Civil liberties must extend to everyone, without exception. Realizing true freedom requires protecting our fundamental rights, advocating for justice, and ensuring that every Vermonter has the opportunity to thrive. Economic justice is a civil liberties issue—and for too long, working people and families have paid more than their fair share of taxes to fund the services that support the public good. To make matters worse, the tax plan recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives will expand the gap between the wealthiest Vermonters and the rest of us. This bill provides significant tax cuts for the rich, while cutting federal funds that pay for essential public services and infrastructure.
A coalition of organizations committed to economic justice are calling on Vermont state lawmakers to address this ongoing injustice—and we need Vermonters like you to support this call to action.
Trump’s tax plan will worsen economic inequality
Right now, Vermonters are facing a critical challenge. The Trump Administration’s tax plan will hand hundreds of millions of dollars in federal tax cuts to Vermont's wealthiest. This isn’t new; it’s the latest in a long line of decades of tax policies that have unfairly burdened low- and middle-income families and perpetuated wealth consolidation at the top. This exclusion undermines civil rights and liberties, diminishes democratic participation, and prevents Vermonters from achieving true freedom and equality.
Even worse, the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are funding this unjust tax cut for the wealthy by cutting essential public services that benefit the rest of us--like education programs, clean water, Medicaid, libraries, and other vital community resources. These are the building blocks of a healthy, functioning Vermont, and they are under threat. Defunding vital public services to pay for a tax break for the rich undermines the social and economic infrastructure of our communities and widens the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” in our state.
A path forward for Vermont
The Fair Share for Vermont campaign is calling for Vermont’s wealthiest residents to pay their fair share in taxes so we can build a Vermont that works for everyone. As part of this campaign, the ACLU of Vermont and our partners are urging state legislators to ensure that the wealthiest Vermont residents, who are receiving significant federal tax cuts, pay more in taxes to better support and address the needs of our communities.
We have a chance to act now and counter these federal actions that will give a windfall to the wealthy at the expense of the majority of Vermonters. By increasing revenue, we can reduce the impacts of federal funding cuts and build a Vermont that truly works for all of us.
We're working alongside our partners at Fair Share Vermont to advocate for tax policies that benefit everyone. Join us and support our efforts for a more equitable Vermont. Make your voice heard and stand up in the fight for economic justice. It's time Vermont's wealthiest paid their fair share, please sign the Fair Share Vermont petition today.
By adding your name, you're standing up for a Vermont where civil liberties extend to economic well-being, where vital public services are protected, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Let's safeguard a Vermont that benefits us all.