Montpelier, VT — Today, Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced the “Treasurer’s Task Force on the Federal Transition.” Composed of policy experts, business and community leaders, and individuals with a deep understanding of Vermont’s economy, the Task Force will assess the economic impact of the incoming Trump administration’s anticipated policy changes and provide recommendations to the Treasurer.
The Task Force will be co-chaired by Treasurer Pieciak and Sue Minter, former Executive Director of Capstone Community Action, one of Vermont’s leading social-services organizations. Ms. Minter also served as Vermont’s Chief Recovery Officer after Tropical Storm Irene, as well as a state representative and Vermont’s Secretary of Transportation.
“The Task Force will help ensure that we are prepared to respond to changes coming out of Washington that could impact our economy or the cost of living for Vermonters,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “During President Trump’s first term, I found proactive coordination was critical to making effective policy decisions that best served Vermonters. The same will be true now as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of a second Trump term and I’m grateful to the Task Force members for their willingness to lend their experience and expertise to this effort.”
“At this time of rapid transition we need a critical perspective on how the changing federal landscape will affect Vermonters’ economic security and the state’s fiscal stability,” said Sue Minter. “From potential impacts on housing production, to climate resilience and the cost of goods and services, the Task Force can help prepare for potential disruption and seek remedies to support Vermont communities.”
As a new administration takes charge in Washington, state treasurers across the country are evaluating how to effectively fulfill their responsibilities in light of expected policy changes.
Task Force recommendations will directly inform Treasurer Pieciak’s efforts to strengthen Vermont’s economy and invest in Vermonters through sound fiscal policy, strategic investment of state funds, and the effective management of the state’s finances. The Task Force will also facilitate timely, high-quality information sharing among Vermont stakeholders affected by federal policy and legal changes and will collect public input to better understand risks and local impact on Vermonters.
Several areas of focus that may influence the state’s economic outlook are already evident; others will be developed by the Task Force. For example, Vermont receives significant federal funding through programs that could change under the Trump administration, potentially impacting Vermonters’ access to affordable healthcare and FEMA flood recovery support. Changes to immigration and border policies could also impact Vermont’s agricultural economy, and tariffs could drive up costs statewide, particularly for building materials critical to new housing development.
The Task Force will include the following members:
- Mike Pieciak, co-chair, Vermont State Treasurer
- Sue Minter, co-chair, immediate past Executive Director, Capstone Community Action, and former VTrans Secretary, State Representative, and State Director of Recovery after Tropical Storm Irene
- David Marvin, Founder, Butternut Mountain Farm
- Jill Martin Diaz, Executive Director, Vermont Asylum Assistance Project
- Shabnam Nolan, Executive Director, King Street Center
- Olivia Sweetnam, CEO, Grace Cottage Hospital
- Peter Gregory, Executive Director, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission
- Brian Lowe, Principal, Assembly Theory
Brian Lowe will also serve as the Task Force’s principal staff member. The Task Force convened its first meeting on January 15, before the federal transition on January 20, 2025. Treasurer Pieciak outlined the group’s purpose and the discussion focused on clarifying the Task Force’s goals, timeline, and advisory role.
The Task Force will meet monthly for up to six months, with the next meeting scheduled for January 22. Public notice of each meeting will be posted in advance on the Treasurer’s website, along with an agenda.
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