ENDORSEMENT!

Agriculture & Sustainability

From beekeeping to produce, agriculture is an integral part of the NEK.

Learn how I'm working to keep these very Vermont traditions alive!

Economy & Affordability

Everywhere I go, I hear that Vermonters are being priced out of their homes!

Vermont state spending proposed raising property taxes by nearly 20%, raising payroll taxes by $100 million, and continues to rapidly increase spending.

From property taxes to the rising costs at the DMV, Vermont is one of the least affordable states to live in. I dream of a Vermont where everyone can afford to live comfortably, not just the wealthy. It's time to cut costs for Vermonters!

Learn how I'm working to help Vermont get real about its affordability crisis!

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Housing & Development

Vermont has a housing crisis. The demand of homes has outpaced supply, the rate of new construction is low, and home prices are not attainable for most Vermonters. This leaves many renting for a long time and paying a third of their salaries in rent.

We need proactive housing policy that will address these problems to ensure that Vermonters have access to safe and affordable housing, and that there is adequate housing inventory for future generations.

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Quick Facts

How long have you lived in Orleans County?

Besides a couple years for college, my entire life! I still live in the same town I grew up in.

Will Sam vote along party lines?

I absolutely will not! The voters of my district elect me, and I owe them 100% of my loyalty. I have many Democrat supporters, Republican supporters, Progressive supporters, and Libertarian supporters. I want to support everyone, not a select few. Governor Scott has endorsed me over my opponent because he is convinced that I stand on the side of common sense and rationality, not on the side of any one party.

Does Sam support increasing property taxes?

I do not support raising unnecessary taxes. The majority of states in the country have passed caps on the amount that property taxes can be increased at any one time. Vermont should join the rest of the country in passing caps to tax increases.

Additionally, the education funding system is inherently flawed and encourages school boards to raise their budget. The state also imposes mandates that unnaturally inflates school budgets. We can and should reform the funding system to take education costs off the backs of property owners. Businesses can't afford the higher rates. Seniors can't afford the higher rates. Those who rent can't afford them to rise more than they already are. We spend nearly more than any other state on education per student yet receive a lower quality education. Voters want to know why. It's clear that spending more on education will not solve any problems. Burying our heads in the sand or throwing money at a problem will not fix it. There are solutions, but we have to be willing to work together to discuss them.

Will Sam support "The Clean Heat Standard" that will raise the cost of fuels by $3 or more per gallon?

I will vote against The Clean Heat Standard in 2025. I'm concerned about seniors on fixed incomes living in the NEK that won't be able to afford the expensive fuels. I'm worried about a family of four living in an old drafty farmhouse who will struggle to keep their home warm in January. Furthermore, I'm worried about my own family. My wife and I were unable to afford heating fuel for a month last winter. The Clean Heat Standard (The Affordable Heat Act, S.5) will only cripple Vermonters. The legislators in Montpelier were warned that this legislation would be very costly, yet they passed it anyways. It doesn't take a "study period" to know that this is foolish.

Do you support hunting, fishing, and trapping?

Yes, I do. My family has hunted, fished, and trapped for generations. Not only are these long-held Vermont traditions, but as outdoor recreation they bring in a lot of money from out-of-state and serve an important ecological role in maintaining and protecting wildlife populations.

Contact Us

Better yet, see Sam in person!

Our campaign organizes frequent "meet & greet" events to give members of our community the opportunity to meet Sam before November. Connect with our campaign to receive weekly updates and event details.

To see where Sam stands on the issues, click HERE

To see Sam's scheduled public events, click HERE

Email: contact@douglassforvt.com

Elect a fierce advocate for the northeast kingdom