VAAP to Join Treasurer webinar panel

Treasurer’s Task Force, Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and VBSR to Convene Expert Immigration Panel for Vermont Employers

January 30, 2025

Montpelier, VT – Treasurer Mike Pieciak’s Task Force on the Federal Transition on which VAAP serves, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) will host a webinar for Vermont employers to discuss their rights, obligations, and prudent steps they can take to prepare for a worksite visit from Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). The discussion will feature leading Vermont and national immigration experts. 

The webinar will take place Thursday, February 6 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. The program will feature one hour of moderated discussion, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. Attendees can RSVP here. 

“The Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrants have stoked fear, confusion, and distrust throughout Vermont’s communities,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “These measures could have a profound impact on our economy, particularly our agricultural sector and housing development, both of which rely heavily on immigrant labor to support their workforce. I’m honored to partner with local and national experts to help ensure Vermont employers and their workers know what to do should ICE come knocking.”

Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of providing employers with the right resources to handle the complexities of federal policies. "Vermont employers are navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, making it essential for them to have the knowledge and resources needed to stay informed. The Vermont Chamber is proud to partner on this webinar to provide expert insights that will help employers understand their rights, responsibilities, and best practices in the event of an ICE visit.”

VBSR Executive Director Roxanne Vought stressed that many businesses in Vermont are uncertain about the new federal policies and their impact. “Businesses and communities across Vermont have pressing questions about the implications of recent federal policy. We hope this webinar will clarify what is required of employers, help them prepare for a possible ICE visitation, and equip Vermonters with resources to protect their rights – including employer and employee privacy.”

Treasurer Pieciak convened the Task Force on the Federal Transition to proactively assess the economic impact of new Federal action under the Trump Administration. The Task Force has identified immigration (among other issues) as a priority focus, given Vermont’s tight labor market and the important contributions new Americans make in many sectors of the state’s economy. The webinar will be recorded and posted to the Task Force website.

Panelists include:

• Sue Minter, co- chair of the Treasurer’s Task Force on the Federal Transition, former Executive Director, Capstone Community Action, and former VTrans Secretary, State Representative, and State Director of Recovery after Tropical Storm Irene

• Jill Martin-Diaz, Executive Director, Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (Task Force Member)

• Kelli Duehning, Attorney, B.A.L 

• Nicole Killoran, Vermont Law and Graduate School 

• Jonathan Rose, Solicitor General, Vermont Attorney General’s Office

• Mike Webster, Association of Africans Living in Vermont

Members of the media are encouraged to RSVP to david.kunin@vermont.gov. 

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