§ 280b. The Vermont sustainable jobs strategy

(a) The Governor, with the advice of the Secretary of Commerce and Community Development and the Authority, shall adopt a Vermont sustainable jobs strategy for the State, in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(b)(1) The Vermont sustainable jobs strategy shall contain the criteria upon which the Authority shall develop, modify, and implement its public financing programs, and the criteria for determining whether investments should be made in an eligible project. Such criteria shall include a requirement that, before making any investment or other financial commitment, the Authority shall determine that the proposed project is of public use and benefit and is without unreasonable risk of loss to the Authority.

(2) In adopting the Vermont sustainable jobs strategy, the Governor shall consider:

(A) the policies established in section 280 of this title; and

(B) the economic policy and economic development plan of the State, as developed by the Economic Progress Council under subchapter 3 of chapter 29 of this title.

(c)(1) Before adopting the Vermont sustainable jobs strategy, the Governor shall direct the Authority and the Secretary of Commerce and Community Development to solicit information and recommendations from the people and businesses of the State.

(2) After soliciting information and recommendations, the Authority and the Secretary shall jointly develop a proposed Vermont sustainable jobs strategy. In developing a proposed strategy, the Authority and the Secretary shall consider how best to integrate Vermont's economic, social, and environmental values into a Vermont sustainable jobs strategy. The Authority and the Secretary shall jointly present their proposed strategy to the House Committee on Commerce and the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs meeting in joint hearing.

(3) After legislative presentation, the Authority and the Secretary may amend the proposed strategy, and shall present the proposed strategy as amended to the Governor. The Governor may adopt the proposed strategy, or may return the proposed strategy to the Authority and the Secretary for further development and legislative presentation. After adoption of the Vermont sustainable jobs strategy, any amendments to the strategy may be adopted by the Governor in accordance with the process established by this section. (Added 1995, No. 46, § 14, eff. April 20, 1995; amended 1995, No. 190 (Adj. Sess.), § 1(b).)