Roper: If our leaders really want more people to move here
It is time for Montpelier to give up trying to find new things to do to attract new citizens and start figuring out what it is they are doing that drives people away — and stop.
Keelan: Vermont leaders should focus on the one issue that matters
I would urge those in government nonprofits and special interest groups to table what they believe are important issues and focus on how we bring to Vermont the resources state employers desperately need — employees willing to work and live here.
Vermont needs more business investment, but not from tax incentives
Attracting new businesses to Vermont is a laudable goal, but tax incentives are not the way to do that.
McClaughry: The Trump ‘economic catastrophe’; Climate Justice Alliance rejects carbon tax
At the moment Donald Trump’s presidency seems to have produced a big adrenaline shot for a relatively stagnant U.S. economy.
Moore: How do things look as we wrap up 2017?
According to the most recent information from the federal Office of Management and Budget, the country has been experiencing 3 percent growth for the past three quarters, and that number appears to be holding for the fourth quarter. Growth like this has not been experienced since before the Great Recession.
4 big signs of a Trump economic recovery
The economic numbers clearly have improved on President Donald Trump’s watch, with unemployment down and consumer confidence stronger.
Forbes ranks Vermont 48th for business climate
Out of the 50 states, Forbes ranks Vermont 48 for business climate. Only Alaska and West Virginia project a more dismal future than we do.
Gov. Scott wants 70 percent of Vermonters credentialed, work-skilled by 2025
The bold, new education and workforce development program has a goal of arming 70 percent of Vermont’s population with either trade or higher education credentials by the year 2025.
Roper: Vermont better start cutting taxes dramatically
Vermont’s personal income tax revenues are down $6.41 million below forecasts. We have to ask how can this be given that the national economy is booming with 3 percent or better growth for three straight quarters, the stock market is at record highs, and Vermont’s unemployment numbers are at record lows.
Moore: Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce opposes $15 minimum wage
It is apparent that one of the priority bills in the new year will be to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce has joined many other pro-business groups to oppose this recommendation.
Bennington County panelists agree: Tax reform and business growth right focus for Vermont
At a public forum hosted by the Bennington County Republican Party last month, a bipartisan panel agreed that tax reform and the economy were the right focus for Vermont going into 2018.
Moore: A lot to be thankful for this year in Vermont
The job loss from the Great Recession was 14,700. We have now recovered 22,700 jobs, a 154 percent job recovery rate, the third highest in New England behind Massachusetts and New Hampshire.