Balint discusses oversight and AI jobs at UVM town hall

Democratic U.S. House Representative Becca Balint told 60 students at the University of Vermont on Oct. 21 that young people are not just the future, but the present force shaping policy.

The event took place in the Livak Ballroom of the Davis Center. Balint, who was first elected in 2022, is running for a third term in the Nov. 3 election. She spoke alongside four Student Government Association officers. Kennedy Connors, the SGA President, moderated the session. Vice President Rubi Espejo and senators Rebecca Torres and Eamon Giles-McCreary sat on the panel.

Balint began by addressing the shifting role of politicians. She noted that the executive branch has increased its influence over Congress. Representatives have a duty to protect the rights of the people they serve, she said. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Balint has questioned Trump cabinet members. She stated that most oversight of the administration occurs on that committee. "We have to hold people accountable. People need to see that people’s constitutional rights cannot be violated and not have people held accountable, and American taxpayer dollars cannot be looted without any consequences," she said.

The conversation moved to the House Budget Committee and the role of immigration enforcement. Balint has opposed increased funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She has conducted unannounced visits to immigration facilities. In an Oct. 21 interview with the Cynic, she outlined specific proposals for the agency. Balint seeks to require marked cars and identification for ICE agents. She also wants to ban the use of face coverings by those agents.

Cost of living emerged as a major concern for attendees. Balint said Americans across the country are struggling to pay for basic necessities. "When you talk to Americans across the country, their biggest concerns right now are, ‘how am I going to pay for home heating oil this summer? How am I going to pay for groceries? I can’t put gas in my car. Healthcare is out of reach,’" she said.

Artificial intelligence played a role in the discussion of the local economy. Balint said AI has impacted the job market and contributed to unemployment. She cited a specific business in Vermont that is laying off 60 people due to its investment in AI. "Those jobs are going to AI agents, and I do worry about the economic future that you face and also my own kids," she told the students.

Balint acknowledged that many young voters feel disillusioned with the electoral system. She said the last two congresses have been the most unproductive in United States history. Despite this, she believes in civic engagement. "I’m inspired by community members who understand that we don’t have the option of giving up because we have to stand up for members of our community. We have to be the person in our community that’s fighting for everyone’s rights," she said.

Connors said she hopes to continue bringing local politicians to campus to engage with students and hear their feedback.