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Bill > H0451


VT H0451

An act relating to promoting racial and economic justice


summary

Introduced
02/28/2025
In Committee
02/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Session

Bill Summary

This bill proposes to promote racial and economic justice.

AI Summary

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.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing (on 02/28/2025)

bill text


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