Send Jim Lipinski to Montpelier to Protect Vermonters
Many Vermonters are struggling and lofty visions about democracy won’t directly put food on the table, provide for an affordable place to live, or ensure that everyone has appropriate health care, so it is a priority of mine to fight to make Vermont a place where the people come before corporations, everyone has what they need to thrive, not just survive, and costs don’t fall disproportionately on those least able to afford them. We need to shift our policy priorities from profit at the expense of everything else to people first. Instead of basing our definition of progress on corporate profits we need to base it on things like the rollout of fair employment and wage laws that values the work done by Vermonters and which our society depend upon. It means prioritizing investments in children, housing, education, and health.
Here is what I’ll do to protect Vermonters
Shift taxes and fees from those who are least able to pay to those who are better able – click to learn more
We must ask those who are better off to contribute commensurately toward a more equitable community. We should look at shifting things like education away from property taxes and toward more progressive taxes like income taxes. I support increasing taxes on the very wealthy, capital gains, estates, and inheritances. This has to be a priority to provide the resources we need to take action addressing other urgent needs.
Prioritize people over profits – click to learn more
We need to recognize the effect of corporate friendly policies on working Vermonters. We need to understand the unintended consequences of policy decisions and make sure they don’t fall disproportionately on those least able to adapt.
Raise the minimum wage to $20 – click to learn more
The current minimum wage is a policy choice that prioritizes profits over people. Across the country naysayers have been predicting disaster for jurisdictions that raise their minimum wage to one that prioritizes people over profits and the record shows their concerns were unfounded. A vibrant middle-class is the foundation of a vibrant economy and vibrant communities. I understand that raising the minimum wage can be difficult for small businesses and nonprofits and am committed to finding a creative solution that protects Vermonters, but also their businesses.
Regulate Data Centers – click to learn more
H.727 would have protected Vermonters from the impact of large data centers. It was passed by both the House and Senate but vetoed by the Governor. In a vote to override the Governor’s veto, Lamoille 2 Representative Bailey voted Nay to support the veto. This puts every Vermonter at greater risk of the potential consequences of large AI data centers, including higher utility costs and negative impacts on clean air and water. I am committed to regulating large data centers so that Vermonters are protected from their negative impacts.
Work toward universal health care – click to learn more
Burdened by the highest health care costs in the world, Vermont shouldn’t wait for the Federal Government to implement universal health care. There are many things we can do today. I fully support working to implement universal primary care with a focus on preventative care that would lower costs overall.
Ban Surveillance pricing – click to learn more
Surveillance pricing is a scheme where retailers weaponize your personal data against you. Surveillance pricing goes far beyond dynamic pricing and uses personal information such as your location, browsing history, shopping habits, device type, and income, to predict your willingness to pay and sets individualized prices accordingly. The practice is predatory and harms all consumers, but especially those who are most vulnerable. I would work to pass legislation such as what was recently passed in New York, Maryland, and Connecticut to ban the practice in Vermont.
Improve data privacy laws – click to learn more
Vermont’s data privacy laws are inadequate. Past attempts to provide stronger protection have been watered down to lessen the impact on businesses. It’s time to put people before profit and enact privacy laws that recognize and counter the threats posed by today’s technology.