If you’ve ever wondered where Vermont’s progressive legislature gets its big ideas, look no further than the Center for American Progress (CAP). While the Heritage Foundation is often portrayed as the bogeyman of conservative politics, CAP operates quietly but effectively, funneling progressive policies into Democrat/Progressive legislatures like Vermont’s. From costly energy mandates to controversial social policies, CAP’s influence drives legislation that burdens taxpayers and raises serious questions about local representation.

The Vermont Democratic Party, much like its national counterpart, reinforces this alignment through party expectations and consequences for dissenters. Legislators who stray from CAP-aligned policies or party leadership risk losing critical roles, as the case of Cynthia Browning illustrates. Browning, a Democrat, was removed from her position on the House Ways and Means Committee in 2020 after defying party leadership on a COVID-19 emergency vote. This enforcement of party discipline underscores how Vermont’s legislative body ensures adherence to CAP’s broader progressive vision.

CAP’s Far-Reaching Influence on Vermont’s Policies

CAP, a leading progressive think tank, promotes sweeping environmental, economic, and social reforms (CAP Policy Goals). Its policies find a natural home in Vermont’s Democrat/Progressive legislature, which often enacts CAP-aligned laws with little scrutiny or opposition.

The Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act mandates conserving 30% of Vermont’s land by 2030 and 50% by 2050. While lauded as a groundbreaking environmental effort, the act imposes heavy restrictions on land use, inflating housing prices and exacerbating Vermont’s housing crisis. Rural landowners, in particular, bear the brunt of this legislation, as development opportunities shrink and property values skyrocket.

CAP’s influence is also evident in Vermont’s renewable energy mandates, which have driven electricity rates to some of the highest in the nation. Proponents argue these policies promote sustainability and long-term savings, but Vermonters face immediate and tangible costs. Families and small businesses, particularly in rural areas, are left struggling to keep the lights on during harsh winters.

VT-NEA: A Progressive Ally for CAP’s Agenda

The Vermont National Education Association (VT-NEA) is another key player amplifying CAP’s influence in Vermont. Through its lobbying and political endorsements, VT-NEA ensures a steady flow of Democrat and Progressive candidates who are sympathetic to CAP-aligned policies. The union’s overwhelming support for Democrat and Progressive candidates in the Vermont Senate (VT-NEA Senate Endorsements) and House (VT-NEA House Endorsements) speaks to its role in shaping the state’s legislative agenda.

One of VT-NEA’s core goals is increasing public education funding (VT-NEA Advocacy), but critics argue that much of this funding goes toward administrative bloat rather than classroom improvements. Vermont already spends among the highest per pupil in the nation, yet student outcomes remain stagnant and declining. The economic reality is clear: taxpayers are paying more for less.

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Controversy Over Gender Identity Policies

Among the most contentious CAP-aligned initiatives is the gender identity directive issued by the Vermont Agency of Education. The policy requires school staff to withhold a student’s transgender or gender-nonconforming status from parents unless the student consents. While framed as a privacy protection for students, the directive has drawn sharp criticism for undermining parental rights.

Beyond its social implications, implementing such policies comes with economic costs. Schools must allocate resources for additional training, legal oversight, and administrative compliance—expenses ultimately borne by Vermont taxpayers. Critics argue that these funds could be better spent on improving education outcomes rather than expanding bureaucratic mandates.

Heritage vs. CAP: A Tale of Two Think Tanks

While the Heritage Foundation is often vilified for its supposed influence over conservative politics, its actual policy adoption is far more limited than CAP’s. CAP operates with precision, embedding its progressive policies into state laws like Vermont’s with minimal resistance. Heritage, by contrast, frequently sees its proposals diluted or outright ignored, even by Republican administrations.

The disparity in influence underscores a glaring double standard: Heritage is a favorite scapegoat, while CAP’s far-reaching impact often escapes public scrutiny.

Vermonters Foot the Bill

The costs of CAP-driven policies in Vermont are clear. Rising energy bills, skyrocketing housing prices, and contentious social mandates have left families and small businesses bearing the brunt of the legislature’s decisions. Meanwhile, the Vermont Democratic Party and VT-NEA ensure that public spending continues to rise, with no significant improvements in outcomes to justify the expense.

If Vermont lawmakers truly represent their constituents, they must reconsider their wholesale adoption of CAP’s agenda. Vermonters deserve policies that prioritize local needs, not the grandiose visions of Washington think tanks.

Dave Soulia | FYIVT

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