Gabriel Lajeunesse
Democratic Candidate for Vermont Senate in the Washington District
What do you believe is the role of state government, if any, in ensuring that everyone living in Vermont has the food they need to thrive?
Access to nutritious food is a prerequisite for health, learning, and economic participation. We thrive when every person has the basic stability needed to contribute fully, and the government should ensure all have access to nutritious food.
What would be your policy priorities to move Vermont toward food security for all?
We have made great strides in providing food security in the state, but lately are under pressure from the federal government. We must be prepared to fill the gap if the federal government continues to cut the benefits of vulnerable Vermonters.
What do you believe are the root causes of hunger, and what should the state do to address those underlying factors?
Vermont is increasingly unaffordable. Housing is too expensive, as is food, health care..everything. We need to have a holistic response to our economic crisis...building workforce housing, cutting taxes and fees for workers and retirees, raising revenue through increased taxes on 2d/3d homes and short-term rentals, and increasing the workforce. It will take significant action to turn this crisis around.
How would you help strengthen the state’s agriculture and food economy to ensure Vermont farms can continue to grow the food we all need?
It is not my area of expertise, but I would listen to farmers to learn how I could best support them.