Says immigrants good for workforce, community stability 

By Sen. Scott Beck

Vermonters are justifiably concerned with due process infractions that have persisted for many months, some in Vermont, with many more outside our borders. 

Continued action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials has raised important questions about constitutional due process. The Fifth Amendment is clear: “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”. Senate Republicans believe that any discussion on this issue must begin with a commitment to due process for all individuals, including non-citizens. 

Regardless of immigration status, every person deserves fair treatment under the law. We applaud those who are passionate about this subject, and remind them that all includes law enforcement and government officials. This principle is foundational to our democracy and justice system, and should guide Vermont’s expectations and response to federal actions. If you aren’t for due process for all, you aren’t for due process.

At the same time, Senate Republicans recognize the need for a clear and effective legal immigration process. Current federal policies often subject individuals and communities to uncertainty, creating challenges for employers, families, local and state governments, and law enforcement. 

Vermont benefits from a diverse population and workforce, but without a predictable and transparent immigration process, we risk undermining both economic stability and public trust. We support efforts to normalize immigration procedures, so that the many who seek to live and work in Vermont can do so through an efficient legal process that respects human dignity and the rule of law. Our agriculture and tourist industries are particularly sensitive to this issue.

Vermonters need more than due process to be secure; they also need affordability. Our state faces an affordability crisis that is damaging families, seniors, and businesses. 

Rising costs in housing, energy, and everyday necessities are compounded by the forecasted 12% average increase in education property taxes. This is on top of the five-year 41% increase in education property tax rates that Vermonters have experienced —it represents an unacceptable burden for homeowners, renters, and businesses across Vermont. 

Increasing property taxes are forcing many to consider whether they will be able to remain in Vermont. All Vermont government spending has increased by $2B since Covid, far exceeding inflation and surpassing Vermont’s tax base.

Education is a cornerstone of Vermont’s future, and we all want strong schools. However, we must balance that goal with the reality that taxpayers cannot bear unlimited increases. Another area of concern is the continued allocation of General Fund dollars to provide property tax relief. While this may provide short-term relief, it raises serious questions about long-term fiscal responsibility. The General Fund supports a wide range of programs that directly benefit Vermonters, including public safety, and critical services for vulnerable populations. $75M makes unacceptable property tax increases slightly less unacceptable while jeopardizing our most vulnerable.

It would be far wiser to slow the growth in district education spending, forecast to increase by 6% this year, with an average increase of 5.1% for the last 10 years. Senate Republicans unanimously proposed restricting FY27 spending in May, but were opposed by every Senate Democrat. Now we are in the middle of school board budgeting, which makes restricting spending more difficult, but no less necessary.

We believe Vermonters deserve a government that plans for stability rather than relying on temporary fixes. Fiscal discipline is not about cutting essential services—it is about ensuring that every dollar is used effectively and that we do not compromise future budgets for short-term solutions. Vermont’s strength lies in its communities, and our policies should reflect a commitment to affordability, fairness, and sustainability.

These issues are interconnected. Immigration policy affects workforce availability and community stability. Education funding impacts property taxes and affordability. General Fund allocations influence the breadth of services Vermont can provide. As policymakers, our responsibility is to consider these connections and make decisions that strengthen Vermont for the long term.
³
We invite Vermonters to join us in constructive dialogue on these challenges. By working together—across party lines and with respect for differing perspectives—we can craft solutions that uphold our values and meet the needs of all Vermonters.

Senator Scott Beck (R) of St. Johnsbury represents the Caledonia District and is the Senate Republican Leader.