Bill > H0451

This bill seeks to address historical racial and economic injustices in Vermont by establishing comprehensive programs and initiatives to promote racial and economic equity. The bill acknowledges the state's history of systemic racism, including the displacement of Indigenous peoples, slavery, and ongoing economic discrimination against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). To address these historical inequities, the bill creates a new Department of Cultural Empowerment and Economic Advancement with a $10 million initial funding allocation. The department will establish a statewide network of Community Empowerment Centers to provide cultural programming, business support, personal development, and wealth management services specifically targeting BIPOC communities. Additionally, the bill introduces several new programs, including a BIPOC Business Development Program to support minority-owned businesses, a state procurement program to increase opportunities for BIPOC-owned businesses, and five continuing education and apprenticeship programs. The bill also modifies existing economic development principles to explicitly recognize the state's responsibility to correct historical economic exploitation and exclusion. The overall intent is to create systemic changes that provide more equitable economic opportunities and cultural empowerment for historically marginalized communities in Vermont, acknowledging the deep-rooted impacts of colonialism, slavery, and ongoing racial discrimination.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.451