WINOOSKI, VT –  Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, hosted a Listening Session in Winooski with community members and local leaders to discuss the progress Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration have made in advancing economic opportunity in rural America, and what more needs to be done to make our communities more affordable, our businesses more successful, and our families healthier and safer. 

“When rural communities thrive, America thrives. A crucial part of unlocking the full potential of rural communities is delivering federal investments that expand access to economic opportunity and help make rural America more affordable. We’ve seen what is possible when we all work together to bring investments to Vermont: millions of dollars invested in strengthening our infrastructure, new and growing small businesses, and economic development–including Winooski’s Main Street Revitalization Project,” said Senator Welch. “I’ll continue to fight to lower health care, housing, and energy costs in Washington. I look forward to advocating for Vermont families, farmers, and communities in bills like the upcoming Farm Bill and will keep working to expand access to economic opportunity for folks in Winooski and across Vermont.” 

View photos from the event below:

Senator Welch has championed legislation to connect rural communities to high-speed broadband, conserve and protect wild spaces, repair and reinvest in rural water infrastructure systems, and lower energy costs while advancing clean energy projects. This listening session was part of his continued work to uplift and highlight the opportunities to strengthen rural America. The Senate’s recently unveiled Farm Bill, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, includes several priorities for rural communities championed by Senator Welch that will strengthen Vermont’s farms, rural communities, and families. 

Senator Welch was joined by local leaders, business owners, and champions for rural development, including Kristine Lott, Mayor of the City of Winooski; Deac Decarreau, Executive Director of the Winooski Housing Authority; Wilmer Chavarria, Superintendent of Schools for the Winooski School District; and Sarah Waring, Rural Development State Director for USDA VT/NH. 

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