Conversation focused on affordability, healthcare, housing, and the federal issues impacting Vermont’s economic future

Congresswoman Becca Balint joined Vermont business and community leaders for a Wellspring Forum hosted by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce at Northwestern Vermont Medical Center. The conversation explored the economic pressures facing Vermont businesses and families and the role federal policy plays in affordability, housing, healthcare, and workforce challenges.

The intimate gathering created an opportunity for candid dialogue between Vermont’s sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives and leaders representing employers and communities across the state. Participants shared perspectives on the challenges they are navigating while hearing directly from Congresswoman Balint about her work in Washington and priorities for Vermont.

“Some of the most productive conversations happen when we bring policymakers and business leaders together in a setting where they can speak candidly, ask questions, and better understand one another’s perspectives,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “The challenges facing Vermont are interconnected, and there is tremendous value in creating opportunities to move beyond talking points and focus on the experiences of the people, businesses, and communities impacted by policy decisions.”

Affordability emerged as a central theme throughout the discussion, connecting concerns about housing, healthcare, and the broader cost of living and doing business in Vermont. Congresswoman Balint discussed issue affecting healthcare costs and housing availability, workforce pressures, and local investment in rural communities. During the open forum, business leaders shared how these pressures are influencing their employees, operations, and ability to plan and grow.

The conversation also explored economic uncertainty, tariffs, and inconsistent government policy making, including how unpredictable government policies create uncertainty that makes it harder for businesses to plan, invest, and make long-term strategic decisions with confidence. Participants discussed the importance of ensuring federal and state policy decisions reflect the realities facing Vermont’s rural communities and small businesses.

“I was grateful to participate in this Wellspring Forum alongside the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and so many important community stakeholders,” said Congresswoman Balint. “From those in attendance, I heard calls for consistency and predictability at the federal level so they can plan, grow, and continue to innovate in their respective sectors. Their stories fuel my fight – now back on Capitol Hill – to relieve the economic pressures folks in Vermont and across the nation are experiencing right now.”

Hosting the forum at Northwestern Vermont Medical Center provided a fitting backdrop for a conversation in which economic vitality and community well-being repeatedly intersected. Healthcare access and affordability, the availability of workers and housing, and the strength of regional employers all contribute to whether Vermont communities can remain in places where people can live, work, and thrive.

The Wellspring Forum Policy Series connects policy leaders with top voices in Vermont’s business community. These invite-only gatherings provide a unique platform for business leaders to engage in meaningful civic dialogue, shape policy conversations, and collaborate on strategies that drive economic progress.

Through Wellspring and other convenings, the Vermont Chamber works to ensure Vermont businesses have opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers while bringing diverse perspectives together around a shared purpose: building a stronger Vermont economy.