Matt Gile

Matt Gile graduated from Colchester High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont in 2008. His career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a school librarian, labor activist, and proud progressive. I’ve been the librarian for Winooski School District for ten years, where I serve all students from preschool to 12th grade. I grew up in Colchester and I’ve been working in libraries my whole life. Everyone is welcome in a library and I believe that spirit should extend across our state. I’m running to represent the people of Winooski because I know that the issues Vermonters face–housing affordability, access to and cost of healthcare, out of control immigration enforcement–can be addressed by our state. But there are no small solutions to these problems. Vermont must be bold, and as a proud member of Vermont NEA and former president of the Winooski Education Association, I know that when we fight, we win.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

ICE has always been a weapon wielded against migrant communities. ICE cannot be reformed into a tool for justice. ICE must be abolished.

I want to keep ICE out of our schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Families should be free to get medical treatment, attend school or work, and live their lives without fear. Act 150 provides some legal protections from ICE activity in schools and medical facilities and is a great first step. But we must go further and ensure federal agents are held accountable and guarantee access to legal representation in immigration hearings.Housing is a human right. As the cost of living continues to increase, the need for affordable housing becomes clearer. All Vermonters deserve a safe place to live that doesn’t break the bank.

I support updating our zoning laws to allow for increased development. Private developers will not save us. We must invest in public housing at scale if we are going to address the housing crisis we are facing.We can build a Vermont where everyone is housed, where everyone has access to the health care they need, and where our public institutions and infrastructure directly address the needs of our communities. But only if we tax the rich. I support the Prosper Act, which would raise income tax on the top 5% and impose a surcharge unearned investment income, which is taxed well below the rate that working people pay on their income.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The issues we face are interconnected. Rising healthcare costs drive up school budgets, which drive up housing costs, and those housing costs drive up healthcare costs. But if we ensure that the wealthiest pay their fair share we can implement the Act 48 mandate for universal health care. We can invest in sustainable transit oriented development, which is a necessary component of Vermont achieving our climate goals, to meet the housing needs in our communities. Vermont must be bold, and as a proud member of Vermont NEA, I know that when we fight, we win.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Vermont NEA

Vermont State Employees Association

Committee of Interns and Residents

Green Mountain DSA