Witnesses to legislative oversight committee urge clearer metrics and impact assessments for accountability bill

The Government Operations & Military Affairs Committee heard continued testimony on bill 867 on Thursday, with witnesses urging clearer metrics, named responsibilities and use of impact assessments to ensure the measure produces useful oversight rather than perfunctory reports.

Dora Levinson, research and data director at Building Bright Futures, told the committee her organization — statutorily charged with monitoring Vermont’s early childhood system — found more than 150 potential indicators when it began tracking implementation of Act 76. “Defining success is more complex,” Levinson said, arguing that accountability systems need “clarity about outcomes, clear alignment with legislative intent, and dedicated analytical capacity.” She emphasized that accountability should combine quantitative metrics with qualitative input from families and…