By Guy Page
Gov. Phil Scott is ‘leaning towards voting no’ on his local school budget, he said at a press conference today.
Asked by Vermont Public reporter Pete Hirschfeld how he plans to vote on his local school budget, Scott, a Berlin resident, said taxes will add almost $1,000 for a $200,000 home. (Scott’s own home is listed at $339,000, Berlin town officials told VDC. If true, his increase will be $1,556.) “That’s substantial,” he said.
“I haven’t done my homework yet,” the governor hedged, promising to do so before he makes his decision. “But it’s a significant increase….I’m leaning towards voting against it.”
Urges spending restraint
Scott noted the flood of new costs Montpelier is imposing on Vermonters, including:
- 20% increase in DMV fees
- $100 million child care tax
- Clean Heat Standard (Cost unknown but expected to be high)
- $200 million statewide property tax increase, which he called a “disaster”
“We have to separate want from need. We have to be realistic,” the governor said. “More than what you fund and what you don’t. It’s about priorities…..legislators shouldn’t be promising without a plan (to pay for it).
“I will continue to have your back and advocate for fiscal discipline,” Scott urged Town Meeting voters through his speech. “Your voice matters, so please use it.”
Defends $1 billion pricetag of grid upgrade
Responding to a reporter’s skepticism about the Vermont Department of Public Service estimate of $1 billion to upgrade the electricity grid to accommodate 100% renewable instate power, Gov. Scott called on DPS official TJ Poor to explain the estimate. He said the estimate followed an 18 month process of studying data and discussing impacts with stakeholders.
Sees homeless hotel room rates going down
Gov. Scott said the State of Vermont may be able to extend the homeless hotel program through June 30 if negotiations to reduce per-night room payments bear fruit.
Scott confirmed the State is seeking to lock in an $80/night payment. More and more motel owners are realizing that the lower payments will become the new reality, he said.
The Legislature will have its say but Scott said he expects the lower rates to pass in legislation.
Sees state official DUIs as ‘one-offs’
VDC asked Governor Scott: “We’ve seen a state’s attorney and a legislator arrested for DUI and your Dept. of Health emergency services chief suspended and under investigation for drinking. Is this indicative of the added stress public officials are under, and if so what are those added stressors and what can be done about it?”
Everyone has to adhere to the law,” Scott said. “…..It’s unfortunate that [the DUIs] happened. We see this time and again. It doesn’t seem to matter who you are, your social economic background, or what title you have. I’m hoping these are just one-offs,” he said.