The Crisis We Face
This past decade has been difficult for Vermont's communities. As businesses close and schools shutter, our communities lose their sense of character. Things as basic as housing, healthcare, and a decent education are increasingly out of reach for working families.
The Trump administration has made our challenges worse. Up to 45,000 Vermonters face losing healthcare coverage. Another 13,000 are losing SNAP benefits that keep food on the table. These federal attacks compound an already devastating local crisis—one that demands bold, creative solutions from state leaders who understand the urgency.
We need leaders who will fight for Vermont values: looking out for our neighbors, protecting our communities, and ensuring no Vermonter is left behind.
Our Focus Areas
Build Housing
Housing prices in Vermont are at historic highs, and the shortage of affordable homes is devastating our workforce and our economy. When workers can't afford to live where they work, they commute longer distances or leave the state entirely. We need state candidates who understand housing as an economic issue and will pursue innovative solutions to increase the supply of affordable homes and remove barriers to development. More housing supply means more affordability for working families.
Lower Healthcare Costs
Vermonters pay more for healthcare than almost anywhere else in the country. We're spending nearly 20% of our annual income on healthcare alone—a burden that makes everything else less affordable, from education to housing to basic living. Medical debt is one of the cruelest traps in American life. We need state leaders who are willing to innovate and take on rising healthcare costs with the same urgency we'd bring to any economic crisis. Whether it's negotiating drug prices, addressing medical debt, or expanding access, we must support candidates committed to making healthcare truly affordable.
Grow Our Workforce & Opportunity
A strong economy requires investing in people. We need state candidates who will champion education, job training, and workforce development so Vermonters can earn good wages and build secure futures. When we invest in our workforce, we grow our economy from the ground up—creating opportunity not just for workers, but for businesses and entire communities.
Our Mission
Vermont Forward believes in supporting state candidates who understand the urgency of Vermont's affordability crisis and are willing to lead with bold, innovative solutions. We invest in leaders who will fight for economic justice and ensure opportunity is available to all Vermonters—not just the wealthy few. Vermont's future depends on leaders willing to take on these challenges now.