Statehouse

Scott Blinks in Vermont Budget Battle, Will Allow Third Bill to Become Law

by Taylor Dobbs on June 25, 2018 at 5:07PM

come together and accepted the agreement and moved on." In a statement Tuesday morning, Ashe and House Speaker Mitzi Johnson (D-South Hero) praised Scott’s decision to back down and reiterated that the budget had support across the political spectrum.

Walters: Vermont House Approves Resolution Opposing Family Separation

by John Walters on June 22, 2018 at 6:30PM

The state House approved a resolution Friday condemning the Trump administration's recently reversed policy of separating members of immigrant families who cross the border seeking asylum. The resolution also expressed "a profound hope that the family separation policy will not be reinstated," and that federal authorities would reunite separated families "immediately."

Walters: Scott, Legislature Still Talking Past Each Other

by John Walters on June 20, 2018 at 5:07PM

, I ask why the governor is OK with creating a crisis next year," said Senate Education Committee chair Phil Baruth (D/P-Chittenden). "I can't see how anybody with good fiscal management could choose the governor's option."

Walters: Vermont House Fails to Override Scott's Budget Veto

by John Walters on June 19, 2018 at 3:46PM

Quite a few members took the floor afterward to explain their votes, and the arguments broke down along predictable lines. One view was shared by all: A crisis and potential shutdown could have been avoided — as long as the other side had been willing to surrender.

Scott Vetoes Vermont Budget as July 1 Shutdown Looms

by Sasha Goldstein on June 15, 2018 at 2:00AM

Disclosure: Tim Ashe is the domestic partner of Seven Days publisher and coeditor Paula Routly. Find our conflict-of-interest policy here: sevendaysvt.com/disclosure.

Walters: Governor and Legislature Still at Odds Over Taxes

by John Walters on June 14, 2018 at 3:59PM

During last year's budget standoff, Scott promised that there would be no shutdown, even if he had to give ground to avoid it. This year, he is making no such promise.

Walters: Vermont Senate Fast-Tracks Budget Bill

by John Walters on June 7, 2018 at 6:03PM

When the full Senate took up H.13, Brock rose to offer an amendment that would have set nonresidential rates at current levels. "We're voting on H.13 to keep the government operating," he argued.

Vermont House Approves Budget as Governor Digs In

by Alicia Freese on June 5, 2018 at 5:43PM

Beck’s amendment would also have altered the education funding formula, leading to steeper tax increases for high-spending school districts. Ancel made the case that these changes, which her committee considered earlier this year, would have a draconian effect on some school districts.