By Brent Addleman | The Center Square
A bill that would have granted pay raises to members of the General Assembly has been vetoed.
Republican Gov. Phil Scott said Wednesday he was returning Senate Bill 39 without a signature and has vetoed the measure. The bill would have called for members of the General Assembly to be eligible to participate in the state employees’ health benefits plan at no cost, and provide one-fifth of their biweekly pay when adjourned.
Members of the General Assembly, according to Ballotpedia, earn $742.92 per week when the governing body is in session, along with $75 per day for remote, $127 per night for lodging, and $69 per day for meals in person.
Members of the General Assembly, according to Ballotpedia, earn $742.92 per week when the governing body is in session, along with $75 per day for remote, $127 per night for lodging, and $69 per day for meals in person.
Scott, in his veto letter, said the Democratic-majority Legislature had already passed bills that raise costs for Vermonters.
“This year, the General Assembly passed several pieces of legislation that will significantly increase costs for Vermonters through new and higher taxes, fees, and penalties,” Scott wrote in the letter. “In my opinion, it does not seem fair for legislators to insulate themselves from the very costs they are imposing on their constituents by doubling their own future pay.”
The bill, if enacted, would have made members of the General Assembly eligible for participation in any flexible spending account program for health care expenses, and provide compensation to members during adjournment.
The bill would also have provided compensation for meals and lodging expenses, and allow legislators to be paid for child care, dependent care, and elder case expenses.
As the General Assembly is adjourned, a special session would need to be called to vote on overriding the governor’s veto.
They don’t deserve a raise for making Vermont even more un affordable and they really Don’t deserve free high end health care working only a month and a half. They really are drunk on their power and the stupid voters who put them there better wise up. Imagine what will happen if the idiot Lt Gov becomes gov and these same leftist commies are ruling the legislature. It’s a frighting nightmare.
I will have to agree whole heartedly with the governors veto of S.39 but, I’m extremely disappointed he will allow H.230 to become law without his signature.
You can see why so many people want to work for the gubbamint in Vermont- which just keeps on expanding it.
It’s not supposed to be a cushy job for life for the Beautiful People- many of which are not even Vermonters.
The Governor is not always on the same page as I am, but on this issue, he is spot on the money! After jacking up our living expenses with their global warming tripe, the General Assembly wants a huge pay raise? I hope enough Democrats get the word from their voters that they are on the wrong side and may well lose their seats. Most, if not all, Republicans will support the Governor.
I would congratulate Phil on this but really it is a no-brainer. The liberal elitists feel they are very special and should be treated as such.
Phil should have taken it a step farther and call for pay raises for elected officials be placed on the ballot so voters can decide. I’m sure it would have to be added to the state constitution but it would be worth the effort.
Those elected work for us. I do not approve this raise for the same reason the governor does not.
Sadly John, when concocting and passing the GWSA and S5 , it showed clearly that those elected do not work for Vermonters. It seems though that the Governor does .
Monique, you are not wrong.