“The investments we made this year will make a difference for Vermonters, building stronger communities, providing some tax relief, supporting kids and families and helping address long-term challenges like our workforce shortage and regional economic inequity,” Scott said.
The $8 billion 2022-23 budget approved by the Vermont Legislature yesterday just prior to adjournment includes itemized funding for many “new and ongoing initiatives.”
The governor once again is urging lawmakers to consider his warning about unstable economic times that are pressing Vermonters as they decide what to do with a state budget that includes billions in federal assistance.
President Joe Biden’s recently unveiled budget includes massive tax hikes, untrammeled government spending and “leftist” agendas, raising serious red flags.
Federal COVID-19 relief funds and other factors have prompted Vermont lawmakers to propose a series of amendments to the state’s fiscal year 2022 budget that runs through June 30.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Gov. Phil Scott signaled a potential budget conflict regarding the state’s intake of massive federal funds intended as relief for COVID-related issues.
Data from the Public Service Department shows that up to 40% percent of Vermonters do not have reliable cell service, and that, as of 2018, 62% of our highways had middling or poor reception, while 10% lacked any kind of coverage at all.
Right now, the supply of affordable homes is practically non-existent. In December, the median home price in Vermont was more than $369,000. Last month, there were only 136 homes for sale that a middle-income family can afford.
From refugee services to tax administration, a Vermont House panel is in the midst of a department-by-department review of Gov. Phil Scott’s proposed $7.7 billion budget for fiscal year 2023.
Vermont has at last found its diamond mine. It arrived in the form of half a billion in unspent American Rescue Plan funds, plus another $2.2 billion in the congressional infrastructure bill. In addition, our own tax base has produced a $320 million surplus across the three major funds.
In its Jan. 16 legislative update, Campaign for Vermont offers an in-depth look at what lawmakers and the governor have planned for state pensions, fiscal responsibility, workforce and economic development, housing, good government and education.
Gov. Phil Scott unveiled what he said was a balanced fiscal 2023 budget that does not raise taxes while using federal federal funds to pay for a variety of new spending initiatives.