For years, Vermonters have increasingly looked to the state government to provide solutions to complex issues—from climate change to social programs like heating fuel assistance. The common refrain seems to be, “Don’t worry, the state will pay for it.” However, this mindset creates a dangerous financial spiral that leaves both residents and the government worse off. As state spending grows, so does the expectation that it can cover an ever-expanding list of social programs and environmental goals. The harsh reality is that the state may not be able to keep up with these promises, and Vermonters are bearing the brunt of this misguided belief.
This shift represents a dramatic departure from the Vermont of earlier times. Governor John Abner Mead, who served as governor from 1910 to 1912, famously said, “Vermonters take care of themselves.” Mead’s vision for the state was one where neighbors helped each other, and individuals were responsible for their own well-being, with minimal government interference. His words reflect the core of Vermont’s historical values—self-reliance, community support, and a deep sense of personal responsibility.
One glaring example of the state’s shift away from Mead’s vision is the heating fuel assistance program. The state has provided fuel assistance for years, but each winter the funds are exhausted before the season is over. Despite these shortfalls, the state continues to adopt policies—such as the Clean Heat Standard—that increase the cost of heating (VTDigger), fully aware that they will not have the financial resources to help the less fortunate make up the difference. According to reports, heating fuel costs in Vermont have risen significantly in recent years, partly due to environmental policies that increase regulation on traditional heating fuels in favor of greener alternatives. This creates a scenario where the most vulnerable Vermonters are left struggling to afford basic necessities like heat. The Vermont Legislature has continued to push forward climate policies despite concerns about rising costs for residents (Burlington Free Press).
Herein lies the irony: the government, which has chosen to assist those in need, is simultaneously raising their cost of living. Even as it promises to provide fuel assistance, the rising costs caused by state policies make that promise harder to keep. Moreover, these policies don’t just affect those on assistance programs—they drive up costs for everyone. As a result, better-off residents have less disposable income to donate to charities or invest in their communities, creating a vicious cycle of rising costs and diminishing resources for community-driven support (WCAX).
The Vicious Cycle of State Dependency
This dynamic has created a dangerous and unsustainable feedback loop. Every time the government raises costs—whether through environmental regulations, taxes, or other mandates—more people become reliant on the state’s social programs. Yet, the state has proven time and again that it cannot keep up with these rising demands. Running out of heating fuel assistance before the winter ends is just one example of a growing list of programs that are financially unsustainable.
“The legislature seems unable or unwilling to make the tough decisions to get their spending habits under control,” notes one concerned Vermonter. “Ultimately, this will lead to an economic condition where the state will be unable to uphold its myriad charitable promises.” This comment strikes at the heart of the issue: Vermont’s legislature has been quick to expand its commitments, but slow to rein in its spending. Without a serious course correction, the state will continue making promises it can’t keep.
The state’s overreach has had a chilling effect on community-based solutions as well. In years past, Vermonters took pride in helping each other through difficult times. Whether it was providing heating assistance to a neighbor or contributing to local charities, communities banded together. But as one resident observed, “the rise of excessive government social programs has led to a breakdown in community, neighborhood, and individual interrelations.”
This represents a significant departure from Governor Mead’s vision. His famous quote about Vermonters “taking care of themselves” wasn’t just about individualism; it was about neighbors helping neighbors without the expectation that the government would step in. Today, that community-driven support system has been eroded by a reliance on state programs that, despite good intentions, can never fully meet the needs they seek to address.
The Ben Franklin Warning in Vermont
The current situation in Vermont eerily mirrors Ben Franklin’s famous warning: “When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” This is precisely what has unfolded in Vermont over the past several decades. As Vermonters have become accustomed to voting for government programs that promise to address their needs—from heating fuel assistance to environmental initiatives—the state’s financial health has deteriorated. Instead of fostering self-reliance and community-driven solutions, the state has created a culture of dependency.
One Vermonter succinctly put it: “Charity should be returned to individuals.” The notion here is simple—when individuals and communities take responsibility for their own charitable efforts, there is greater accountability, more personal connection, and more effective results. When people are forced to contribute to government-run social programs through taxation, they lose the sense of ownership over their charitable giving. This forced redistribution diminishes the motivation to be charitable on a personal level.
As another resident commented, “eliminating the personal choice to be charitable has led to people not wanting to be charitable.” The very essence of charity is that it is voluntary, driven by compassion and personal values. When that choice is taken away by government mandates, people feel disconnected from the act of giving. Instead of fostering a culture of generosity, the state creates resentment and apathy toward the concept of charity itself.
The Cost of Government Overreach
The rising cost of living in Vermont is a direct consequence of government overreach. With every new policy designed to combat climate change or provide social welfare, the state imposes new costs on its residents—costs that many cannot afford. The most vulnerable Vermonters are hit the hardest, as they become dependent on an increasingly unstable system. At the same time, middle-income Vermonters find themselves squeezed by higher taxes and rising costs, leaving them with less money to contribute to charitable causes or invest in local businesses.
This is a dangerous and unsustainable trajectory. The legislature’s inability to make difficult budgetary decisions will eventually push Vermont to the brink of financial collapse. When that happens, the state will be forced to cut back on the very programs that so many Vermonters rely on—programs it can no longer afford to maintain.
In the end, the solution lies in restoring balance. Vermont’s government must focus on creating an environment that fosters economic growth and self-reliance, rather than one that perpetuates dependency. Vermonters need to reclaim their tradition of helping each other, rather than relying on a state that cannot deliver on its promises.
Conclusion
Vermont’s current path is unsustainable. The state cannot continue to expand its social programs while driving up the cost of living without facing serious economic consequences. As heating costs rise and state assistance programs fail to keep up, the burden falls on all Vermonters—both those in need and those who can no longer afford to help. Ben Franklin’s warning has come true in Vermont, and without significant change, the state’s financial and social fabric will continue to unravel.
Ultimately, the best solution is to return charity and responsibility to individuals. When Vermonters are empowered to help each other, rather than relying on an overextended state, communities will thrive once again. As Governor Mead’s words remind us, “Vermonters take care of themselves”—and it’s time to reclaim that spirit of independence.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
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