Won’t support Trump even if friend Doug Burgum is the VP
By Guy Page
Gov. Phil Scott said will veto H.887, the education funding ‘yield’ bill, he said at a press conference today, Wednesday May 15. He promised to offer new solutions to the $200 million funding shortfall that led to the bill’s 13.8% property tax increase and the creation of two other new forms of taxation.
Scott also criticized the Legislature’s last-minute rush to pass legislation, which he called “unprecedented.”
Of the more than 100 bills passed during the 2024 session, 60 passed in the last week – and 39 on the last day.
Gov. Scott said the 11th-hour push bodes poorly for legislators’ comprehension of the bills’ content and impact. He intends to write numerous letters of constructive feedback on some bills, regardless of whether he signs, vetoes or lets them pass into law without his signature.
“I question whether those passing them had read them, much less understood the ramifications,” Scott said.
“You can expect more letters than usual,” Scott said.
Scott said he’s “50/50” on vetoing H.687, the Act 250 reform bill. He expressed concern about its impact on much-needed development of rural housing.
Scott was asked why he opted to run for re-election, and why he’s attending the state convention May 18. “Somebody needs to be there to be the voice of Vermonters,” Scott said. Scott said he’s planning to speak at the GOP state convention Saturday in part because Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota is speaking. He likes Burgum personally and also his ideas on carbon sequestering and drug treatment.
Wil Burgum’s recent support for Trump outside a New York courthouse bring criticism on Scott?
“I’ve been very clear, I’ve not been a Trump supporter. Even if my good friend Doug Burgum becomes the VP, I won’t support the ticket,” Scott said.
Scott also said “there must be a dozen Democrats” not running for re-election in the House. He said he hopes some Democrats who voted with the supermajority position on bills he opposes can be replaced with moderate Democrats and Republicans.