Biography
Amanda has dedicated her career to serving others, working tirelessly for victims of sexual and domestic violence.
A graduate of Colby College, she has an MBA from Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management. Amanda began her career in the non-profit sector at WISE in the Upper Valley where she provided domestic and sexual violence crisis and prevention services. Knowing the importance of finances to nonprofits, she took a position with a large nonprofit in Boston as Associate Director of Foundation Relations and Capital Campaign Manager. She then led fundraising and development at Groundwork Lawrence, a community development corporation focused on environmental justice, overseeing annual private fundraising of $1.2 million.
In St. Johnsbury, Amanda first worked remotely as director of Resource Development at Groundwork USA. In her current role as director of Umbrella, Amanda and her team have secured multi-year federal grants, purchased the organization’s first property to house programs, secured multi-year funding for violence prevention and domestic violence accountability programs, launched the ONE Prevention Coalition in Orleans County, and increased emergency shelter and transitional housing spaces.
As a volunteer, Amanda has served as president of the Catamount Arts Board and is on the boards of the Caledonia Children’s Advocacy Center, the Orleans County Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Amanda lives in St. Johnsbury, with her husband, Dr. John Raser, and three children. She loves spending time outdoors with her family and coaching and playing basketball.
Candidate occupation
Executive Director – Umbrella
Why are you running for office?
I am running for State Senate because I believe we can do more to build a Vermont where families are supported, businesses thrive, and our communities are vibrant and inclusive. I believe our community needs leadership that embodies the power of community, the strength of resilience, and the necessity of compassion. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to making our community safer, more resilient, and healthier. From my early days providing crisis services at WISE in the Upper Valley to my current role as Director of Umbrella, I have been committed to serving others. These experiences have shown me the impact of innovative thinking, active listening, and strong relationship-building, which are essential to creating a Vermont where everyone can thrive.
We need to create affordable housing, protect our environment, ensure quality education for our children at a rate we can all afford, and promote fair justice for all. I am passionate about fostering strong families and compassionate communities, championing accessible and cost-effective healthcare, preserving our landscapes, developing resilient energy infrastructures, and strengthening our rural economies. Supporting local businesses, encouraging agricultural resilience, and ensuring access to affordable housing are priorities that will keep our communities intact and vibrant.
I’m running because I believe in the potential of our community to grow and thrive with the right leadership. I want to be that leader who listens, acts with integrity, and works tirelessly to ensure that every Vermonter has the opportunity to succeed.
Issues in brief
Do you believe Vermonters are better off now than they were 10 years ago?
Yes
Do you believe Vermont needs a new education funding formula?
Yes
Do you support imposing new taxes on the wealthiest Vermonters?
Yes
Do you support the establishment of overdose prevention centers?
No answer
Do you support a ban on flavored tobacco products?
Yes
Do you support increasing penalties for property crimes such as shoplifting?
No answer
Do you believe Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election?
Yes
Issues in depth
What would you do to help grow Vermont’s economy?
To help grow Vermont’s economy, I would focus on a multifaceted approach that supports local businesses, fosters innovation, and builds strong community infrastructure. Here are the key areas I would prioritize:
Support Local Businesses and Entrepreneurship: I will work to create a favorable environment for small businesses and startups by advocating for tax incentives, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and providing access to affordable capital.
Invest in Education and Workforce Development: Ensuring our students receive a high-quality education is essential for the long-term success of our economy. I will support initiatives that strengthen our education system and provide vocational training and continuing education opportunities.
Promote Agricultural Sustainability: Agriculture is a cornerstone of Vermont’s economy. I will champion policies that support sustainable farming practices and provide resources for farmers to adapt to changing market demands. By doing so, we can enhance food security, protect our environment, and create new economic opportunities in rural areas.
Enhance Infrastructure and Connectivity: Investing in infrastructure is critical for economic development. I will advocate for improvements in transportation, broadband internet access, and renewable energy infrastructure. These investments will make Vermont more attractive to businesses and improve the quality of life for residents.
Ensure Affordable Housing: Access to affordable housing is essential for economic stability and growth. I will support policies that increase the availability of affordable housing options, which will help attract and retain a diverse workforce.
What changes, if any, would you make to the way Vermont funds its schools?
Educating our children is the most important function of any democratic society. We need a high-quality education system for all our children that Vermonters can afford. To ensure taxpayers get relief and schools are adequately funded and equipped for all students, I would consider the following changes:
Revise the Funding Formula: Property taxes are becoming unsustainable for too many Vermonters and it’s time for us to revise our funding formula to better support children, taxpayers and schools. We need a transparent and fair funding formula that accounts for student poverty levels, rurality, special education needs, and regional cost differences.The legislature created a Blue Ribbon Commission to help lawmakers revise the funding formula and I look forward to their findings.
Promote Efficiency and Shared Services: Encourage school districts to share services and resources where feasible. This could include administrative functions, special education services, and transportation. By promoting efficiency, we can direct more funds towards direct classroom instruction and student support.
Support for Rural Schools: Rural schools often face unique challenges, including smaller student populations and higher transportation costs. I would advocate for targeted funding and support for rural schools to ensure they have the resources needed to provide a comprehensive education.
Invest in Teacher Retention: Ensuring that we have well-qualified and motivated teachers is crucial for student success. I would support initiatives to improve teacher salaries, provide ongoing professional development, and create career advancement opportunities to attract and retain top educators.
