Senate appropriations panel details budget-adjustment priorities, leaves $137.6M for FY26

The Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday reviewed its proposed fiscal year 2025 budget adjustment, outlining roughly $1.8 million in municipal flood grants, new positions for the attorney general and Human Rights Commission, a $220,000 refill for an emergency survivors fund and additional funding for housing, veterans care and other programs while leaving $137.6 million unallocated for the FY26 budget.

The committee’s overview — delivered by Senator Andy — also highlighted the two items cited in a letter from the governor: an extension of adverse-weather general assistance (the motel program) through June 30 (about $1.84 million) and additional funding to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB). "I feel like the Senate has the same priorities," Senator Andy said, listing affordability, housing, public safety and education as shared priorities with the administration.

Why it matters: the BAA (budget adjustment act) moves money and policy language that will affect flood recovery for towns, housing projects already in progress, nursing-home and veterans-home costs tied to traveling nurses, and childcare program reserves. Committee members said leaving a sizable unallocated balance preserves flexibility heading into the larger FY26 budget debate.

Key allocations and changes discussed

- Treasurer appropriation/reversion: The committee proposed reverting an additional $6 million of a prior $20 million appropriation to the treasurer (the House had taken $14 million). The committee used part of those funds for items below and left the remainder on the bottom line. Senator Andy said the treasurer had recommended not redeeming certain bonds because interest earnings exceeded the savings from bond buybacks.

- Flood-related municipal grants: The committee…