- Republican Vermont Governor Phil Scott has proposed an $8.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2025.
- Scott urged lawmakers not to raise taxes or fees on Vermonters, saying it will be a tough budget year.
- In 2023, Scott vetoed an $8.5 billion budget, but the Democratic-controlled Congress overrode his veto.
Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday proposed an $8.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2025, urging lawmakers not to raise taxes and fees on Vermonters, saying it will be another tough budget year. did.
This budget incorporates the priorities the Governor highlighted in his State of the State address earlier this month: investing in affordability, public safety, and housing.
“I also understand the reality of a supermajority, which means you don't have to listen to or take into account my priorities or my objections,” he told MPs gathered in the House of Commons for his budget speech. No,” he said. “But I think many of you have heard and perhaps share some of my concerns. More importantly, I think the vast majority of our voters certainly do. I'm confident.”
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Mr Scott urged MPs to work with the government to solve problems, not just provide funding.
Republican Vermont Governor Phil Scott leaves the state House of Representatives after delivering his budget speech to the Legislature on January 23, 2024 in Montpelier, Vermont. Scott proposed an $8.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2025 and urged lawmakers not to raise taxes or fees. (AP Photo/Lisa Radtke)
Last year, Scott vetoed an $8.5 billion budget, the largest spending plan in state history. But the Democratic-controlled Congress overrode his veto.
He said Tuesday that he doesn't think there's much disagreement about what's in the budget, but there's probably disagreement about what's not. Pandemic-era federal funds have ended and the state has returned to pre-pandemic spending levels, he warned. He said the state has recently seen an increase in revenue, but it has also encountered unexpected expenses.
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Democratic House Speaker Jill Krowinski said Vermont has challenges but also opportunities. “I think his speech was long on fear and lacking in hope,” she told WCAX-TV.
Among the investments is an Opioid Settlement Fund to increase staffing and hours at three or more drug treatment sites and support reentry and recovery center operations for people released from prison, according to the budget summary. Includes $4.9 million. He will also invest $1.7 million for 20 mental health officers at state police barracks and $6 million for a program that provides grants to improve vacant rental housing and add housing to existing buildings. I am proposing that.
After devastating flooding occurred in Vermont in July, Scott announced $12.5 million to help areas meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency's aid requirements to reduce flood risk. , is proposing to spend $500,000 on a state match of federal funds to evaluate future flood protection for the Winooski River.
