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by Rep. Jim Harrison
It is clear to most political observers is that there will be a marked difference in the ’25-’26 legislative biennium compared to the past two years.
In the past biennium, the legislative majority enacted twelve laws by overriding vetoes by the Governor. That is unlikely to happen again in the new session because of Republican gains in the Vermont House and Senate. For anything to pass in the coming session, there needs to be an agreement between the Democratic majority and Governor Scott, along with his Republican colleagues in the legislature.
Reaching consensus on major bills is not always easy to achieve, especially given we all look at issues differently. However, there is some agreement on what the major priorities are:
Education financing – Candidates all heard the message of high property taxes. The perspectives and solutions vary, from raising other taxes to getting serious on reducing the cost of education, or some combination. To add to the challenge, many do not understand the education funding formula and even fewer can explain our current system of how education taxes relate to voter approved budgets.
Housing – We need more housing, period. Some regulatory changes were approved last year to help development in certain downtowns, but many rural areas face new Act 250 restrictions.
Public Safety – Increased crime, sometimes the result of other issues, such as addiction or mental health, will require additional focus at the State House.
Health Care – According to some reports, Vermont’s health insurance rates are among the highest. Coupled with ongoing friction between hospitals and the Green Mountain Care Board, health care will be on the front burner.
Affordability – The Governor’s message of affordability throughout the summer and fall has certainly resonated with many voters. Every issue before the legislature will likely receive extra scrutiny as to how it impacts the cost of living in Vermont.
Meanwhile, legislative leadership positions are essentially set, except for a closely watched race for House Speaker. Current Speaker Jill Krowinski, D-Burlington, is being challenged by Rep. Laura Sibilia, I-Dover.
With the Democrats still holding a strong majority in the Chamber, Krowinski holds the edge. However, Sibilia could attract some Democratic defectors, given her past support of several key climate initiatives along with some in the party disappointed with their losses at the polls. And Sibilia is not from Burlington.
The election for Speaker will be done on the first day of the new session by secret ballot. At this writing, it is unclear who House Republicans may prefer for the position. To win the post you need 76 votes if all 150 members are present.
In the Senate, Phil Baruth, D-Chittenden Central, is expected to be re-elected as Senate President Pro-Temp.
In other news this past week:
The House Republicans plan to introduce legislation to repeal Act 18, the Clean Heat Standard. The legislation, while still needing approval of the regulations to fully implement it, is estimated to dramatically increase the cost of heating fuels in Vermont.
The Vermont Human Rights Commission, an independent body that focuses on enforcing discrimination violations, is seeking to double its staff and budget, which may be difficult in a tight budget environment.
Other News:
In the November elections, Republicans gained about 50 seats in the nation’s State Houses (out of a total of 7,386), which is a relatively small shift overall. It is interesting to note that half of that gain came from Vermont (19 representatives and 6 senators).
Governor Scott has reappointed Zoie Sanders as Secretary of Education. Sanders’s initial appointment was rejected by the Senate last spring, in part due to opposition by various education groups because of her prior work experience included a charter school network.
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Categories: Commentary
Re: “The House Republicans plan to introduce legislation to repeal Act 18,…”
Yawn. Of course VT Republicans will introduce this legislation. It’s a classic CYB position. Then they’ll negotiate and a slightly watered down version will go to Gov. Scott.
Otherwise, contrary to the headline, there’s nothing new here at all.
What is the difference between Krowinski and Sibilia? Aren’t they both Far Left Marxist/Democrats? Does it matter which one becomes the House Speaker?
I Hope Republicans are very serious about repealing Act 18. The Bill is ridiculous. I also Hope Republicans will consider appealing the GWSA Bill passed in 2020. Lots of money could be saved if they do just by disbanding all the paid committee members these two Bills have in place.
Since the State of Vermont is the highest employer in the State of Vermont, wouldn’t it be great if the Republicans put together a “Department of Government Efficiency” and worked to find ways to shrink Vermont’s Bloated Government? One can Hope ……..
VT has been sold down the river. The previous legislature, including many facets of the VT government and NGO’s orchestrated and completed their task of sealing the deal to cement the disastrous “un”clean heat standard (among other damaging bills), to keep them all in place. The governor is onboard with the climate scam, make no mistake about that (i.e. member in the Climate Alliance). The Republicans do not have the majority, unfortunately, to change course in a meaningful way. What needs to be done is to completely stop the flow of federal money to VT. VT is a government state, not a private business, citizen friendly state. Everyone knows what VT really is. The main stream media is not doing a job of pure journalism. The people need to know and have a right to know the Truth.
Republicans need to give up their free meal ticket and lead by example. If i can not afford food, then i can not pay your food bill.
Hmmm, keep hearing about how there is not enough housing for all the free loaders.
Well , lets make it harder to be a landlord. That should fix the problem
Vermont needs more housing? Again, for whom?? The illegal aliens need to and are scheduled to go back. As far as the homeless & drug addicted, I DON’T want them in my town for more than obvious reasons – like: BURLINGTON. Like: MONTPELIER.
Only the addicted and homeless can possibly make the choice to become sober and be productive, and recidivism rates are extremely high. Therefore, no, I don’t want them in my neighborhood, my town, or my state.
They made their beds. Now lie in it. Or, take the actions needed to get off drugs, pay for it yourself, retain employment, and come back when you are all done with a mortgage-approval letter from a bank like most did.
And if you cannot afford Vermont? Try another state like NJ, NY, CT, etc. where housing is WAY higher!!!
Vermont isn’t a Communist combine. And it shouldn’t be your welfare state.
Stop perpetrating these fallacies of needing more “affordable” housing and stop IGNORING the fact that Vt. had the greatest proportion of INSURED residents until very recently. People could afford insurance until Biden took office???? What a mere coincidence.
Healthcare here wasn’t an issue until YOU politicians made it so! Now everyone wants a FREEBIE.
Just NO. NO to more freebies and NO to socialized medicine!!!!!!!!!
When do we hear the Republicans acknowledge that H.831 the so-called “Housing & Act 250 Reforms” is in the largest part Statewide Zoning by faceless mapping and enforcement by unelected stat bureaucrats? When will the Republican leadership commit to repeal!?
When do we hear the Republicans acknowledge that H.831 the so-called “Housing & Act 250 Reforms” is in the largest part Statewide Zoning by faceless mapping and enforcement by unelected stat bureaucrats? When will the Republican leadership commit to repeal!?