Press Release
VT Senate and House Republicans’ Joint Statement on Gov. Scott’s FY2026 Budget Address
Vermont’s House and Senate received Governor Scott Budget Address on Tuesday. In his address, the Governor outlined his $9B budget proposal, $5.9B of which will be paid by Vermont tax payers. The other third is expected to be subsidized by the Federal government as usual. The Governor’s proposed budget will protect Vermont’s most vulnerable while providing over $108M of tax relief for Vermonters, including $94M of property tax relief and$14M of relief for military retirees, social security recipients, EITC recipients, and an increase in the age eligibility for the Vermont child tax credit.
Governor Scott noted the importance in not just funding existing programs by throwing money at those that don’t function properly, but actually fixing programs through new legislation and repealing programs that do not benefit Vermonters. Governor Scott and House and Senate Republicans are committed to solving four main issues that are hurting Vermonters: Education Funding and Delivery, Housing, Public Safety, and Energy Affordability, including the repeal of the Clean Heat Standard and private right of action in the Global Warming Solutions Act, Standards and Acts Vermonters cannot afford.
Vermonters deserve an Education Fund that is transparent, understandable, and much more closely connects a district’s tax rate to its local spending decision. The Agency of Education will soon propose a funding system that will meet these goals by shifting to a foundation formula that equally distributes money to all Pk-12 students throughout Vermont. This switch, and soon to be announced governance changes, will move Vermont to a more streamlined education delivery system that works for Vermont children, families, educators, and taxpayers. This is terribly difficult work, but Vermonters spoke clearly in November, and House and Senate Republicans are committed to working with the Administration and our Democratic colleagues. Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck adds, “Vermont can improve the education received by its Pk-12 population and reduce cost to property taxpayers. This will be terribly important work that we must complete this year.”
Housing availability and affordability are a significant problem in Vermont and causing ripple effects - workforce, homelessness, age demographics, healthcare, and population stagnation. Gov. Scott proposes to make a dent in this problem by reducing regulatory barriers and increasing support for infrastructure. Importantly, these changes benefit affordable and market home building. Gov. Scott also proposes to increase support for programs focused on affordable housing including making VHIP funding permanent. House Minority Leader Pattie McCoy adds, “Housing is crucial. We can’t expect Vermonters to thrive if affordable housing is not available. We need to treat this as a crisis.”
Public Safety can be addressed by repealing the “Raise The Age” for 19 year-olds, sealing criminal records in lieu of expungement, providing our judicial system more tools to hold repeat offenders accountable, bail reform, and improving access to addiction treatment for our incarcerated population. House Minority Leader Pattie McCoy adds, “Vermonters deserve to feel safe in their communities. We can adopt common sense legislation this year to prevent repeat offenders from preying on Vermonters.”
Governor Scott recommends that Vermont continue to reduce its carbon emissions by focusing on what Vermonters can afford, rather than making national headlines. This is achievable by making realistic changes to the Global Warming Solutions Act, including measuring our goals by accounting for net emissions rather than gross, and revisiting last year’s Renewable Energy Standard to reduce the cost for taxpayers. The Governor and House and Senate Republicans are committed to repealing the Clean Heat Standard and removing the private right of to action in the Global Warming Solutions Act. Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck adds, “Vermont has made tremendous progress on reducing our carbon emissions and moving toward electrification, but Vermont can only move as fast as Vermonters can afford. I support repealing the Clean Heat Standard.”
With Governor Scott’s lead, House and Senate Republicans are prepared to address all of these issues this session to deliver better education that is cost-effective, more affordable housing, safer streets, and a cleaner climate without raising taxes or fees.
If you have questions about these or other things your legislature is pressing for this year, please contact me.
I remain honored to be your representative.
Representative Rob North, Addison-3 (Addison, Ferrisburgh, New Haven, Panton, Vergennes, Waltham)
www.NorthForVTHouse.com
