The Vermont House of Representatives Rural Development Caucus will hold a Public Hearing, at the Vermont State House, from 5-7 pm on Tuesday November 7th to hear from municipal, business, education and non-profit interests in rural Vermont about what the most pressing issues are for rural Vermont.

“Rural Vermont faces different pressures and economic challenges than the more urbanized areas of the state,” said Chip Conquest, State Representative from Newbury, Vermont and co-chair of the Caucus. “We are looking for viable ideas to strengthen the economies and raise the standard of living in our rural communities.”

“As legislators we have an opportunity to shape policies that stabilize and grow the economies in more remote areas of the state,” said Laura Sibilia, State Representative from Dover, Vermont and also co-chair. “While we have our own experience and ideas, we know there is knowledge and insight along the back roads that will help us improve legislation and enact better policies.”

The hearing is being organized with support from Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development and the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Vermonters are invited to testify in person or through submitted testimony as to the most significant factors impacting Vermont’s rural economy.

About the Rural Development Caucus
The Rural Development Caucus, also known as the Rural Economic Development Working Group, is a nonpartisan group of Vermont State Representatives which ensures that the needs of rural Vermont are considered when public policy is contemplated, debated or enacted.

Vermonters who are unable to attend but want to submit testimony can send it via email to caucus member Representative Charlie Kimbell at ckimbell@leg.state.vt.us.