Vermont clergy members organize, push lawmakers for moral economy: higher wages, more benefits

A group of Vermont clergy members has organized an effort to push lawmakers to embrace the idea of a moral economy.

The Clergy Caucus of Vermont Interfaith Action met several times over the summer and worked out some principles on which its Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant and Unitarian members could agree.

Recently, caucus members have been meeting with lawmakers around the state to promote goals such as better wages and benefits for workers, higher taxes on top earners, broadened health coverage and stronger environmental protections.

Some lawmakers say they laud the goals but say they may be elusive in a year of tight budgets and restive taxpayers.