Is Vermont doing enough, too much or not enough to address climate change? Please explain.
Our state has made significant strides in addressing climate change, but there is still much more to be done. Our state has shown leadership through initiatives like the Global Warming Solutions Act and investments in renewable energy. However, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, and we need to accelerate our efforts to mitigate these impacts.
We need to ensure a just transition to renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure, focusing on sustainable practices that protect our environment and support our economy. This includes expanding renewable energy infrastructure and enhancing energy efficiency in homes and businesses. By offering rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, we can help Vermonters reduce their carbon footprint while lowering utility bills.
Additionally, we must prioritize climate resilience in its planning and development, ensuring that our communities are prepared for the impacts of extreme weather events. This includes upgrading our infrastructure to withstand these events and protecting our natural landscapes, which play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and ecosystem health.
By taking bold and proactive steps now, we can not only mitigate the worst impacts of climate change but also create a more sustainable and equitable future for all Vermonters. The challenge is significant, but so is our capacity for innovation and leadership.
Is Vermont doing enough, too much or not enough to regulate gun ownership? Please explain.
As a candidate for State Senate, I understand the importance of addressing comprehensive gun safety measures, including the regulation of machine guns and automatic ammunition. Vermont has a strong tradition of responsible firearm ownership, particularly in our rural areas where hunting and personal protection are deeply valued.
While our state historically has more permissive gun laws, recent discussions and legislative proposals have highlighted the need for stricter regulations on machine guns and automatic ammunition. These measures are essential to ensure public safety and prevent firearms from reaching dangerous individuals who pose a threat to themselves and our communities.
I support efforts to strengthen background checks and close loopholes that allow for the unregulated sale of automatic weapons and ammunition. It’s crucial that we strike a balance that upholds Second Amendment rights while enacting sensible regulations that protect our communities.
I am committed to listening to diverse viewpoints on this issue and working collaboratively to find effective solutions that enhance public safety and uphold Vermont’s values of responsible gun ownership. Together, we can ensure that our laws reflect the needs and priorities of all Vermonters while keeping our communities safe and secure.
What would you do to help ease Vermont’s housing crisis?
Addressing Vermont’s housing crisis is one of my top priorities. I believe we need a multifaceted approach that combines policy innovation, community engagement, and targeted investment to ensure housing affordability reaches all corners of our state.
I advocate for increasing funding for affordable housing initiatives. This includes expanding state and federal grants, leveraging public-private partnerships, and incentivizing developers to build affordable units. By streamlining regulatory processes and providing tax incentives, we can encourage the construction of more affordable housing options.
I believe in promoting homeownership through accessible financing options and down payment assistance programs. Helping Vermonters achieve homeownership stability strengthens our communities and fosters economic resilience across the state.
We need to protect tenants’ rights and prevent homelessness by expanding rental assistance programs and ensuring fair and equitable landlord-tenant relations. Strengthening tenant protections and investing in supportive services can help vulnerable populations access and maintain stable housing in every part of Vermont.
By taking these proactive steps and working collaboratively with stakeholders, I am confident that we can make meaningful progress in easing Vermont’s housing crisis and ensuring that all Vermonters have access to safe, affordable, and stable housing options, no matter where they choose to live in our state.
How would you address rising homelessness in Vermont?
We need a comprehensive approach that combines immediate support for those experiencing homelessness with long-term solutions to prevent it.
According to Housing and Homelessness Alliance of Vermont, the 2023 Point in Time Count, indicated that the number of people experiencing homelessness and in a household with children increased by 36% compared to the prior year, compared to an 11% increase of people in households with adults only. Vermonters have the opportunity to do something about homeless children in our state and I urge us to do so.
We must invest in supportive services that address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental health support, addiction treatment, domestic violence programs, and job training. My work with vulnerable populations through organizations like Umbrella has shown me firsthand the impact of these services in stabilizing lives and preventing homelessness.
I advocate for expanding emergency shelter capacities and transitional housing options statewide. This means increasing funding for shelters, collaborating with nonprofits, and leveraging federal resources to ensure no Vermonter is left without a roof over their head during times of crisis.
I believe in fostering partnerships between government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations to coordinate efforts and maximize resources in combating homelessness. Collaboration is key to implementing effective policies and programs that provide lasting solutions.
By taking these proactive steps and advocating for compassionate, evidence-based policies, I am committed to reducing homelessness in Vermont and ensuring that every Vermonter has a safe and stable place to call home.
What would you do to increase access to health care services for Vermonters?
I believe in championing policies that enhance healthcare affordability, expand coverage options, and prioritize preventive care. This includes advocating for measures to lower prescription drug costs, increase funding for community health centers, and expand telehealth services, especially in rural areas. Additionally, I support initiatives to address healthcare workforce shortages and ensure equitable access to mental health services. By collaborating with stakeholders and leveraging federal resources, we can build a healthcare system that meets the needs of every Vermonter, regardless of income or location.
Financial disclosure
Candidates for state and legislative offices are required to submit a financial disclosure when filing to run. These disclosures include each source, but not the amount, of personal income of each candidate, and of their spouse or domestic partner, that singly or jointly totals more than $5,000 for the previous 12 months. The information provided is an opportunity for voters to learn about candidates’ potential conflicts of interest.
Financial disclosure not available for this candidate.
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