Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

RZRPRINCESS t1_j9un38i wrote

Reply to comment by Affectionate_Cod_348 in Anyone familiar with the 'Worker Relocation Incentive Program' by Blindsay04

I recently heard they ran out of funds because of the influx of remote workers moving here and applying for the incentive. They were also trying to figure out how to start funding for this program back up again. I have a feeling it has stalled since the state now has a housing shortage and probably other pressing issues to attend to.

Also a staffing shortage....which is ironic?

9

hotseltzer t1_j9uuznx wrote

Gee, I wonder why the entire state has a staffing shortage.. it's almost as if the influx of people with remote jobs drove up housing prices, making it unaffordable for Vermonters to stay here, so now every business is left without staff and unable to keep up with necessary pay increases to retain people because... remote workers don't need jobs within our communities.

Saying the staffing shortage is ironic is about as ironic as Alanis Morissette's song.

15

Affectionate_Cod_348 t1_j9uoeg3 wrote

Like most state funded programs in Vermont, it's comically underfunded/understaffed so it really only exists enough to exist as a "box checking" activity for the state.

11

sound_of_apocalypto t1_j9ut2ck wrote

Not to pick on you, but it shouldn’t rely on a “feeling” (even though I feel the same). Why can’t they just update a website with the current status of the program? If they’re overwhelmed and out of money, getting the word out might save them the hassle of a lot of extra emails and phone calls.

6

GreenPL8 t1_j9uy5u9 wrote

They've said they have more application in queue than funds to pay out. Weeks/months ago.

4

sixteenandseven t1_j9xhxeg wrote

Also a staffing shortage....which is ironic?

Not ironic at all. We're a wicked fucking old state, so we have tons of houses occupied by non-working retirees who can afford it because they either bought when real estate was cheap or have a good enough retirement (boomer retirement plans) to be able to afford a pricey place.

Meanwhile, there's just not housing available for someone making $20/hr, so places that rely on <= $20 workers can't find workers.

5

nolyfe27 t1_j9z6utj wrote

They have fattened themselves for the slaughter.

1

RZRPRINCESS t1_ja7qio2 wrote

It's Ironic because the incentive was to bring young people to Vermont but now we have a lot of "younger" people that have moved here but they are working remote for non-Vermont based companies. Now people are upset because everything is so short-staffed here, but where was the incentive to get the people running the state to stay? Now they can't afford homes, their pay hasn't increased in years and the cost of living is ridiculous, the people that are working for local places are working 2+ jobs, it's just not sustainable.

So ultimately the whole remote incentive plan kind of backfired.

1