The Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, an innovative and imaginative idea, was created in 2012 by Act 142. Its purpose is “to stimulate a concerted economic development effort on behalf of Vermont's agriculture and forest product sectors by systematically advancing entrepreneurism, business development, and job creation.”
For two years, the WLEI has supported our working lands enterprises, with great results. As the governor and his administration are building the budget for next year, I strongly recommend that they continue to fund this important economic initiative at $1.5 million.
Although this is a time of budget austerity, it would be shortsighted indeed to eliminate funding for this program.
Why? Because, at worst, this is a temporary expense that will pay major economic dividends as an investment in Vermont's future!...