David Zuckerman in 2020 VT Governor's race


On Tax Reform: Rebuild economy by taxing wealthiest Vermonters

One of the main issues facing Vermonters is the high cost of living and doing business in the state. According to Forbes, the cost of doing business in Vermont is 12% above the national average. Zuckerman said, "I think we should take resources from the wealthiest Vermonters, the top folks who are over a quarter million in income, and say now is the time for you to put resources in to our economy to help build us out of this pandemic."
Source: MyChamplainValley on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial debate Nov 2, 2020

On Technology: Invest more in broadband, create hubs around the state

Access to broadband internet across the state is another issues facing Vermonters. This problem has been brought to the forefront because of the pandemic. Scott says this an ongoing issues that has lasted for decades and is expensive to fix. He believes the federal government needs to step in for this problem to be fixed. Zuckerman would like to see Vermont invest more in broadband and he would like to start by creating hubs around the state.
Source: MyChamplainValley on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial debate Nov 2, 2020

On Energy & Oil: Put $20 million more into weatherization

An exchange during a September forum highlighted some of their differences as Zuckerman began discussing energy policy. "Often he's made proposals in budget addresses where there's great new ideas and you're right the legislature doesn't go along with them because quietly money was taken from other programs to do it. We need to invest much more in weatherization. Under my earlier plan we would be putting 20 million additional dollars per year into weatherization."
Source: WAMC Alternative Radio on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race Oct 29, 2020

On Budget & Economy: Prioritize spending on the most needy

Zuckerman contrasted his willingness to prioritize spending on the most needy, tap the state's reserves, and possibly raise revenue to pay for needed services, against the Scott administration asking department heads to hold the line on spending. Zuckerman said he would prioritize programs and services for low-income families if elected. He said he would direct state agencies to focus on initiatives putting Vermonters to work--notably, in housing, weatherization and renewable energy.
Source: Brattelboro Reformer on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race Oct 27, 2020

On Tax Reform: Multiple ways of revenue, including taxes

On taxation: "There are multiple ways of raising revenue which, yes, includes taxes. As we state in the press release possible paths forward would include 'sequestering some of the Trump Tax cuts that those making over a quarter of a million dollars received and increasing the PTT on homes over $700,000.'"
Source: Brattelboro Reformer on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race Oct 27, 2020

On Crime: Reduce the need for police intervention

Zuckerman says the state should tackle the root of diversity at its root. "Making sure we invest in opportunities that reduce the need for police intervention by having more mental health councilors and investing in more affordable housing and providing more economic opportunities for Vermonters," said Zuckerman.
Source: WCAX-TV CBS-3 on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial debate Oct 8, 2020

On Energy & Oil: Invest in renewable energy; Vermont has lost jobs

The two also outlined their vision for the road ahead past the pandemic--to address the root of Vermont's demographic crisis. Zuckerman calls for investments in downtown development, regenerative agriculture, and broadband, to bring in and keep the next generation of Vermonters. "We also need to invest in the jobs available right now around weatherization and renewable energy," he said. "Under the governor's term as governor, we have lost 500 renewable energy and solar installation jobs."
Source: WCAX-TV CBS-3 on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial debate Oct 8, 2020

On Tax Reform: Address pandemic budget hole with taxes & rainy day fund

Though this year's budget is balanced, Vermont will have an estimated $100 million hole in the state's 2022 budget because of the pandemic. Zuckerman says he wants to turn to Vermont's rainy day fund which is over $200 million and would tax the richest Vermonters making over $250,000.
Source: WCAX-TV CBS-3 on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial debate Oct 8, 2020

On Tax Reform: No new taxes; we will have to live within our means

Scott says the state will have to re-evaluate because there may be more help from Congress or Vermont's financial picture could change. He also stresses there will be no new taxes. "In January, a budget will have to be presented and it will be balanced and we will have to live within our means," he said. "We can't at this point in time put more burden on Vermonters."
Source: WCAX-TV CBS-3 on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial debate Oct 8, 2020

On Abortion: Add reproductive autonomy to Vermont Constitution

A woman's right to choose is imperative to our democracy and to the freedom of over half of our population. Vermont has made strides in protecting Vermonters from national politics that may reduce abortion rights across the country. However, we can never be complacent, and we must work to pass Proposition 5 to add reproductive autonomy to the Vermont Constitution to insulate Vermont from negative changes at the federal level.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Abortion: Protect funding for Planned Parenthood

We will do all in our power to protect funding for Planned Parenthood to ensure they can continue to provide general health services to the thousands of Vermont women and men who rely on them.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Civil Rights: Root out structural and systemic oppression

We must address implicit bias in all aspects of our communities, from education to employment, and the long-term impact that it has on all people of color. It is imperative that we work to right the legacy impacts of policy decisions that have disadvantaged people of color and have had pervasive and persistent ramifications. It is equally important that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past and ensure that our work is informed by an intention to root out structural and systemic oppression.

