Editor’s note: This commentary is by Brandon Batham of Marlboro, who is chair of the Windham County Democratic Committee and director of marketing and social media for Vermont Young Democrats.
[V]ermonters, and particularly young Vermonters, should be proud of the work that was accomplished during this last legislative session. At a time when we hear woes of young people leaving our state in droves, our Legislature has answered the call for policies to attract — and keep — young people here.
Under Democratic leadership, our lawmakers approved responsible revenue and appropriations packages, prioritized legislation to preserve the quality and beauty of our state’s waterways, and passed a consumer protection bill regarding rent-to-own businesses that protects and informs customers without bankrupting the industry. Legislators also tackled many hot-button issues, including the removal of the philosophical exemption for vaccines, an education governance reform bill, and legislation that will keep firearms out of the hands of criminals while respecting the history and culture of responsible, safe gun ownership here in Vermont.
During this session, Democrats led the charge in the fight for same-day voter registration. Thanks to their work, countless young Vermonters who are not yet registered because they are busy attending school, working long hours, or starting a family will still be guaranteed their right to vote on Election Day. While many other states are restricting access to the ballot box for young people and minorities, Vermont continues to move forward to ensure that no one’s voice is silenced in our democracy.
If we are going to continue to make progress on key issues facing our state, it will require us to start electing young people and encouraging others to participate in conversations about how to move Vermont forward.
Lawmakers in the House also passed legislation that would ensure paid sick leave for tens of thousands of Vermont employees. This law would protect public health and keep Vermont workers from having to choose between a paycheck and the health of themselves or a sick family member. Young Vermonters are already working long hours, often at multiple jobs, to provide for themselves and their families.
Legislators were also able to craft a bill focused on economic development in our state. Young people who are placing roots in our communities as first-time homeowners will see expanded assistance, and steps are being taken to grow and train a modern workforce. The Legislature also set aside money specifically devoted to promoting Vermont as a great place to live and do business — something that many of us young Vermonters already know and are eager to share with the rest of the country.
While Democrats in the House and Senate continue to work hard to make Vermont a better place for young people to live, start a business, or raise a family, there is much progress that still needs to be made. Many young Vermonters are working long, demanding hours and still struggle to pay for their most basic needs. Student loan debt is crippling economic growth, with many young college graduates — myself included — stalling many major life decisions and purchases because there seems to be no end in sight. “Times are tough,” many of my friends and neighbors tell me, “and they’re only getting tougher.”
It would not be unreasonable for a young person to think that few lawmakers truly understand the challenges of being a young person in Vermont today. In the Vermont House of Representatives, 14 of the 150 legislators are under the age of 40, and only two are under the age of 30. In the Vermont State Senate, there are only two sitting senators under the age of 40, with no current members under the age of 30. While I applaud the work of the many hardworking, compassionate, understanding lawmakers in Montpelier, there is a need for new, young leaders in our state.
Young people need to step up to the plate and fill crucial leadership roles in our communities. Older community leaders should be mentoring, encouraging, and guiding young Vermonters to usher in a new era of leadership in our state. While age cannot be a criteria for electing local public officials, there is a growing need for a younger perspective on how to grow our regional economies, modernize our workforce, and make Vermont known as the best place in the nation to live. If we are going to continue to make progress on key issues facing our state, it will require us to start electing young people and encouraging others to participate in conversations about how to move Vermont forward.
Young people are ready to claim their seat at the table — all they need now is your encouragement and support.
