Lt. Gov. Phil Scott is holding an event for lawmakers that he describes as a cross between a “shark tank show” and speed dating.
On Jan. 7, he hopes to bring together business people of all stripes to pitch ideas about how to rejuvenate Vermont’s economy. Each person gets 5 minutes to tell lawmakers what they could do to help businesses thrive in Vermont.
The pitch session, billed as “Priority #1 on Day One,” will be from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier and will be followed by a reception.
Scott says hopes the event will set the right tone for the legislative session. He believes lawmakers need to see the health of the state’s economy as a top priority.
The state is facing a $100 million budget gap this year in part because of the slow national economic recovery. Personal income tax receipts have been lower than anticipated among other factors.
Scott says business people often come to the Statehouse to put the brakes on legislation that could hamper their success. He wants to give them an opportunity to talk about positive things lawmakers can do to help.
“Why not get them in same room and brainstorm ideas,” Scott said. “I have to believe there are some things we are missing. Hopefully they’ll have stories to tell and solutions that may be beneficial.”
Scott says he hopes some lawmakers will take an interest in sponsoring bills that could give companies a leg up.
“It’s more important than ever for us to think about the economy and how we can prosper and grow,” Scott says. “It’s a common interest that falls across all party lines.”
The event is sponsored by Vision to Action Vermont, a pro-business advocacy group founded by retired Rep. Paul Ralston and Rep. Heidi Scheuermann, R-Stowe.
Representatives from the following organizations will offer pitches:
Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce
Vermont Technology Alliance
Vermont Retail and Grocers’ Association
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Associated Industries of Vermont
Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
FreshTracks Capital
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Associated General Contractors
Vermont Ski Areas Association
Vermont Association of Realtors
