ABC NHVT News

The Vermont Legislature is on its way to adjournment now two weeks past its scheduled end in May. The delay is due to three legislative priorities and negotiations to get to a “yes” from the Governor. The states housing crisis, education reform and attempts to energize legislators to override a veto of a program funding homeless staying in Vermont hotels. As of June 13th, a deal has been reached to start repairing Vermont’s expanding school funding issues. The deal reached set targets with contingencies for consolidating schools, changing the funding formulas and changes to exemptions to the property tax for income earners under $115k/year. The full assembly still needs to vote on the bill, but if it passes the Governor has signaled that he will sign it. Of course, floor votes are riddled with amendment proposals and there will be dissent on the package itself which could ultimately kill the bill.

The Vermont Legislature was scheduled to adjourn on Friday, May 30, but that deadline has been missed. One major issue remains unresolved: school funding and a sweeping miscellaneous education bill that includes significant changes to how services are delivered. As previously reported, the Legislature has been exploring various ways to reduce school spending without cutting essential programs for Vermont students. The goal is to curb the rising statewide education property tax, which has surged in recent years due to multiple factors.

As we reach the halfway point of May, it appears the Vermont Legislature is on track to adjourn by the end of the month. It has become clear which bills will make it through and which won’t—but that doesn’t mean the action is over. Expect a flurry of amendments and the use of “must-pass” bills as vehicles to advance favored policies. A scheduled veto session in June also leaves room for late-stage negotiations and influence from both sides of the aisle.

On Tuesday, January 28, Governor Phil Scott addressed the Vermont people and the legislature from the floor of the House or Representatives. In his address he outlined the many differences in opinions with the way he and the former legislative supermajority believed the state should be spending taxpayer funds. He also proudly explained that we need to “fix broken systems not just fund them” when we are not happy with the results that we get from Vermonts programs such as education. His focus in the 2026 state budget will be creating affordable housing and transforming the grades PreK-12 education funding system.