Ed Paquin Joins Public Assets’ Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 24, 2023                                                                                                

Montpelier – Ed Paquin, former state representative and recently retired executive director of Disability Rights Vermont, has joined the board of the Public Assets Institute.

A nonpartisan nonprofit in Montpelier, Public Assets Institute is Vermont’s independent research organization on state budget, tax, and economic issues and the source for timely and in-depth state fiscal and policy analysis.

Since 1990 Paquin has advocated on behalf of his constituents and Vermonters with disabilities. His work in the Vermont House of Representatives contributed to expansions of health insurance coverage to low-income Vermonters, equalizing entitlements to home care and nursing home care, and protecting all aspects of the state’s community-based Medicaid Long-term Care system for people with disabilities. He led Disability Rights Vermont in shaping corrections policy to better serve people with psychiatric disabilities and preserving the civil rights of people facing forced treatments in many settings.

“Ed is an excellent addition to the board,” said Board Chair Steve Gold. “His understanding of the real-world consequences of policy, his thoughtful and practical advocacy, and the depth of his knowledge about the gaps in our supports for Vermonters with disabilities and their families will be invaluable as we continue to work for a Vermont that works for all of us.”

Added Paquin: “I’ve been in partnership with Public Assets for many years, and I’m excited to join the board and continue our work together in this new capacity to address our state’s inequities. I want to be part of a motivated group of thinking and feeling people who will challenge and expand my thinking, and with whom I can work to make a difference.”

Having received a BA in the Study of Religions from the University of Vermont in 1975, Paquin worked in trades from silversmithing to carpentry until an injury in 1988 took him off the job site and landed him, two years later, in politics. He served 12 years in the Vermont House and then 18 years as executive director of Disability Rights Vermont.

He lives in Barre Town, enjoys playing music, and is currently a Communication Support Specialist assisting people with disabilities in civil court and state administrative settings. Paquin also serves on the boards of the Vermont Center for Independent Living and Camp Exclamation Point, Inc.

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More information about Public Assets Institute and reports based on its research and analysis are available on its website www.publicassets.org.