Governor Outlines Bold Plan for Structural Reform Amid Fiscal Challenges
Rep. Pattie McCoy (R) – “House Republicans appreciate the serious proactive
approach that Governor Scott laid out in his budget address. Many difficult decisions
need to be made for Vermont to become affordable.”
Sen. Scott Beck (R) – “Governor Scott is asking the legislature to reform inefficient
systems that are not cost-effective and making Vermont unaffordable. Senate
Republicans take this message seriously.”
Both Senate and House Republicans are ready to work with the Administration and
House and Senate Democrats.
Today, Governor Scott delivered a clear and candid message to Vermonters and the
General Assembly: the time for structural reform is now. With federal stimulus dollars
winding down and revenue forecasts downgraded, Vermont faces a pivotal moment that
demands discipline, innovation, and collaboration.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s guiding principles—grow the economy,
make Vermont more affordable, and protect the most vulnerable. These priorities have
shaped budgets for years, enabling investments in clean water, childcare, housing, and
addiction recovery without raising taxes. But as he noted, “Gone are the days of saying
yes to every group asking for more funding.” This year’s $9.4 billion budget reflects that
reality, balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investments.
Education remains front and center. Costs have surged 39% in five years, driven by
property tax increases and structural inefficiencies. The Governor called for full
implementation of Act 73 and proposed $105 million in property tax relief to ease the
burden on Vermonters. He urged school boards to curb spending growth and voiced
support for Senator Baruth’s proposal to cap education spending, emphasizing, “We
cannot continue to prop up a failing system at the expense of other priorities.”
Housing is another critical challenge identified by Governor Scott. Despite nearly $800
million invested since 2020, demand far outpaces supply. The Governor announced plans
to modernize Act 250, extend housing exemptions, repeal outdated rules, and make
successful programs like VHIP permanent. “If we want the next generation of
Vermonters to afford to live here, we’ve got to treat housing like the crisis it is,” he said.
On affordability, the Governor highlighted Vermont’s highest-in-the-nation energy
burden and proposed reforms to achieve 100% clean energy by 2030 at lower costs,
leveraging proven sources like solar, hydro, and nuclear. He also outlined healthcare
reforms to expand choice, lower costs, and invest nearly $1 billion in rural health over
five years.
Public safety reforms will prioritize victims and communities while restoring
accountability for repeat and violent offenders. The Governor called for repealing “raise
the age” for 19-year-olds and expanding pre-trial supervision statewide. He also
announced plans to replicate Burlington’s successful Community Accountability Court
model across Vermont.
Closing his address, the Governor invoked Vermont’s history of transformation during
times of challenge, urging lawmakers to embrace change and commonsense solutions. “If
we tap into that Yankee ingenuity, we can leave Vermont better than we found it,” he
said.