On January 15, 2020

Governor highlights demographics in State of State address

Gov. Phil Scott delivers his State of the State address to a joint assembly of the general assembly at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Thursday, January 9, 2020. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

Governor Phil Scott delivered his 2020 State of the State address on Jan. 9, calling for unity and collaborative leadership in making a difference in the lives of Vermonters across the state.

The governor cited Vermont’s growing demographic crisis as the largest threat to sustainable growth. With addressing demographic trends being the governor’s primary focus, he highlighted several proposals to grow the state’s labor force, including relocation incentives, education and training investments, streamlined licensing procedures and targeted tax relief.

“This is what a demographic crisis looks like. In too many places, and in the lives of too many Vermonters, I see and feel the emotional and financial toll of policies built for the areas in the state that can afford them when the rest of the state cannot,” said Scott. “It’s hurting people. It’s regressive. It’s creating regional inequity. And it’s by far the biggest and most immediate challenge to our state and the ability of government to help shape the future.”

Scott reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Vermont’s cradle-to-career education system, proposing expanded after-school opportunities for all kids.

He also focused on supporting healthy, safe communities through substance use prevention, criminal justice reforms and more.

In continuing to make Vermont more affordable and grow the economy in all regions of the state, the governor proposed investment in affordable housing for working families, Act 250 modernization to spur downtown development while combatting climate change and increased access and incentives for electric vehicles and clean energy storage.

The governor outlined the opportunity this legislative session to work together to help people, exclaiming, “If we’re willing to focus on doing the work, on caring more about the details than we do the talking points; if we can build consensus and trust and avoid national political agendas deliberately designed to divide us; if we focus on the fundamentals: a better, more modern government, a stronger fiscal foundation and policy that’s truly equitable, then our businesses and economy will grow, putting more kids in our schools and broadening our tax base, making our communities stronger and more resilient than ever before.”

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete

July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…

Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but fewer chicks are surviving

July 2, 2025
By Izzy Wagner/VTDigger Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but scientists have noticed a recent decrease in the number of chicks surviving. In 2024, Vermont saw a record-breaking 123 nesting pairs, 11 of which landed at first-time nesting sites. Out of the 125 loon chicks that hatched in 2024, 65% survived through the…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…

Vermont State University graduates 414 nurses, boosting local health care workforce

July 2, 2025
Vermont State University (VTSU) has graduated 414 new nurses this year, marking a significant step forward in addressing the state’s ongoing health care workforce shortage. With approximately 92% of these graduates testing for licensure in Vermont and strong NCLEX pass rates, the university continues to deliver on its promise to educate and prepare nurses who…