Senate committee gives straw-poll backing to S.327, spotlighting CPACE, apprenticeship pilot and nickel rounding

The Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee conducted a side-by-side review of S.327 and indicated informal support for the house-amended economic development bill in a committee straw poll.

Legislative Council staff walked members through changes the house made to the bill, including adding stakeholders to a Department of Economic Development business study, adjustments to CPACE (commercial property assessed clean energy) conforming language, and new program language. The house lowered the Veggie annual program cap from $10,000,000 to $5,000,000 in the draft before the committee. Staff said the program rarely hits the higher cap and noted the Joint Fiscal Committee can adjust caps later.

The bill now includes a culinary and hospitality postsecondary initiative and a separate two-year hospitality-and-culinary apprenticeship pilot run by the Department of Labor. Meghan Sullivan of the Vermont Chamber described the pilot as an effort to professionalize workers in a sector of many small employers and seasonal work: “I think the idea here is just looking at other opportunities in which to help professionalize potential employees for these jobs,” she said.

Committee members discussed where a pilot region might be located (examples discussed included Killington and areas served by CTE culinary programs) and whether employers are already lined up; staff said the department likely has employers in mind and would report back at the end of the two-year pilot.

The house also added a rural industry development grant program into statute with higher award shares (up to 50% of project cost and up to $2,000,000 in some federally-impacted or downtown projects) and a cash-transaction rounding provision that would allow symmetric “Swedish” rounding for cash sales; the Chamber said the approach provides clarity for retailers and consumers.

Chair called a straw poll indicating committee support for the house version of S.327 and said staff would keep working on outstanding drafting items before formal action.