by Guy Page
On May 31, Governor Scott today returned without signature and vetoed S.39, raising pay and benefits for the Vermont Legislature.
S.39 was approved shortly before adjournment this month. It would boost the current $811/week pay to $1000 in 2025, $1100 in 2026, and $1210 in 2027. It also includes rooms and meals compensation, professional development reinbursement, adjournment pay, and state employee-level health care benefits for the Legislature. The combined compensation totals about $50,000/year.
Scott provided this explanation to the Legislature:
“I’m returning S.39, An act relating to compensation and benefits for members of the Vermont General Assembly, without my signature because of my objections described herein. This year, the General Assembly passed several pieces of legislation that will significantly increase costs for Vermonters through new and higher taxes, fees, and penalties. In my opinion, it does not seem fair for legislators to insulate themselves from the very costs they are imposing on their constituents by doubling their own future pay.”
Today, Scott signed four bills into law:
- S.17, An act relating to sheriff reforms
- S.48, An act relating to regulating the sale of catalytic converters
- S.95, An act relating to banking and insurance
- S.112, An act relating to miscellaneous subjects related to the Public Utility Commission
A June 20-22 veto override special session of the Legislature has been scheduled. The state budget and underage voting in Brattleboro will be among the other candidates for an override.