The real crux of the problem is that VT is experiencing a brain drain. It is amazing place to raise and educate your family and generate experiences for your children. Not necessarily the best place for highly educated and skilled STEM professional to find a job. If you want to increase the number of people in the state then you need to attract large companies that can offer a wide range of career jobs that families can count on for 20-30 years. I have often thought that VT should become a computer technology friendly state. Bring companies in that can feed off the educational institutions. This will drive more people to come to VT and retain a lot of the HS talent that goes out of state for advanced degrees and never return.
It has been illegal for teachers to strike in NJ since the late 1970's and we have managed to develop very successful school districts. I cannot express how relieving it is to know that I never have to deal with this every time a contract negotiation comes up. This can be done in VT without the loss of qualified teachers and decrease in educational outcome. By not worrying about a strike I know that all stakeholders can have year long relationships that only improve the teaching environment. Look at the divisiveness, anger, frustration, this outdated system generates year after year.
What is interesting is that no one is talking about the ramifications of Presentism. Presentism is the act of judging historical figures and events by the moral and ethical standards of the present day. In some cases, going so far as to judge the present because of that action. It should be pointed out that this practice is condemned by the American Historical Association arguing, presentism encourages a kind of complacency and self-congratulation. Interpreting the past in terms of the present concerns usually leads us to find ourselves morally superior. Using Presentism to accelerate change is not a valid argument, unless change has in fact not occurred.
Re: “Maple Syrup and Tax Breaks: Can Scott Attract New Vermonters?”
An investment in infrastructure that attracts new STEM oriented businesses, while improving education and small business capabilities has a much better outlook for success. Especially if tax incentives are offered at the same time. Spending money on marketing and potential personal grants is silly and does not attempt to parse the real problem(s) VT is facing. VT environmental laws are to much of a deterrent versus other states for industrial or manufacturing jobs. If VT truly wants to thrive then efforts to stop the brain drain need to begin. Build around the educational centers and expand outward.