When Gov. Phil Scott proposed this week that the Agency of Commerce be transformed into a new Agency of Economic Opportunity, it had a familiar ring to it.
Turns out, despite all the words available in the English language, these very ones are already employed in Vermont state government.
The Office of Economic Opportunity is part of the Department for Children and Families.
It appears economic opportunity means many things — because these two entities are on opposite ends of the economic spectrum.
Scott proposed his Agency of Economic Opportunity as a mechanism to entice businesses, put people to work and to spur the economy.
The existing Office of Economic Opportunity is focused on poverty. It’s the place where low income people turn for help finding housing and weatherizing their homes.
“It’s going to add to the confusion,” said Rep. David Yacovone (D-Morristown), a former DCF commissioner, who picked up immediately on the name duplication. He added, “That’s the least of the problems we have.”
Jason Gibbs, Scott’s chief of staff, said members of the administration were aware of the first economic opportunity entity when naming the second one.
“We think there’s a future conversation we should be having about the Agency of Commerce and its role in helping people escape from poverty,” he said.
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Is naming two separate departments with completely different functions in entirely separate agencies Scott’s way of making state government less confusing or beaurocratic for the “everyman”?
This is going to be an interesting two years.
Perhaps its the first step in making people understand that economic vibrancy and poverty reduction are connected. Bravo, Phil!!!