Legislative Update, Survey Results

Thank you to the 162 Berlin and Northfield residents who replied to the survey on statewide issues that Rep. Goslant and I had available for town meeting. Even though it wasn’t scientific, it does give us an informal pulse on what our constituents are thinking.

The strongest percentage of “yes” responses – 63 percent -- came on the question of whether Vermont should increase the minimum wage over the next five years from $10.78 to $15 an hour. If those who listed “unsure” were removed, the percentage of “yes” votes went to 68.

Almost half of those who said “yes” also answered “yes” to whether such an increase even if the result was the loss of some jobs or of eligibility for benefits such as child care subsidies.

“I’d like to see strong evidence that this would happen even when the increase is gradual over time,” one wrote.

Most of the rest said they were unsure if their position would change. One commented, “I feel there could also be a net gain in jobs as people have more money to spend.”

Several people commented that adding the second question was biased. One said, “This feels like the survey takers trying to lead or sway responses. I’m disappointed.”

The other strong response came in opposition to a tax on home heating fuel to support weatherization and electric car subsidies for those with lower incomes. Only 29 percent of respondents supported the tax; 65 percent were opposed.

Two other questions received a clear majority. Respondents said “yes” 58 percent of the time both to increasing the smoking age to 21, and to establishing a tax and regulate system for sales of marijuana.

More residents of Berlin were unsure, so when “unsure” responses were removed, the “yes” response rate from Berlin was 80 percent for increasing the smoking age, and 70 percent for tax and regulate.

Berlin and Northfield differed some on gun restrictions, with 42 percent in Northfield saying “yes” to increasing restrictions, compared to 32 percent in Berlin. However, 17 percent were unsure in Berlin; only seven percent were unsure in Northfield.

Two other tax proposals under discussion in Montpelier got mixed reactions, with about half of those replying supporting a tax on gas to support municipal roads, and about half supporting dedicated taxes or fees for lake and river cleanup. Many voted “yes” in support of one or the other, but not both.

The proposal for a universal paid family leave program supported by a payroll tax received 46 percent support.

For about 18 percent of those replying, access to primary health care is an issue for their families, and for about 11 percent, access to child care is a direct issue.

The most striking difference between Berlin and Northfield was the level of confidence in the strength of local schools. The question did not ask about cost or tax rates, but only whether “you think the education system is strong in your town.”

In Berlin, 74 percent answered “yes,” 21 percent were unsure, and only five percent (three surveys) answered “no.”

In Northfield, only 29 percent replied “yes,” 30 percent were unsure, and 42 out of 102 surveys turned in answered with “no.”

The most written comments came in response to our request for specifics if the respondent thought there should be more restrictions added for gun ownership. Ten of the 63 surveys in favor listed examples, with the most common being the waiting period for purchases that is under consideration in the Senate.

The questions on access to child care and to primary health care were deliberately asked to identify those who face direct personal obstacles rather than about general concerns.

However, several made comments about health care, regardless of their own access. “I want to look at affordable health for all,” said one response.

Health care “is my number one legislative concern,” said another. “It is totally absurd that we in the U.S. do not have access to the kind of health care that the rest of the developed world enjoys.”

Some replies on child care noted that their answer was due to no longer having children. However, one resident said, “Child care for my two kids takes almost half of my salary.”

The heating tax generated several strong comments. “No more darn taxes! I’m just squeaking by as it is,” said one.

Another commented that, “Carbon taxes disproportionately impact those least able to pay.”

However, in support, one said, “We just must, like it or not.”

Comments from those opposed to increasing the smoking age had a common theme: “At 18, you can fight or die for your country.” “Either you are an adult with all rights and responsibilities, or you are not.”

Some supporting marijuana sales with regulation specified caveats. “Tax hard,” one urged.

“Only if a portion of the tax goes to education,” another said. Concerns about driving and about edibles were also identified. One person said that they had not supported legalization, but now that it had been legalized, it only made sense to tax and regulate sales.