MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Lawmakers burning the midnight oil at the statehouse, passing an $8.5 billion state spending plan.
Lawmakers came to a deal on the property tax problem, increasing them by 13.8%, and studying bigger picture changes to our education funding problems. One Republican Senator, sarcastically blasted the overall results.
“Most Vermonters will be happy that we’ve tamed the property tax problem. By limiting this year’s increase to only double digits.” said Senator Randy Brock of Franklin County.
Lawmakers also struck 11th hour deals on retail theft, stiffer penalties for drug trafficking, and Act 250 reform — years in the making — intended to balance conservation, and the housing crisis. They also agreed on bolstering Vermont’s flood resiliency. Democratic Senator Allison Clarkson, says the devastating floods set the tone for one of the most challenging sessions in decades.
“Despite these challenges we have managed to accomplish a huge amount. “ said Senator Clark
This session created new protections for personal data online, measures aimed at cutting carbon emissions, and bills aimed at making healthcare more affordable.
But not everything made it, including a bill reforming the state Fish and Wildlife board, and another which would have pumping the brakes on the PCB testing program.
Senate President, Phil Baruth, says the two year biennium was productive and set Vermont up for success in the long run.
“Historic childcare legislation what some are calling the best year for environmental legislation in recent memory, maybe even in a generation, major gun legislation,” said Baruth
The end of the legislative biennium again put the democratic supermajority at odds with Republican Governor Phil Scott on spending and taxes. However, Scott says he and democrats share the same goals for Vermont.
“We just have a different vision on how to get there. and after this session it’s clear, we have a little bit more work to do.” said Scott
This isn’t the end of the line for state lawmakers this legislative biennium. They’ll be back the middle of next month to override any vetoes from Governor Phil Scott.