Introduction
I am deeply committed to fiscal and social responsibility, and if elected, I will strive to be a collaborative force for change, bridging the gap between parties to craft legislation that makes Vermont more affordable for all. My political journey commenced in 2010 when I ran for the Senate and achieved around 15% of the vote, a commendable feat for someone relatively unknown at the time. In hindsight, not being elected was a blessing; it allowed me to be present for my young children’s significant milestones—moments I would have missed had I been in Montpelier.
During the years from 2010 to 2026, I dedicated myself to personal growth, community involvement, and volunteering on various boards and committees. Now that my children are established in their twenties, I cherish the role of grandparent to two wonderful grandchildren, spending as much time with them as possible. I have three children working and living in Vermont, with one residing in New York. While we are fortunate to have them nearby, the threat of unsustainable tax increases could jeopardize that closeness.
We must tackle the twin challenges of rising property taxes and healthcare costs, all while enhancing educational quality and expanding housing options. Supporting those in need is not just a responsibility; it is a moral obligation. As a member of the CVOEO board, I’ve seen firsthand how its programs uplift community members during tough times. With federal funding on the decline, we must prioritize and ensure adequate resources for these essential services.
Land Use
As we consider growth, we must not overlook the obligation to protect Vermont’s prime agricultural lands. Although Act 181 aimed to encourage targeted housing development, it inadvertently harmed our rural and agricultural spaces. Addison County, predominantly agricultural, stood to suffer greatly from the implications of Act 181. Thankfully, Rural Vermont Rising led a grassroots effort to help repeal the “Road Rule” and Tier 3 restrictive language in Act 181. There are still issues with Act 181, but the changes made this legislative session were a win for rural Vermont landowners.
Act 59 was also enacted during the 23-24 legislative session and became law without the Governor’s signature. Act 59 has a goal of conserving 30% of the land by 2030 and 50% by 2050. However, it required the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, in consultation with the Secretary of Natural Resources, to develop an inventory of the existing conserved lands in the State and a plan on how to reach the goals. The VHCB left lands in current use out of the equation, since “conserved” in Act 59 means permanently protected. I believe we need to include Current Use as part of the goal of conserving land in Act 59.
Healthcare
Turning to healthcare, the VHC911 Board, co-chaired by former Governor Douglas, released a crucial report: “Affordability in Vermont Healthcare: 2025 Snapshot and Path Forward.” It recognizes the positive steps the legislature has taken through Acts 68, 55, and 49 to mitigate costs. Lowering healthcare expenses directly contributes to reducing education costs, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone. By working together—hospitals, providers, and insurance companies, regardless of political affiliation—we can enact effective reforms that genuinely reduce healthcare costs. I also support recommendations to streamline the often-burdensome hospital administration structure. Universal primary care is a worthy goal—but only if we find a fiscally sustainable way to implement it.
Education & Property Taxes
On the issues of education and property taxes, we must act decisively. Continuing to fund education primarily through property taxes could drive away both our youth and those on fixed incomes. We need to pursue alternative funding sources beyond property taxes, looking to other states that rely on broader-based taxes like sales and income taxes. This exploration should inform a legislative overhaul of how we fund education in Vermont.
Act 73’s ambitious goals, such as minimizing school districts, establishing universal graduation requirements, and creating a standard academic calendar, offer an opportunity to rethink administrative expense reduction, which should remain a priority. Additionally, we need to explore diverse educational pathways, including school choice and career centers that extend beyond traditional college routes. The reality is that education is not a one-size-fits-all solution; each community faces unique challenges that demand tailored responses. Let’s work together to create effective, inclusive educational solutions for every Vermonter.
Andrea Treadway For Vermont State Senate
429 Mount Independence Road
Orwell, Vermont 05760