their commitment to working across the aisle to improve quality of life and reduce the cost of living for Vermonters.

“Vermonters want us to increase their quality of life while reducing their cost of living,” said Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale. “Our chairs are going to pursue a common sense, common ground agenda that delivers tangible results on property tax reform and strengthening public education, climate action and resilience, and affordable housing and healthcare.”

Chair Ann Cummings pledges that “Senate Finance will explore all avenues to stabilize property tax rates, identify a fair funding formula and support a sustainable high-quality public education system for Vermont’s kids.” 

Chair Seth Bongartz said, “Senate Education will be working alongside Senate Finance on ensuring we support Vermont’s high-quality public education system for Vermont’s children and youth, paid for with a fair funding formula. We are prepared to identify alternatives to fund our public education system that relies less heavily on property taxes.”

Chair of Senate Health & Welfare Virginia Lyons said, “ Vermonters shouldn’t have to choose between food and access to health care.  We will continue our transformative work to reduce costs and build a sustainable system of primary, hospital, long term care, and community services.”

Chair Andrew Perchlik said, “Although there won’t be a silver bullet solution, Senate Appropriations is committed to working with our Senate colleagues on a fair funding formula that supports Vermont’s kids and sustains a high-quality public education system.”

Chair Anne Watson said, "Senate Natural Resources is committed to protecting the environment while also protecting pocketbooks of middle and lower income Vermonters. Our committee will work together to find bipartisan solutions and focus on issues related to clean water, solid waste systems, and most critically, finding affordable climate action solutions.”