Many people with disabilities face discrimination and barriers that restrict them from participating in society on an equal basis. We must prioritize legislation that incorporates equity. We must provide incentives and support to Vermont businesses to hire people with disabilities and ensure that schools are providing education that meets each child's needs. Vermonters with disabilities deserve the same quality of life that all Vermonters deserve.

Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Civil Rights: Voted to override veto of gay marriage law

Vermont should be a place where all feel welcome. We must work to remove societal biases and laws that disproportionately harm nonmajority communities in Vermont. We must lift up Vermont women, indigenous Vermonters, Vermonters of color, LGBTQIA Vermonters, rural Vermonters, Vermonters of all religions, Vermonters with disabilities, and Vermonters of all socioeconomic classes. We must stand up against hate speech and ensure equal employment opportunities and equity.

In 2009 David and the Vermont legislature codified the right of same-sex couples to marry in Vermont by overriding Governor Jim Douglas' veto. We as Vermonters will continue to uplift the LGBTQIA community by ensuring that they receive the same rights

Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Civil Rights: Women should be paid equally and treated equally

Women should be paid equally and treated equally. While we can be proud that the gender pay gap in Vermont is the lowest of any of the United States, no gap is acceptable. Vermont women made 87 cents to every dollar that a Vermont man made in 2019, and the gap increases when race is taken into account. We must also address underlying sexism and ensure pay equity.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Crime: We need an extensive and systemic collection of racial data

Our criminal justice system unfairly and disproportionately lands more black and brown Vermonters in prison than others. Without publicly available data, we face significant challenges to addressing disparities and advancing meaningful reforms. That is why we need an extensive and systemic collection of racial data about everything from school suspensions to police use of force, along with traffic stops and all court processes, to address disparities and advance meaningful reforms.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Drugs: Provide needle exchanges, overdose prevention medication

The opioid epidemic in Vermont is harming our communities and our economy. We must treat all Vermonters with the dignity and respect they deserve. Harm-reduction services, from needle exchanges to access to overdose prevention medication, are crucial. We must make life-saving medication-assisted treatments such as methadone and buprenorphine free to any Vermonter who needs them. Medication-assisted treatment should not be criminalized.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Education: Supports universal afterschool and pre-K education

We must expand our understanding of societal issues that inhibit learning and overextend teachers, such as poverty, substance abuse, migration and mental health challenges, and work to address them. By closely connecting the Department of Health and the Agency of Human Services with the Agency of Education, we can find ways to save money by reducing redundancy, provide a stronger continuum of care and improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable Vermonters.

We will support universal afterschool and pre-K education. We must work to destigmatize parental childcare and uplift the women and men who provide this vital service. Childcare is a part of our children's growth and education. We need to increase access to high-quality, affordable, childcare for those who work. By supporting and expanding programs like T.E.A.C.H., we will not only improve education for Vermont's children, we will raise wages for workers in a field dominated by women.

Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Education: Free in-state tuition for trade schools & higher education

We are facing a shortage of people prepared to work in the trades. We will support these solid occupations. In addition, we will encourage demographic groups who have historically been underrepresented in the trades, including women, to take advantage of these opportunities in Vermont. Trade schools and higher education should be affordable and accessible to those who want to take that path, which is why we support free in-state tuition for Vermonters.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Energy & Oil: Work toward renewable, sustainable energy as primary sources

We believe that it is important to do everything we can to listen to our youth and step up to stop climate change. We will work toward a future where Vermonters' primary energy sources are renewable and sustainable--built and maintained by hardworking Vermonters and small businesses right here in the state. We will ensure that Vermont workers and unions are involved as we keep our promises to reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuel sources.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Energy & Oil: Encourage alternatives to single-use vehicles

We must also continue to improve fuel efficiency for personal vehicles and the state fleet and encourage alternatives to single-use vehicles (like trains, buses, bikes, carpooling) so that rural Vermonters will be able to travel more freely across the state. Improved transportation options also mean easier access for tourists who are a significant revenue generator in our state. An increase in transportation and, therefore, tourism means an increase in employment opportunities for Vermonters.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Families & Children: Supports universal, statewide paid family leave

We support a universal, statewide paid family leave program. This will help mitigate future health crises by allowing Vermonters to take the time needed when they or family members are sick and will help prevent the spread of illnesses. If we had this in Vermont before the Covid-19 outbreak, the economic hardship and impossible choices facing hardworking Vermonters could have been mitigated. Paid family leave would have slowed the spread of this life-threatening illness throughout our state.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Health Care: Supports Medicare for All

Healthcare is a human right. Every Vermonter should have access to healthcare when they need it. Healthcare should not be tied to employment. No one should die or be forced into financial hardship or bankruptcy as a result of a health condition. While a national single-payer healthcare system (Medicare For All) is the ideal way to cover all Americans, keep healthcare costs in check, and ensure access to preventative healthcare, there are also steps that we can take here in Vermont.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Health Care: Stop seeing mental health as separate from physical health

