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Gov. Scott proposes $9 billion budget focused on housing, education and public safety
Summary
Gov. Philip B. Scott delivered his budget message to a joint assembly, proposing a $9 billion budget he said does not raise taxes or fees and prioritizes housing, education reform, public safety measures, climate resilience and targeted investments in infrastructure and municipalities.
Montpelier — Gov. Philip B. Scott told a joint assembly on Jan. 28 that he is proposing a $9 billion budget that, he said, "doesn't raise taxes or fees" and prioritizes housing, education, public safety and affordability.
"In total, across all funds, I'm proposing a $9,000,000,000 budget," Gov. Scott told lawmakers. He said the plan relies on a mix of federal and state funding, identifies investments to address housing shortages, and forwards bills aimed at housing, public safety, education and affordability.
Scott framed the budget as a response to long-running pressures on affordability and demographics in Vermont. He said the state needs more housing supply and proposed multiple programs and capital investments intended to speed development and lower costs. He highlighted funding for housing programs, emergency shelters, a permanent mobile home repair program, downtown and village center tax credits, and a capital package that he said would close infrastructure gaps holding projects back.
On education, Scott said the state spends roughly $240 million in the education fund and that his proposal includes a systemwide restructuring tied to higher academic standards. He proposed a simplified district model that would move toward five larger districts with a phased-in implementation over four years and a $4 million appropriation to support the Agency of Education in the transition. The governor also proposed dedicating $77 million from the general fund to eliminate the projected property tax increase for the year.
Scott also addressed public safety and criminal-justice policy, saying some laws have reduced consequences for young adults and proposing changes including repeal of a provision that treats 19-year-olds under the juvenile system, tighter options for revoking bail, limits on reducing or suspending sentences, and expanded tools for pretrial supervision. He said his budget includes state funds and expects federal matching dollars to expand treatment options and recovery beds, and to repurpose beds for people impaired by drugs or alcohol.
On climate and resilience, Scott said Vermont has received significant federal hazard mitigation funding and he proposed additional state and federal investments to buy out unsafe properties, shore up infrastructure, and reduce flood risk. He asked the Agency of Natural Resources to develop a practical plan to meet the state's climate goals and recommended aligning reporting with the U.S. Climate Alliance to account for net emissions.
Scott previewed other elements of his package including proposals to end the JTOC transfer from the transportation fund, changes to the renewable energy standard, and expansions to tax-increment financing (TIF) tools for smaller towns. He said some numbers are constrained by federal funding formulas and large fixed costs such as pensions, health benefits and human services.
The governor told the joint assembly he would "forward 4 bills that address housing, public safety, education, and affordability" and closed by urging lawmakers to focus on priorities that will make Vermont more affordable and attract and retain workers.
The address was delivered after the joint assembly convened pursuant to JRS 7 and followed a formal appointment of a committee to escort the governor into the chamber.
