By Guy Page
Gov. Phil Scott on May 27 signed into law H697, a controversial bill giving tax breaks for woodland owners who agree to not log or develop their land.
Supporters say ‘old forest’ management practices benefit wildlife, climate, and the trees themselves. However, the Vermont wood forest products industry says the practices not only will harm their industry, but will result in less healthy trees because ‘unmanaged’ forests often result in disease and pest proliferation. Also, wood products ‘sequester’ carbon by converting wood into furniture and other usable products that last for years, capturing inside them the CO2 consumed by the trees from which they came.
Scott Also signed H.517, providing educational benefits for members of the military and their families and expanding eligibility for election to serve as Adjutant and Inspector General. He offered this written statement:
“Whenever we have the opportunity to support those who devote themselves to protecting our state and nation, we should take it. This bill takes important steps to benefit members of our National Guard, building on progress we made several years ago, while also helping their family members. Increasing and extending the National Guard Tuition Benefit Program will bolster recruitment efforts and make Vermont a more attractive place for those seeking to serve Vermont and their country.”
Scott also signed:
H.515, banking, insurance, and securities
H.533, forfeited property disposition and a study assessing civil and criminal seizure and forfeiture of property in drug-related offenses
H.546, racial justice statistics
H.551, prohibiting racially and religiously restrictive covenants in deeds
H.559, workers’ compensation
H.626, the sale, use, or application of neonicotinoid pesticides
When signing H.510, a tax relief bill, Governor Scott said:
“Tax relief has always been my priority, but instead I’ve had to resort to preventing efforts to raise taxes over the last six years, so I’m encouraged the Legislature agreed with me this session that Vermonters need a break. Although the proposals I put forward would have helped a broader cross section of taxpayers, such as working families, low-income households, seniors on fixed incomes and students, while also helping to recruit and retain needed workers, and more, this bill is a step in the right direction. As Governor, I will continue to push for broader tax relief in the future, while pushing back against attempts to increase the already high cost of living in Vermont.”