On June 11, Governor Scott returned without signature and vetoed H.91, An act relating to the Vermont Homeless Emergency Assistance and Responsive Transition to Housing Program and sent the following letter to the General Assembly:
Dear Ms. Wrask:
Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, I’m returning H.91, An act relating to the Vermont Homeless Emergency Assistance and Responsive Transition to Housing Program, without my signature.
For quite some time I’ve talked about the need to put an end to the pandemic-era “hotel/motel” program. We are the only state in the region that continues to operate an emergency housing program at this scale and unfortunately, H.91 does not adequately reduce the size or cost of the program. In fact, this bill proposes we spend millions of dollars more than the $45 million used last year (for comparison, in 2019 we appropriated $5 million).
It’s also important to point out that since the expansion of the program, 135 individuals sheltering in hotels and motels have died. It’s my belief many of these deaths may have been prevented had there been more accountability and better engagement.
Rather than continuing to fund a program that isn’t good for those in it, I believe we should focus on real solutions like building additional shelter capacity and requirements to engage in work, training, and treatment for those who need it. That way, those who are experiencing homelessness are more likely to get back on their feet and into permanent housing. H.91 does not adequately address how this would be accomplished.
It’s my hope the Legislature and community stakeholders will work with the Agency of Human Services to transform the hotel/motel program into one that delivers value for Vermont taxpayers, those in the program, the community-based organizations providing shelters and services, and communities that have been unfairly burdened by this failed program.
Sincerely,
Philip B. Scott
Governor