Working Vermonters are struggling to pay for basic needs, especially healthcare and decent schools. Meanwhile, the wealthiest Vermonters are getting richer as they reap the windfall from Trump’s tax cuts. This state of affairs cannot continue.

The wealthiest Vermont residents must pay their fair share of taxes so that working Vermonters can continue to afford to live in this state – and not just live, but truly prosper.

The PROSPER Act (S.282) would raise taxes on the richest 5% of Vermonters to fund universal healthcare for all Vermonters and fund public school construction and renovation. Specifically, S.282 would:

• Impose a 2% income tax surcharge on individuals making $250,000 or more per year and an additional 6% surcharge on individuals making $500,000 or more per year.

• Impose a Wealth Transfer Tax of 4% on the net investment incomes of high-earning individuals, estates and trusts.

• Create additional property tax brackets and raise taxes on second homes to fund school construction aid to address Vermont’s aging public school infrastructure.

• Revenue from the income and wealth taxes could go towards funding the implementation of Act 48 – finally realizing universal healthcare for all Vermonters.

It’s time for politicians in Vermont to stand up for the working class – pass the PROSPER Act for healthcare and schools!