MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Homeless advocates in Vermont are once again ringing alarm bells about potential cuts to state-subsidized hotel rooms.
House and Senate lawmakers are hammering out their differences on a $7 billion state budget that could return the hotel-motel program to pre-pandemic funding levels, potentially cutting the number of rooms the state uses to house homeless Vermonters by one-third, from 1,500 to 1,000.
Advocates say the state is facing new challenges not seen before the pandemic. “The shelters are full, elder care homes have closed, nursing home staffing is reduced, home services for those with disabilities are sparse, families can’t afford rental increases and get evicted. The face of homelessness has changed,” said Beth Ann Maier with Vermont Interfaith Action.
The groups want to see the $44 million program fully-funded, which would lean on property transfer taxes and a wealth tax.
A conference committee is expected to vote out the final budget by Friday.