Vermont, once celebrated for its spirit of hard work, independence, and community strength, is now at a crossroads. Today, the state seems to be fostering a different kind of cultureโone where complacency is growing, fueled by policies that promote leniency, mixed priorities, and leaders unwilling to confront uncomfortable truths. If Vermont had a new state motto, it might very well be, Smoke pot. Play Xbox. Do nothing. Though satirical, this phrase reflects the disillusionment many feel with the stateโs current trajectory.
The Role of the Legislature
The tone set by Vermontโs political leaders has shifted over the years. There has been a relentless focus on the “unfairness” of the minimum wage, with calls to raise it so it qualifies as a “living wage.” However, the original purpose of the minimum wage has been forgotten: it was never intended to support a lifetime, but to serve as a temporary starting point for those entering the workforce.
This shift in attitude is a far cry from Vermontโs proud history of industriousness and innovation. Consider companies like John Deere, which began its roots in Vermont and went on to revolutionize the agricultural industry. Vermont has long been the birthplace of ingenuity and hard work, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy with businesses like Burton Snowboards and National Life Group, a prominent financial services firm. Yet, today, instead of fostering environments where new high-paying companies can flourish, the focus has shifted to celebrating the rise of marijuana dispensaries.
When marijuana dispensaries opened across the state, they were met with great fanfare and praise from both the state and the media. However, there have been no similar celebrations for the rise of high-paying manufacturing jobs or businesses that could provide long-term, stable employment for Vermonters. This misalignment in priorities further reflects the stateโs drift toward fostering complacency rather than encouraging real economic growth.
Decline in Workforce Participation and Drug Use
The broader cultural impact of these policies is clear. When the stateโs leadership continually emphasizes the inadequacy of minimum-wage jobs without acknowledging that these positions are temporary, it fosters a sense of entitlement. Instead of encouraging hard work, development, and financial planning for the future, leaders set a tone that says itโs fine to coast through life on state assistance. This message is particularly damaging to young people who may internalize the idea that entry-level work should be enough to sustain them long-term.
Adding to this problem is the rise in recreational drug use, particularly marijuana, which has become normalized since its legalization. Vermont consistently ranks in the top 10 states for marijuana use. As of 2020, about 20% of Vermonters reported using marijuana in the past month, and among high school students, nearly 27% reported using marijuana in the past 30 days. While adults are free to make their own choices, the widespread availability and social acceptance of marijuana can lead to complacency, especially among younger individuals who are already facing economic challenges.
This issue is compounded by the opioid crisis, which has ravaged parts of the state. Between 2010 and 2019, opioid-related overdose deaths in Vermont rose from 38 to 111 per year, and in 2021, that number increased to 158 deaths. The crisis has not only devastated families but also further decreased workforce participation, particularly among younger men, who are already less likely to seek employment or education compared to their female counterparts.
Adults Need to Start Adulting
At the heart of these challenges is the need for adults to start “adulting” again. Personal responsibility, once a cornerstone of Vermontโs cultural values, seems to be waning. Adults need to take charge of their own lives, set an example for younger generations, and understand that long-term dependency on state programs or low-wage jobs is not a sustainable path. Vermontโs leaders, too, must have the backbone to tell the hard truths: flipping burgers forever is not a sound financial plan for the future. Entry-level jobs are meant to be just thatโa start, not a destination.
Instead, the current climate encourages passivity. With state benefits providing more than enough to get by and with no push to develop skills or seek higher-paying jobs, why should anyone bother? This mindset is creating a culture where the drive to contribute to the community and economy has all but evaporated.
School Co-Parenting and the Erosion of Parental Authority
Another significant factor contributing to the broader cultural shift is the increasing role of schools in areas that were traditionally managed by families. Vermont has seen a shift toward what could be called โschool co-parenting,โ where schools are taking on responsibilities related to values, discipline, and social guidance. This shift diminishes the authority and influence of parents, making it harder for them to instill the sense of personal responsibility and ambition that once defined Vermontโs values.
This dynamic is further reinforced by the stateโs investment in non-academic programs. Between 2015 and 2022, Vermont increased spending on support services, such as counselors and social workers, by 50%. While these services are important, the focus has moved beyond traditional education into areas that were once the domain of families. The expansion of pre-K programs, though not central to the issue today, is a looming example of how the state may continue to encroach on parental roles.
Conclusion
Vermont is at a tipping point. The stateโs policies, though well-intentioned, have created an environment where personal responsibility is in decline. By focusing on the perceived inadequacies of the minimum wage, providing extensive state benefits, and expanding the role of schools, Vermontโs leadership has set a tone that encourages complacency and dependency. Drug use, particularly marijuana, is further eroding the workforce, as individuals become increasingly disconnected from the values of hard work and community involvement.
Without a course correction, Vermontโs future risks being defined not by its storied values of hard work and independence, but by a culture of inaction. Adults need to step up, take responsibility, and lead by exampleโonly then can the state reclaim the values that once made it strong.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
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