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Vermont House orders third reading of H.489 after heated debate over emergency hotel program
Summary
On March 21, the Vermont House voted 91–55 to order third reading of H.489, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Adjustment Act, touching off debate over the General Assistance (GA) emergency housing program and whether the state has capacity to shelter those who would be exited April 1.
The Vermont House of Representatives on Friday ordered a third reading of H.489, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Adjustment Act, after a roll-call vote of 91 in favor and 55 opposed.
Supporters told the chamber the budget adjustment was needed to avoid a mass exit from the General Assistance (GA) motel-and-hotel program on April 1 and to prevent immediate shelter loss for thousands of Vermonters. Opponents said the program’s existing first-come, first-served structure and lack of prioritization worsens inequity and that longer-term housing solutions, not short extensions, are needed.
"This is not a choice that any community should ever have to make," said the member from Berry City, recounting personal experience with homelessness and saying, "I firmly believe that even 1…
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