WINOOSKI, Vt. (WCAX) – How can our government help grow economic development in Vermont’s cities and towns?
That’s the question Senator Peter Welch and Winooski’s local leaders discussed at a listening session Tuesday night.
Senator Welch, the Winooski mayor, and other local representatives praised Winooski’s development in recent years and asked community members how they could better serve the area.
Senator Welch held the session to grow support for the senate’s recently announced ‘farm bill’, which Welch says contains priorities that strengthen Vermont’s farms, rural communities, and families.
“$20 billion for climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices. I’ve personally spoken to three farmers in Vermont who are having a hard time making that transition, and I’d like to hear you say a little bit about your support for preserving those parts of the farm bill?” A question posed by Burlington resident Alex Messenger to the senator.
“I will defend those programs, not just for the climate but for the benefit of our farmers who feel really great when they can feed America and when they can have better soil practices and more effective farming practices,” said Welch in response to Messenger.
Others in attendance voiced their concerns about housing affordability, accessibility to public transportation, and the future of the agriculture industry in Vermont.