We must stop seeing "mental health" as a separate category from physical health. Just as we view environmental conditions as having an impact on our physical health, we must look at some of the environmental conditions that are also impacting the mental health of many. The stress of economic uncertainty is straining many families. Homelessness from economic strain is also compounding mental health issues. We must work to address these areas that are making the mental health crisis worse.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Immigration: Immigrants & refugees welcome in Vermont

Vermont has welcomed immigrants since before we were a state. In 1989, Vermont joined a federal refugee resettlement program and since then more than 7,000 men, women, and children have resettled here and now call Vermont home. New Americans can help us address our shortage of workers, but they are also creative entrepreneurs who can start new businesses in our state. We will examine barriers for new Americans and work with them to ensure they have access to the tools and support they need.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Jobs: Raise minimum wage to $15/hr; plus paid family leave

We must raise the minimum wage and pass paid family leave. Imagine how much easier it would have been to proactively tackle the Covid-19 pandemic in Vermont had we had such a program in place. Ensuring that the minimum wage keeps pace with the cost of living and that all Vermont families can use paid family leave will help those working full time have the resources to meet their and their family's needs. We support a minimum wage of $15 an hour.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Local Issues: Diversify agriculture; currently 70% dairy

Vermont is the most single-commodity-dependent state in the country. Dairy represents about 70% of our agriculture economy. We will explore innovative solutions to the economic stresses that many of these dairy farms are facing. In addition, while the transition to a diverse agricultural sector can be culturally challenging, it also offers great opportunity for resilience and as a way to keep our working lands productive to our rural communities.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Tax Reform: Differentiate between those who can or cannot pay more taxes

First and foremost, we must identify the real burden of taxes and fees on Vermonters. We must be honest and smart in differentiating Vermonters who are struggling and cannot and should not pay more in taxes from those who have benefited from our collective infrastructure investments and are able to contribute more to our communities and the benefits of all.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Technology: Must increase broadband access in rural Vermont

We must increase broadband access in rural Vermont by starting with community access hubs and expanding to individual residences. We have seen this before with rural electrification and phone services, which built the economy of the past. Now we must invest to build the rural economy of the future.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Welfare & Poverty: Support new affordable housing, improve existing homes

We must ensure that all Vermonters have access to safe, healthy, affordable housing. Almost one quarter of our housing stock is more than 80 years old. We must support the creation of new affordable housing at the local level as well as improvements to our existing homes. This investment will create good-paying jobs all around the state, improve energy efficiency, reduce housing expenses for hardworking Vermonters, and ensure a safe and healthy environment for younger and older Vermonters.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com Apr 3, 2020

On Jobs: Increasing minimum wage will lift workers out of poverty

It's time for political leaders to stop squeezing those at the bottom by misguidedly relying on failed, wealthy-friendly economic policies and present solutions that will actually lift hard-working Vermonters out of poverty. Increasing the minimum wage is one way to do just that. Recent studies have listed benefits to raising wages including an increase in consumer spending, decrease in suicide, higher worker productivity, reduction in employee turnover, and reduction in poverty rates.
Source: OpEd in Bennington Banner on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race Feb 23, 2020

On Drugs: Legalize marijuana

Mirroring Bernie Sanders, Zuckerman has championed a $15 minimum wage, instituting a wealth tax on Vermont's richest residents, legalizing marijuana, and taking strong action on climate change. While in the Legislature, he spearheaded legislation that made Vermont the first state in the nation to require food manufacturers to label products containing genetically modified ingredients.
Source: Vermont Digger on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race Jan 13, 2020

On Tax Reform: Institute a wealth tax on state's richest residents

Mirroring Bernie Sanders, Zuckerman has championed a $15 minimum wage, instituting a wealth tax on Vermont's richest residents, legalizing marijuana, and taking strong action on climate change. While in the Legislature, he spearheaded legislation that made Vermont the first state in the nation to require food manufacturers to label products containing genetically modified ingredients.
Source: Vermont Digger on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race Jan 13, 2020

On Environment: Supports sustainable agriculture & diversified farms

Having served in the Vermont House for 14 years, I know firsthand how to get things done. I was a leader on many pieces of legislation during that time including; marriage equality, sustainable agriculture, raising the minimum wage, universal healthcare , affordable housing, marijuana reforms, renewable energy and others.

While serving in the House I garnered respect from across the aisles. Democratic Speaker Gaye Symington appointed me as the Chair of Agriculture for 4 years and during that time we improved water quality, economic opportunities for diversified farms, and worked towards long term stability for Vermont's dairy farmers.

As a small business owner, I understand the challenges of meeting payroll obligations, producing product and selling it. My wife and I operate an organic vegetable and meat farm with 25 acres in vegetables, 1000 chickens and 25 pigs.

Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race Nov 1, 2018

On Welfare & Poverty: Supported affordable housing in Vermont State House