Roper: Scott vetoes one more, nixes ‘bottle bill’
His reasoning was sound, citing the cost and complexity of the proposal, which aimed to substantially expand the number of beverage containers subject to the 5- and 15-cent deposit requirements.
Governor doubles down on ‘unsustainable spending’ while tax revenues are falling
Just days after criticizing the state legislature for its overzealous spending, Gov. Phil Scott again used his weekly press conference to criticize political opponents at the Statehouse who successfully overrode all of his vetoes.
Vermont housing program replaces pandemic-era program
As the federal Emergency Rental Housing Program ends Friday, House Bill 171 was signed by Republican Gov. Phil Scott early Thursday morning. The bill is designed to assist residents experiencing homelessness to find permanent homes amid the state’s housing crunch.
Governor laments over-spending legislature, says Vermonters ‘can expect to pay a lot more’
“Even that one day was a bad day for Vermont,” Scott said. “I wasn’t surprised and I don’t want to lament about what could have been, but as a result of their actions Vermonters can expect to pay a lot more in taxes and fees in the future.”
Roper: So, a 78% approval rating and $2 gets you a cup of coffee
If Gov. Phil Scott wants to be exceptionally popular, he can continue disassociate himself from his own party as much as he likes. But if he wants to be relevant and respected as an effective leader, he better start working with his party to elect more like-minded members of the House and Senate.
Paul Dame: Legislative pay and recruitment
Among the many poorly formed bills that Democrats send to Gov. Scott, the most audacious one, and one that is likely to be sustained, was the bill that doubled legislative pay.
McClaughry: The possibly ‘historic’ veto session
The word “historic” is seriously overused these days, too often to describe events more curious than momentous. A case can be made, however, for the events taking place this week in the “veto session.”
Affordability is governor’s focus for veto session
The Republican governor, who previously vetoed the state budget, said that keeping Vermont affordable for current and potential residents remains his highest priority as the legislative body returns to Montpelier to rehash the state budget.
Scott signs legislation legalizing mobile sports wagering
Republican Gov. Phil Scott signed House Bill 127 on Wednesday, authorizing the state’s Department of Liquor and Lottery to allow up to six companies to operate online wagering platforms for residents aged 18 and over.
Scott plans to veto child care bill
The Republican governor said Tuesday during his weekly press conference that he intends to veto House Bill 217. The bill would create a system in which the state’s child care and early learning system would be propped up with funding culled through employee payroll contributions and budget allocations.
Roper: Scott’s veto of legislative pay raises is good policy, great politics
The Democrats may have the votes to override Phil Scott’s vetoes, but at least the governor is going to extract maximum embarrassment when they do. Scott vetoed S.39, the bill that would more than double legislators pay and benefits package over the next few years.
Scott: First phase of paid family and medical leave program coverages approved
Implementing a paid family and medical leave program in Vermont is taking steps closer to becoming a reality. The Department of Financial Regulation has approved coverages and rates for the Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance Plan, Gov. Phil Scott said Thursday.