By Guy Page

The Vermont Senate yesterday gave initial approval to a hefty pay and benefits increase for the Vermont Legislature. 

How hefty? It’s hard to say for sure because some cost variables (like paying lawmakers’ health insurance) are unknown. However, using VERY unofficial, back-of-the-envelope estimates and figures, Vermont Daily Chronicle has calculated that if S.39 becomes law, Vermont legislators who live in Montpelier during the session would receive salary and benefit compensation valued at about $52,000 beginning in 2025, $54,000 in 2026, and $56,000 in 2027. Those who live at home and commute would receive about $4500 less.

All estimates assume an 18-week session. The health care benefit assumes a state-paid monthly premium of $1000 – the actual figure is likely higher but VDC was not able to establish it before today’s deadline. 

S.39 provides weekly salaries ($811 at present) for all House and Senate members during the 18-20 week Legislative Session:

for 2025, $1,000/week/18 weeks: $18,000.

for 2026, $1,100/week/18 weeks: $19,800. 

For 2027, $1,210/week/18 weeks: $21,780.

The following proposed pay/benefits are in addition to the weekly base pay referenced above. The figures provided are VDC estimates.

Health insurance benefits – legislators would be eligible for the same health care benefits now enjoyed by State of Vermont executive branch employees. Starts 2024. Currently they do not receive the state health insurance benefits.  – $12,000

Adjournment Pay – when out-of-session, lawmakers would receive weekly pay one-fifth of the in-session pay ($242/week). At present, they do not receive adjournment pay. Lawmakers are paid a per-diem for non-session committee and summer study work. – $6800

Mileage reimbursement – for lawmakers living at home, travel from home to the Capitol at the federal mileage reimbursement rate (currently 65.5 cents/mile, likely to rise or fall annually). This is also a current benefit. Based on an 80-mile (40 miles each way) round trip, four days a week, for 18 weeks. – $3773

Lodging reimbursement or allowance – Lawmakers not living at home would elect either actual lodging reimbursement or the federally-established government lodging allowance for Montpelier, Vermont – which is currently $127/day, likely to rise or fall annually. This is a current benefit.  – $9144

Meals reimbursement or allowance – Lawmakers would elect either actual meals reimbursement or the federally-established government meals allowance for Montpelier, Vermont – which is currently $69/day, likely to rise or fall annually. This is a current benefit.  – $4968

Childcare/eldercare – Each lawmaker with $75K or less of household income will receive up to $1600/year for necessary childcare or eldercare. At present, lawmakers do not receive any childcare/eldercare benefit. – $1600

Total annual estimated pay/benefit value in addition to base in-session weekly pay: $38,285.

Other S.39 proposed lawmaker compensations were either not eligible to all or were uncertain to be used, and therefore are listed separately:

Professional development out-of-state – Lawmakers would receive a per-diem (pro-rated from weekly salary) for attending out-of-state professional development and other duties. 

Parking – A member who attests that physical limitations make it difficult or impractical  to walk from lodging to the State House may receive reimbursement for actual costs incurred for overnight parking. 

Orientation pay for members-elect – Each newly-elected non-incumbent will be paid a per diem based on lawmakers’ weekly pay for attending new member orientation, usually held in December. 

Death pay – The estate of a deceased member will receive the entire pay of the two-week period in which the member died. 

Special Session per diem – pay a per diem (daily) rate equal to one-fifth of the weekly pay: $200 in 20.

Legislative leave of absence – Employers of lawmakers will be required to provide leaves of absence for lawmakers in pursuit of their legislative duties. Candidates must inform employers shortly after filing to run for office. 

Speaker of the House, Senate President pay hikes – the elected leaders of both chambers would receive about twice the pay of other lawmakers. 

S.39 was given final approval by the Senate last Friday and now will move over to the House. Gov. Phil Scott has said he would support it if it includes a 90-day session – which the Senate rejected in an amendment last week.