Today on “You Can Quote Me” they were discussing the graying population of Vermont and how it is affecting Vermont.
The areas of concern where:
- Jobs/Workers – it was stated that our biggest export as a state is skilled labor. Many kids go to school here, but then leave once they get their degree. This means less young skilled workers here in the state. People that might have larger incomes, create businesses, be active in the community.
- Education – Education costs are very high throughout the state. The main reasons suggested include teacher’s salaries and benefits are skyrocketing as well as inefficiencies in the public school system.
- Housing – The state as a whole is lacking in affordable housing and the costs of housing are increasing. This is most likely due to the stringent zoning and regulations as well as taxes imposed on developers, landlords and home owners.
I believe that because everything is just so expensive in this state, because of the taxes and regulations, that young people that are not tied to the area, feel no reason to stay here when they could move to New Hampshire, get a higher income, pay less taxes and buy everything at far lower prices and have a similar atmosphere as Vermont. Why should someone stay under these conditions? Myself, I moved to Texas for several years to go to college at a fraction of the cost of schooling here… only $1,700/semester. I lived on a minimal pay and was still able to save up enough to buy a place when I moved back here to Vermont. Since moving back to Vermont after college, I have not been able to add to my savings as everything is so much more expensive here… no more .95 gas, no more .50 bread, $1.95 milk, $1lb beef, state income taxes (Texas and New Hampshire have no state income taxes).
I have often suggested that if one wants to get ahead, they should leave the state for a few years, as I did, and once they are stable with some savings enough to put a good down payment on a home and still have some savings left, move back. As I see it, this is the best way for a young person to get a good head start and not have to struggle daily through their prime years of life. It comes down to quality of life!
