A FIGHT OVER YOUR TAX MONEY: The governor and the Legislature will soon see who gets their way on a $8.5 billion budget proposal vetoed by Gov. Phil Scott over the weekend.

Now that the governor has vetoed the state budget, Democrat lawmakers are sounding the alarm — including a call for a state of emergency — that more money must be added to the budget to address homelessness.

“Today, I was forced to veto the state budget because it significantly raises costs on Vermonters, relies on a new payroll tax, hikes DMV fees by 20%, and grows spending at more than twice the rate of inflation. That’s not sustainable,” the governor posted on Facebook over the weekend.

While the budget showdown plays out, public housing activists across the state want more state resources to provide housing as the federally funded hotel program from the COVID era comes to an end.

At least a dozen lawmakers are threatening to sustain a budget veto if lawmakers don’t include new housing money. House Speaker Jill Krowinski, D-Burlington, says that not approving the budget will ultimately end up costing Vermonters.

“I think that the cost of not passing this budget is far greater,” she said in an interview with WCAX. “We need to make sure that we get this budget across the finish line. There are some really critical programs in there that people are waiting for, that people are desperate for.”

Calls for a State of Emergency

Krowinski also has called on the governor to declare a state of emergency over the potential influx of homelessness throughout the state as the hotel program comes to a close. An estimated 2,800 people have used the state-run hotel program and must now find new living options.

During the legislative session, 17 lawmakers among the Progressive and Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the budget. Should those votes hold, it is likely that Gov. Phil Scott’s veto will be sustained. A full 100 votes are needed in the Vermont House to override a veto.

The debate has garnered supporters for Scott from the left and right. On social media, Twitter user Bruce Wayne showed support.

https://twitter.com/xmasboyvt/status/1663542562911551488

This post highlights that DMV fees were substantially raised to support this budget. Early analysis suggests that Vermont will now be the most expensive state in the region to maintain a driver’s license.

Rep. Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, P/D-Burlington, said she sees the governor’s veto as a chance to “fix the housing crisis.”

Our responsive to @PhilScott4VT’s veto of the budget today. We now have an opportunity to fix this housing crisis and do the right thing. 1/3 #vtpoli pic.twitter.com/umAgFEehPb

— Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (@staterepemma) May 28, 2023

In another post on Twitter, the governor’s veto is used as a rallying cry to get more policies in place for the homeless.

I thought maybe he wouldn’t veto the budget to prevent the motel program from being funded in a veto override, but now VT Dems need to work with progressives to override the Governor’s veto. Progressives, hold strong! You have the power to keep people housed now! #vtpoli https://t.co/aNPl3xD55v

— Mike Selick (@Mike_Selick) May 28, 2023

Another poster suggested that the budget could actually increase if more money is added in for the homeless.

Now watch @JKrowinski add money to the budget for the motel program in order to secure enough progressive votes for an override. One party rule does not work for #Vt. 10.4 % budget increases is not sustainable #vtpoli https://t.co/FbnDSJScX2

— Jeremy Reed (@Jtreed08) May 27, 2023

Burlington City Councilor Joe Magee, P-Ward 2, also weighed in.

Deep gratitude to the legislators and advocates who continue to oppose a state budget that cruelly unshelters nearly 3,000 people.

This will cause more suffering and result in a brutal set back in our efforts to address the mental health and overdose crises. #vtpoli https://t.co/RC1saWsgUs

— Joe Magee (he/they) (@joemageebtv) May 25, 2023

The governor offered an alternative

In his veto letter, Scott reminded his opponents that he also proposed a budget, one that focused on not raising any new expenses for Vermonters.

“In my address to the Legislature in January, I reported that with organic revenue growth we could achieve our shared goals. My budget leveraged a historic $390 million in surplus revenue to fund our shared priorities like childcare, voluntary paid family and medical leave, housing, climate change mitigation, and more – all without raising taxes or fees,” it states.

Michael Bielawski is a reporter for True North. Send him news tips at bielawski82@yahoo.com and follow him on Twitter @TrueNorthMikeB.