Fund Vermont’s Future Coalition
Fund Vermont’s Future is a coalition of organizations and individuals advocating for a cultural and political shift toward a state budget process that prioritizes the needs of all Vermonters and raises enough revenue to meet those needs.
Our budgeting process in Vermont is backwards. Fund Vermont’s Future is working to change that.
Currently, policymakers look at projections of how much revenue might come in based on the current tax structure, and then build a budget based on those numbers, which has often meant cutting needed services or deferring needed maintenance.
Instead, we should start with what we need and raise the revenue needed to meet those needs.
Policy makers should make sure that people who have been historically excluded or underrepresented are included in budgeting conversations, and that their voices, concerns, and needs are seriously addressed in the budget process.
The people’s money should be used for the people’s well-being. Our state budget is our people’s money, pooled together to meet our collective needs.
FUND VERMONT’S FUTURE STEERING COMMITTEE
American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont
The ACLU of Vermont integrates litigation, policy advocacy, organizing, public education, and strategic communications to defend and advance civil liberties for all people across a broad range of constitutionally protected rights and freedoms. Find out more about the ACLU of Vermont here.
Public Assets Institute
Public Assets Institute works to improve the wellbeing of all Vermonters and advance racial, social, and economic justice through research, fiscal analysis, public engagement and empowerment, and by developing and promoting policies that state government can enact. Find out more about Public Assets Institute here.
Vermont Conservation Voters
Vermont Conservation Voters works to make environmental protection a top priority for elected officials, candidates and voters. Find out more about Vermont Conservation Voters here.
The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance
Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a statewide coalition of early childhood professionals and providers, parents, and employers working together to improve public policies that impact young children from birth to age eight on issues of health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education. Find out more about the Alliance here.
Vermont-National Education Association
The Vermont-NEA is the union of Vermont educators. It is the largest union in the state, representing 13,000 professionals who teach the state’s children every day. Find out more about the Vermont-NEA here.
Vermont Natural Resources Council
The Vermont Natural Resources Council uses research, education, collaboration and advocacy to protect and enhance Vermont’s natural environments, vibrant communities, productive working landscapes, rural character and unique sense of place, and to prepare the state for future challenges and opportunities. Find out more about the VNRC here.
Voices for Vermont’s Children
Voices for Vermont’s Children is a multi-issue policy research and advocacy nonprofit working to improve the wellbeing of children, youth, and families. Find out more about Voices for Vermont’s Children here.
Alex Hilliard
Individual Representative, Poultney, Vermont
Alex Hilliard (they/them) was born and raised in Brockton, MA, and moved to Vermont as a first-generation college student. They graduated with biology lab skills, but settled down in rural Vermont and opened up their business, VT AthletaFit, during COVID. They’ve worked in various capacities related to social justice advocacy, including consultant, panelist, liaison, facilitator, and committee member. Their professional interests are social & environmental justice, finance/management/entrepreneurship, personal development, and wellness. They choose to celebrate the intersecting marginalized identities they hold, and advocate to upend white supremacy culture. They love trail running, their children, and sour beers.
Amanda Janoo
Individual Representative, Burlington, Vermont
STAFF
Anika Heilweil
Fund Vermont’s Future Campaign Manager
Anika Heilweil (she/her) is the Campaign Manager of Fund Vermont's Future. She oversees legislative strategy, communications, operations, and community engagement for the Fund Vermont’s Future Coalition and Fair Share for Vermont Campaign.
To get in touch, please send an email to anika@publicassets.org.