WHEREAS, Vermont faces a significant challenge with its demographics: Vermont's population is aging, and employers report challenges with recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce; and

WHEREAS, as the workforce grows smaller, the tax burden increases for those who choose to remain in Vermont; and

WHEREAS, State government has a duty to treat all Vermonters with dignity, respect all points of view, and honor the moral obligation we have to care for the vulnerable, including those struggling with substance addiction and abuse; and

WHEREAS, it is essential to restore the economic and fiscal fundamentals of the State of Vermont, strengthen the economy, and make Vermont more affordable for families and businesses.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Philip B. Scott, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor, do hereby order and direct all State Agency Secretaries and Department Commissioners to utilize their powers, duties, and programs to establish the following cornerstones as their strategic and operational goals:

1) Growing the Vermont economy;

2) Making Vermont an affordable place to live, work, and do business; and

3) Protecting vulnerable Vermonters.

This Executive Order shall take effect upon execution.

Dated January 5, 2017