Education reform, healthcare costs, housing shortages, and workforce challenges remain central issues for Vermont lawmakers in the 2025-26 legislative session. State Representative Lisa Hango of Franklin-5 addressed these topics in her latest update to constituents.
Hango emphasized the high costs associated with educating children, including salaries, facilities, and supplies. She linked these expenses to broader economic pressures such as limited healthcare options for middle-income Vermonters and a lack of affordable housing. According to Hango, “If we had transparent, competitive, and affordable healthcare options, our farmers, clerks, construction workers, and small business owners would spend less of their income on healthcare premiums, they would have more disposable income, and school budget increases (which include healthcare premiums for education employees) would be less of a burden on taxpayers.”
She also pointed out that strict land use regulations have made home ownership difficult in Vermont. “If we didn’t have the most stringent land use and development regulations in the country, home ownership would no longer just be the American dream but the Vermont reality,” Hango stated.
Business costs were another concern raised by Hango. She said that high expenses deter companies from setting up operations in Vermont: “If it weren’t so expensive for a business to set up shop in our state, we would have a greater array of well-paying jobs that would attract employees from out of state to put down roots in Vermont and contribute to the economy by shopping, recreating, and paying taxes here.”
Hango described a cycle where restrictive regulations limit new housing construction. This leads to labor shortages for businesses; some employers leave while others are expected to contribute more financially. Meanwhile, schools with low enrollment face funding difficulties due to what she called an outdated formula: “Vermont is the only state in the nation that uses this particular, convoluted method of funding education.” She argued that low student numbers combined with high living costs result in unaffordable conditions across Franklin County.
The transportation infrastructure was another focus area. Many residents commute long distances daily for work—up to 90 minutes each way—which puts stress on roads and bridges. Hango noted that Vermont’s Transportation Fund faces a $33 million deficit this budget cycle. To address this shortfall and secure federal matching funds needed for local projects, Governor Phil Scott has proposed reallocating $10 million from vehicle purchase and use taxes away from education into transportation.
Committee activity continues at the Statehouse while substantive floor action remains limited. In Government Operations & Military Affairs Committee meetings this week, members heard updates on veterans’ services; considered bills related to veterans’ affairs and alcohol regulation; discussed animal welfare; reviewed retirement pension matters; and continued work on legislation affecting professional regulation and emergency management.
Constituents can contact Representative Hango directly with concerns or questions about ongoing legislative matters.