The Platform

A Clear Vision for Vermont's Future

Rich Thomas believes Vermont's best days are ahead — but only if we make bold, practical choices that put working families first. Here's what he'll fight for.

Affordable Housing for Every Vermonter

Vermont's housing crisis is pushing working families out of the communities they love. Rich has a concrete plan to fix it.

Expand the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to fund 5,000 new affordable units over four years
Reform zoning laws to allow more mixed-income housing in town centers without sacrificing Vermont's character
Create a first-generation homebuyer assistance program for Vermonters under 40
Strengthen tenant protections against no-cause evictions and predatory rent increases

Clean Energy, Vermont Jobs

Vermont can lead the nation in renewable energy — and create thousands of good-paying local jobs in the process.

Accelerate Vermont's transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2035 with state investment in solar and wind
Launch a Vermont Green Jobs Corps to train workers in clean energy installation and maintenance
Protect Lake Champlain and Vermont's waterways with stronger agricultural runoff standards
Invest in weatherization programs so every Vermont home is energy-efficient and affordable to heat

Schools and Communities That Thrive

Every child in Vermont deserves a world-class education, no matter which county they grow up in.

Fully fund Act 60 to close the per-pupil spending gap between wealthy and rural districts
Expand universal pre-K to every Vermont community by 2028
Hire 200 additional school counselors and mental health professionals statewide
Create a Vermont Trades and Apprenticeship Fund to support career and technical education

An Economy That Works for Working Families

Vermont's economy should reward hard work — not just those who already have wealth and connections.

Raise the minimum wage to $20/hour and index it to inflation going forward
Support Vermont's farmers with expanded state procurement and direct-to-consumer market programs
Invest in rural broadband so every Vermont home and business has reliable high-speed internet
Create a Main Street Small Business Fund with low-interest loans for Vermont entrepreneurs

Healthcare That Doesn't Break the Bank

No Vermonter should have to choose between paying rent and getting the care they need.

Expand Medicaid eligibility and fight to lower prescription drug costs for Vermont seniors
Invest in rural healthcare infrastructure so Vermonters don't drive two hours for basic care
Fund community mental health centers in every county
Support Vermont's opioid recovery programs with sustained, multi-year funding

Ready to Help Build This Vermont?

Rich can't do this alone. It takes Vermonters from every corner of the state standing together.

Volunteer Donate Now