My Vision for Vermont

Javen Sears' priorities for Vermont's future:

  • The Problem:

    Vermont is experiencing one of the steepest property tax increases in the nation. With effective property tax rates well above the national average and median annual bills approaching $5,000–$6,000 in Chittenden County, Vermonters who have lived here for years continue to feel the strain.

    On top of that, state officials project another double‑digit increase in property taxes next year, a jump that’s been repeatedly softened only through one‑time buy‑downs that rely on surplus funds instead of real reform. These short term fixes, including proposals to deploy tens of millions of dollars to reduce property tax spikes, aren’t a longterm solution.

  • WE NEED LOWER TAXES!!!

    • Property Taxes Are Too High

      • Vermont ranks #1 in property tax as a % of income (~5%).

      • In 2024, property taxes increased 14% statewide on average. (driven by the Yield Bill that was overridden despite the Governor’s veto.)

      • I support freezing or reforming property taxes to ease the burden on families.

    • Vermont Has a High Overall Tax Burden

      • Ranked #3 highest per capita taxes in the U.S., more than CA, MA, NY.

      • Overall tax competitiveness is low (#42 nationally), we pay more but get less economic growth.

    • Education Spending Is Inefficient

      • K–12 spending is $28,000 per pupil (2nd or 3rd highest nationally).

      • Student-to-staff ratio is 4.4 students per staff (national average 7.3) — almost double the staffing per student.

      • Student-to-teacher ratio is 11:1, yet outcomes are underwhelming (VT ranks 36th in reading and math).

    • Economic Momentum Is Weak

      • Vermont ranks last in economic momentum (Vermont Futures Project, 2026).

      • Low wages and high taxes make it harder to attract and keep families and businesses.

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    • Let’s Not Forget!:

      • Higher taxes on wealth always trickle down to everyone, not just the wealthy.

      • I will support policies that incentivize growth, attract businesses, and keep money in local hands.

    • Common Sense Solutions:

      • Reform education funding and tax structures for efficiency.

      • Encourage economic development, workforce growth, and smart housing solutions.

      • Limit policies that increase costs for working Vermonters without measurable benefits (e.g., unnecessary mandates like the Clean Heat Sca- Standard).

  • BOTTOM LINE: Families should be able to choose the school where their child can succeed.

    The U.S. ranks highly in higher education because students choose schools which creates competition and strong incentives for high quality. However, K-12 education suffers because it’s the opposite, schools choose students instead which forces students to unfairly adapt.

    Education Failures:

    • Too Many Districts:

      • Vermont still operates 119 separate school districts and 54 supervisory unions, with extra administrative staff for only 70,000 kids.

    • Property Taxes:

      • Rose >40% in the past five years, even with repeated state cash injections.

      • Limiting annual property tax increases to 5% through FY2029 would require approximately $480 million in tax rate buydowns over the next three years.

    Directions for Change:

    • Increase Choice for Families

    • Transparency Systems

    • Rigorous Academic Standards

  • I believe government has an important role but it is not meant to control every part of people’s lives.

    The proper role of government is to protect individual freedom, uphold the law, maintain public safety, support essential infrastructure, and create the conditions for people, families, workers, and businesses to succeed.

    Government should be a tool for order, opportunity, and accountability but not a machine for endless expansion, waste, bureaucracy, and dependence.

    When government becomes too large, too costly, or too intrusive, we often see life becoming harder instead of better. It slows down growth, limits local control, and creates systems that are disconnected from the people they are supposed to serve.

  • I believe in Vermont Common Sense. The ability to think clearly, weigh consequences, and choose practical solutions that actually work.

    Common sense means approaching difficult problems with rational thinking, sound judgment, and a focus on real outcomes rather than political theater or ideological extremism.

    Problem-solving, critical thinking, and common sense are essential if we want to build a strong Vermont and create real change in the world around us.