A New Kind of Blue
“As a small business owner and lifelong Vermonter, I know how challenging it can be to make it work here. I’m committed to creating more opportunities for Vermonters to flourish.” – Matt Birong
- Secured an historic $400m in housing investments
- Delivered common sense reforms on Act 250 to increase housing inventory
- Modernized regulations to promote business/job growth
- Fought for pandemic relief for Vermont businesses
- Co-founded and leads the National Guard/Veterans Affairs Caucus
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Matt Birong is a lifelong Vermonter and Chef/Owner of 3 Squares Café in Vergennes, Vermont. Matt opened 3 Squares Café in 2007 after attending the New England Culinary Institute and working in various restaurants in New York, Boston, and Burlington.
Matt believes that a thriving state and national economy depends on thriving small businesses and thriving communities. As a small business owner, Matt recognizes the importance of investing in his employees and his local community which in turn fosters a sustainable workforce and economy.
As a legislator, he has worked on expanding access to Affordable Housing, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and building a Business Simplification Portal. Matt pushes forward policies that foster responsible growth in our Tourism and Recreation Sectors, Agricultural Models, and Vermont’s robust Food Systems.
Since 2018, Matt has served on the House Committee on General, Housing, and Military Affairs and has proved to be an effective member. Most recently, his work securing COVID relief for independent businesses, historic investments in housing, common sense reforms to Act 250, and other regulations were all accomplished with a Stronger Vermont top of mind. He passionately supported recent housing bills such as S.210, S.226 as well as S.11 which included economic development initiatives.
Previous to being voted to serve Northwestern Addison County in 2018, Matt was deeply engaged in statewide policy in Vermont. He worked extensively to help pass a Paid Sick Days bill, ‘Ban the Box’ bill, and Green Mountain Secure Retirement. In addition, Matt was elected State Delegate for Senator Bernie Sanders by the Vermont Democratic Party and attended the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in 2016.
He resides in Vergennes with his wife, Danelle, and their dog, Luna