Recently, I had a fascinating conversation with first-term Vermont state Sen. Joe Major about the state’s trials and tribulations in the age of MAGA Trumpism. I asked him to describe “A day in the life of a Vermont Senator” and how he juggles his professional and political interests.

Reflecting on his upbringing, he said, “Well, one of the things that my mom said when I was young, if you’re busy, it keeps you out of trouble. So, I’m not getting in any trouble, that’s for sure.”

Balancing his roles as a Vermont senator representing the Windsor district and as executive director of the Upper Valley Aquatic Center is demanding but rewarding, he said. During the legislative session, which started in January and runs into May (sometimes extending to June), he has been spending four days a week in Montpelier, attending Senate sessions, meeting constituents, and participating in Statehouse events. His day starts early, often with a workout, followed by work at the Statehouse until 5 p.m. Afterward, he engages in community-focused activities or legislative duties.

On the remaining three days of the week and outside the legislative session, he manages the aquatic center in White River Junction. This nonprofit facility serves communities across Vermont and New Hampshire and operates on a $4 million budget with 130 employees. Managing the center involves overseeing operations and ensuring its success as a hub for health and fitness, a field he has been passionate about for over three decades.

Despite the challenges of managing people and organizing multiple responsibilities, he finds immense joy in both roles. The opportunity to help people through legislative work and community service makes his life fulfilling. His background in health, fitness and broadcast journalism has shaped his ability to adapt and thrive in these demanding positions, he said.

Major serves on two Senate committees: Agriculture and Institutions, each of which offer a window into the state.

“Agriculture is interwoven into the fabric of Vermont,” he said. As vice chair of the Agriculture Committee, he focuses on sustaining Vermont’s struggling farming sector, which faces challenges like federal subsidy reductions and weather impacts. Vermont has lost over $55 million in farming revenue in four years, including a 40% decline in dairy farms between 2012 and 2022.

In the afternoon, Major works on the Institutions Committee, which addresses such critical issues as the deteriorating condition of Vermont’s sole women’s prison in South Burlington, and advocates for constructing a new facility. “We have some serious problems with particularly our female institution,” Major said. “What we’re trying to do right now is to find a place to build a new women’s prison.”

On the national stage, Vermont has looked larger than it is, thanks to its U.S. senators. Bernie Sanders, with his idealism, activism and populist persona had kept Vermont at the forefront of American political consciousness. But the rise of Trump’s MAGA juggernaut, makes Vermont look smaller and more fragile. Sen. Patrick Leahy has retired. And when Bernie speaks, his populist rhetoric sounds like a cry in the wilderness. Do you agree with my assessment?

“So, let’s talk about Sen. Leahy first,” he says. “Sen. Leahy was in the Senate so long and became so powerful, and Vermont benefited from that financially, exponentially. I mean, I don’t think a lot of Vermonters realize how many earmarks came to Vermont because of Sen. Leahy.” However, following Leahy’s retirement, Vermont’s influence has diminished, though Sanders is regaining national attention through his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, drawing large crowds across the country.

When I noted that Bernie has the image of a socialist, Major responded, “Yeah. You know, I always, you know, kind of wonder with a lot of the things that Sen. Sanders says, how are we going to pay for those things? I am not of that ilk he is, a little further left than I am. I’m more of a moderate, I would say…. Sen. Sanders is beginning to rile people up and make himself visible again in the consciousness of America. But how long he can sustain that, I don’t know.”

I asked the senator about Vermont’s Republican governor, Phil Scott. Last year Scott publicly announced that he would not vote for Donald Trump. Some people think that Trump is an unforgiving, vindictive person. Do you think he might punish Vermont?

Major said dolefully, “Well, I think Vermont is already being punished, and it’s not in the forefront of headlines right now.” Vermont faces significant economic and social challenges, compounded by federal funding uncertainties under the MAGA movement, he said. With $3 billion of its nearly $9 billion budget federally funded, Vermont risks losing critical support, including $12 million in education and $14 million for universal school meals. About half of the federal funding goes toward Medicaid.

The state struggles with an aging population, limited housing, low unemployment and insufficient job opportunities, deterring younger residents and newcomers. High taxes on businesses, Social Security and military benefits further strain economic growth, with industries like cannabis heavily taxed to the point of unsustainability, he said. Efforts to address these issues include revising tax policies, attracting entrepreneurs and creating affordable housing.

Vermont also grapples with immigration challenges, as service and agricultural workers face fear of deportation despite legal status, impacting tourism and the economy. The state needs innovative solutions to stabilize health care, improve affordability and foster a business-friendly environment while balancing its tax structure.

I asked if Vermont is economically stable today. Major said, “There are a lot of things with Vermont, quite frankly, that are not affordable. And we’re not attracting people from outside of Vermont to come and live here. One, because of housing. Two, because of the incredibly low unemployment rate that we have. There aren’t many jobs, and the jobs that we have, people don’t have a place that they can live. And three, the graying. Vermont is getting to be an older state and we’re not replacing our older population with younger people coming in.”

Vermont’s aging demographics require long-term solutions, Major said. Attracting new residents depends on improving affordability, expanding housing, enhancing schools and job growth.

“So we have some issues,” he said. “Do I think those issues can be solved? Yes. Are they going to be solved with gimmicks like the governor had a few years ago where he promised if you came to Vermont, he’ll give you $10,000? That’s a gimmick. That’s not going to sustain people to be here, to find housing, to find a good job, to make sure that they’re being contributors to their communities. What we have to do is have good health care, inexpensive health care. We also have to make sure we have affordable housing and make Vermont in particular an affordable place to live.”

Finally, I asked him why Vermont is not “A Live Free or Die” state like neighboring New Hampshire, where there is no state income tax or sales tax?

Vermont’s philosophy contrasts sharply with New Hampshire’s libertarian approach, he said.

“A couple of things. One, this state, Vermont, is a bit of a safety net state. And what I mean by that is we want to take care of everyone and create somewhat of a safety net,” thus resulting in higher taxes to fund social programs. Vermont’s tax policies, including taxing seniors and military benefits, discourage retirees and businesses, making affordability a challenge. Balancing compassion with economic sustainability remains Vermont’s ongoing struggle, he said, “And I personally like Vermont a little better.”

Narain Batra hosts the podcast “America Unbound,” available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube and other platforms. He lives in Hartford.