Editor’s note: This op-ed is by Betsy Bishop, president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
As our country and state continue to claw out of the deepest economic dive in 80 years, every candidate is talking about jobs. Finding and keeping a good job is everyone’s top priority. The recession has left more than 11,000 Vermonters on unemployment, and countless more who are ineligible for unemployment. The recession has caused individuals to travel many miles, sometimes beyond Vermont’s borders, to find a job. The recession has forced even more Vermonters to make difficult choices in balancing critical needs. Yes, this election is all about jobs.
Candidates for statewide offices have their plans for creating jobs. While the Vermont Chamber values planning for a flourishing economy, Vermonters must keep in mind that politicians do not “create” jobs. Government does not create jobs; it facilitates the creation of jobs by setting policies that stimulate the economy and business climate. Legislators do not create jobs; they pass laws that produce tax, regulatory and other policies that create the environment where a business of any size may grow.
Businesses create jobs. Our corporate leaders, managers, owners, partners and others sign the paychecks with which Vermonters pay their mortgages, buy their groceries, obtain health care, and direct personal funds in hundreds of directions, fueling the economy.
Each of us has one precious vote. On behalf of those wanting to maintain and create jobs for Vermonters, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce has developed a number of tools to make decisions about the candidates. What are the candidates’ records on stimulating an environment where businesses can start and grow jobs? How does one discern if a first-run candidate will represent the ideals of the employer community?
Visit the website of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce at www.vtchamber.com and take a look at the Vermont Chamber Legislative Report Card, tallying legislators’ votes on business-friendly proposals over the last biennium. Peruse how your legislators performed on key votes to create a climate conducive to business growth in Vermont. Check the Vermont Chamber website to learn who is running for office in your area.
Vermont is home to tens of thousands of businesses, providing about 355,000 jobs. Ask our candidates if they have ever had to meet a payroll because if they have they understand the perspective of a business owner who is responsible for the lives of his/her employees and the impact increasing taxes and regulations have on the ability to create jobs. Have they talked directly to employers about the challenges of operating a successful business in Vermont? Where do they stand on raising taxes, providing low-cost energy and increasing workforce training?
Vermont’s tourism economy is responsible for about 37,000 jobs. Where do our candidates stand on providing funding to promote tourism in the Green Mountain State, where together visitors and employers provide jobs, buy services from businesses that support the tourism industry such as banks and insurance companies, and pay millions of dollars in property, sales, gas, rooms and meals taxes?
Our small but charismatic state is brimming with innovators and entrepreneurs. How will our candidates create tax credits and encourage access to capital that can help a business expand and create jobs? Will they support those policies for all economic sectors or just a chosen few industries?
Vermonters are heavily reliant on government programs and currently we as a state are questioning whether these programs are sustainable during these difficult economic times. If our candidates support growing government programs, how will they pay for it? When will that money be available to pay for it? And will they make the job creators in this state pay for that?
Fall festivals, trail walks, chicken pie suppers: it’s classic Vermont, and it’s a great time to meet our neighbors on the campaign trail. Will policy culminate in action? Will your legislators work with business to benefit all Vermonters?
Inform yourself, ask questions that matter, hold candidates accountable for their votes and their policies. On November 2, vote for candidates who understand the need to create policies that help businesses grow jobs!
