Lawmakers propose 10 bills to support working families

A group of Democratic and Progressive lawmakers have put forward 10 bills intended to support working families in Vermont. These bills come as the result of mounting concerns over the economic inequality facing many Vermonters.

“Inequality is hurting our state, it hurts our economy and, in particular, it hurts low-income and working people,” said Rep. Chris Pearson, P-Burlington.

Ranging from an increase in minimum wage to a decrease in the cost of health care, the bills were presented Wednesday as a package. The timeline is undetermined but many of the lawmakers responsible for the effort are anxious to get the ball rolling.

“We think these are work priorities,” Pearson said.

Although varied, all of the bills follow a pro-family theme. Vermont is struggling with the flight of young people and Pearson hopes that the package of bills will inspire young people to stay in Vermont and raise families.

The sense of urgency behind these bills is palpable, lawmakers said.

“We are not, as a society, holding up and giving the people at the lowest end of our economic spectrum the tools they need to live a dignified life,” said Rep. Tom Stevens, D-Waterbury.

The bills

• Minimum wage: Raises minimum wage to $15.

• H. 187 Earned sick days: Balances out the disparity of paid sick leave to also benefit those in the lowest economic spectrum.

• Increased weatherization fund: Raises money to weatherize the homes of low-income Vermonters.

• H. 24 Increase health exchange out of pocket subsidies: Reduces out-of-pocket health care costs for Vermonters in order to improve affordability and access to health care. It also contains a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

• Paid Family Leave: Provides six weeks paid work for family leave time in exchange for a 0.63 percent deduction from payroll.

• H. 52 Small farm viability: Raises the limit on the number of chickens raised, killed and processed on small family farms to increase vitality of small-scale farming. No additional money required to implement.

• H. 186 Reach up college savings proposal: Provides college fund savings accounts to children receiving Child Only grants.

• H. 173 Rent-to-own regulation: Rental centers are required to have clearer disclaimers as to the cost, terms and conditions of any contract for any rent-to-own item.

• H. 121 Ban the box: Job applicants will not be asked about criminal records on the initial job application.

• H. 30 Gas price discrepancy: Corrects the gas price discrepancy in northwestern Vermont, where drivers pay 20 cents to 35 cents more per gallon.

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