Sen. Scott Beck addresses the press Wednesday on the State House steps
By VDC staff
Vermont Republicans Wednesday unveiled Vermont Promise, a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on making Vermont more affordable, strengthening the economy, and creating opportunities for families, workers, farmers, retirees, and small businesses, Sen. Scott Beck said in a statement.
Republicans are the minority in the Vermont Legislature. However, if the GOP picks up seats (as it did in 2024), they would then assume the leadership of the General Assembly. With their hoped-for re-election of Gov. Phil Scott, they would be in the position to enact the legislation they called for Wednesday.
In addition to making progress on affordability issues, securing a majority would go far to allow for a constitutional amendment allowing judges to impose bail more broadly. At present, the Vermont Constitution limits the conditions on which a suspect may be held without bail, he said.
Beck noted that for three decades, rising taxes, expanding regulations, and government spending increasing at about twice the rate of inflation have made it too difficult for Vermonters to succeed. Too many young people are leaving the state in search of opportunity, while shrinking school enrollment, workforce shortages, and increasing healthcare costs continue to strain communities across Vermont.
“These consequences are real, interconnected, and predictable,” Beck said.
In 2024, Vermonters demanded a different direction by significantly increasing Republican representation in both the Senate and House. Working together, Republicans blocked new taxes, limited education property tax increases, expanded tax relief for families, Social Security recipients, and military retirees, repealed burdensome regulations, and stopped implementation of the Clean Heat Standard.
“Vermont Promise is a commitment to put affordability first and restore opportunity across our state,” Sen. Scott Beck said. “Vermont cannot tax and regulate its way to prosperity. It’s time for policies that help families keep more of what they earn, encourage businesses to invest and create jobs, expand housing, lower healthcare costs, strengthen agriculture, and ensure rural communities have a stronger voice.”
If entrusted with legislative majorities in 2027, Vermont Republicans will pursue a comprehensive affordability agenda that includes:
- $250 million in income tax relief and significant education property tax reductions.
- More affordable healthcare through increased competition, regulatory reform, and greater insurance choices.
- Expanded housing by reducing regulatory barriers and accelerating construction and rehabilitation.
- Economic growth and rural revitalization by supporting farmers, forestry, small businesses, and job creation.
- Fully funding roads and bridges to rebuild critical transportation infrastructure.
- Affordable energy policies that encourage voluntary innovation and lower emissions without costly mandates.
- Safer communities by strengthening accountability and reforming Vermont’s bail system.
Beck added, “Our promise is to listen, lead with integrity, and measure success by one standard: whether life is becoming more affordable and opportunities are expanding for Vermonters. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Vermont for this generation and the next.”
