Vermont Gov. Phil Scott spoke to St. Johnsbury Rotarians about the many challenges the state is facing during the Club’s weekly meeting Feb. 10. He spoke about a stagnant population growth and lack of workforce - 18,000 fewer people available for jobs. His myriad of plans include: making investments in job growth without raising taxes; incentives for growing businesses; eliminating corporate income taxes; bipartisan support to reform Act 250; eliminating the taxing of pensions for veterans. Gov. Scott is also seeking funding for affordable childcare, and wants to see more investment in early child care and learning. He is striving to improve downtowns in the state; creating more affordable housing and low cost loans. He would like to see more investment in tourism, including one of his key focuses - the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which will cover four counties and 18 towns in Vermont, from Swanton to St. Johnsbury, totaling 93 miles once it is completed.
