The State's Budget - Policy for The People May 5, 2025

Understanding the State's Budget and Why the Governor is Battling with Legislators

Why This Matters:

The state's budget determines where each and every dime of your (our) tax dollars are spent. Everything from school funding, to housing budgets, to roads/transportation, to farms/agriculture, etc. are included in the state's budget. A full breakdown of what is included in the budget is here: https://spotlight.vermont.gov/state-budget

Why the Governor is Battling with the Legislature (as usual):

The Honorable Governor Phil B. Scott has vetoed two versions of this session's budget adjustment proposals (in terms we can all understand: he said NO to proposed adjustments twice).

You can look at both vetoes here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/vetoed/2026

In his message about the first refusal, Governor Scott stated a refusal to support the proposal because, "spending additional general funds in the budget adjustment for expenses that are not time sensitive is irresponsible." Additionally, he believes that, "Expanding the free "hotel/motel program," moves us backwards, reversing important progress made towards reforming this [...] program, agreed upon by the Administration and Legislature just last year."

His full statement is here: https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/H.141%20Veto%20Letter.pdf

To put it plainly, he is more concerned with the financial status of Vermont's economy than the wellbeing of unhoused, disabled, low-income, and other marginalized Vermonters. This is despite having an ample surplus of general funds.

What You Can Do:

When the Governor vetoes the budget, it goes back into the hands of our legislators. Specifically, it is currently in the hands of the House Committee on Appropriations. Many programs that benefit low-income, unhoused, people of color, and other marginalized Vermonters are on the chopping block. 

Please reach out to the following Representatives to let them know which state-funded programs have been beneficial for you and your family! Are you a NETO recipient? Send them your story, perhaps even photos! Are you housed because of the hotel program? Send them your story! Explain how these programs changed your life. 

If you are a marginalized or underrepresented Vermonter who benefits from any state-funded programs, now is your time to reach out to your legislators or forever hold your peace. 

Who to Contact:

Rep. Robin Scheu, Chair - RScheu@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. Jim Harrison, Vice Chair - jharrison@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. Tiffany Bluemle - tbluemle@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. Eileen Dickinson - edickinson@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. John Kascenska - jkascenska@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. Wayne Laroche - wlaroche@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. Michael Mrowicki - mmrowicki@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. Michael Nigro - mnigro@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. Trevor Squirrell, Clerk - TSquirrell@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. Thomas Stevens - tstevens@leg.state.vt.us

Rep. David Yacovone - DYacovone@leg.state.vt.us

Maria Blair, Associate Fiscal Officer - mblair@leg.state.vt.us

Erin Pedley, Senior Staff Associate - epedley@leg.state.vt.us

Staying Informed Everyday:

Outside of Policy for The People, these resources will help you follow the progress of the "budget battle".

1) Each legislative day, the House Committee on Appropriations posts new documents here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/committee/detail/2026/9.

2) They also livestream all of their meetings FOR FREE on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDG840g7YJviuY_x0ROH0PA/featured.

This is Policy for The People. 

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