Petition of Legal Voters of [YOUR TOWN] to the Selectboard

The undersigned registered voters of [YOUR TOWN] hereby petition the Selectboard to add the following advisory article to the 2027 Town Meeting:

1. Shall the Town of [YOUR TOWN] advise the Selectboard to send the following message to our state legislators:

Whereas: 

1. “It is the policy of the State of Vermont that health care is a public good for all Vermonters and to ensure that all residents have access to quality health services at costs that are affordable.” (18 V.S.A. § 9401)

2. “The State budget should be designed to address the needs of the people of Vermont in a way that advances human dignity and equity.” (32 V.S.A. § 306a)

3. “Spending and revenue policies will reflect the public policy goals established in State law and recognize every person’s need for health, housing, dignified work, education, food, social security, and a healthy environment.” (32 V.S.A. § 306a)

The Town of [YOUR TOWN] urges the Vermont General Assembly to:

1. Ensure state budget and health care policy is guided by these statutes;

2. Employ state funds to backfill any gaps in federal funding that put at risk our ability to effectuate these statutes;

3. Achieve these policy goals and intentions in ways that reduce cost burdens for low- and middle-income residents, including by increasing taxes on the wealthiest Vermonters.