Vermont legislators gathered Friday for the inaugural meeting of the Caucus for Vermont’s Economy, a bipartisan group of legislators that represents communities around the state, focused on advancing policies that strengthen the state’s economy and improve the well-being of Vermonters. The timing could not be more critical. The recently released Vermont Competitiveness Dashboard from the Vermont Futures Project underscores why: Vermont ranks last in the nation in economic momentum, 50th in workforce retention, 49th in population growth, and near the bottom in housing permits and business competitiveness. 

While these rankings paint a sobering picture, the caucus demonstrates that data is not destiny. By bringing together legislators from both the House and Senate, leaving party roles at the door, the group is creating a forum to turn information into action. The Caucus is led by Co-chairs Rep. Abbey Duke and Rep. Ashley Bartley, Rep. Jonathan Cooper (Clerk) and Reps. Chris Morrow and Kate Lalley (Communications). In preparation for the caucus, all legislators were surveyed to gauge interest and collect insights on the expertise members could bring. The result is a diverse and talented group, committed to looking at Vermont’s economic challenges from a “big picture” perspective. 

At the inaugural session, caucus leaders emphasized breaking down committee silos, fostering collaboration across the legislature, and bringing diverse perspectives to complex problems. Members shared priorities and ideas ranging from Vermont’s highly restrictive regulatory environment, housing, and creating a state in which Vermonter can thrive. The conversation highlighted that while Vermont faces real challenges, it also has clear opportunities to reverse trends when lawmakers act decisively together. 

The caucus aims to translate urgency into action. By focusing on adopting policies that grow the economy, and expanding opportunity for all Vermonters, the group hopes to move beyond gridlock and build a more resilient, competitive Vermont. For businesses and communities, the caucus launch is a signal that the state’s leaders are confronting difficult data with collaboration, creativity, and optimism, turning insight into meaningful solutions.