by Guy Page

A House Education Committee member this morning told VDC that the H.454 Conference Committee is taking seriously Gov. Phil Scott’s concerns about affordability and implementation timeline in the current House/Senate versions of this session’s landmark legislation: transformation of Vermont’s public education financing and governance.

The governor’s input in last-minute negotiations matters far more this year than last because in November voters upset about high property taxes elected enough Republicans to give Scott an effective veto – which he had threatened to wield if no compromise is made.

The compromise  deal isn’t done but it seems to be heading in that direction, the member said.

In an effort to adjourn this week with the governor’s seal of approval, the Conference Committee is looking at closing the $1800/student gap between their foundation funding plan and the governor’s, the representative said.

While nothing is certain, the House member says he expects the Legislature to adjourn late this night or tomorrow morning.

The House has yet to vote today on a Senate amendment to its housing bill, H.479. A vote is likely this afternoon. 

Gov.Scott signed the following bills into law this week:

May 27:

• H.167, establishing the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Grant at the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. 
• H.339, removing the repeal of selling alcoholic beverages off-premises. 
• H.364, approval of the annexation of property by the Village of Swanton
• H.396, creation of the Mollie Beattie Distinguished Service Award
• H.481, stormwater management

May 28

• S.50, increasing from 20 KW to 50 KW the size of solar net metering projects that qualify for expedited registration
• S.87, streamlined extradition procedures
• S.117, wage and hour, unemployment compensation, and workers’ compensation