School reform, federal budget cuts could keep Legislature in session into June
By Austin Davis, Lake Champlain Chamber
In a typical year, adjournment would be about four weeks away; however, this is not a typical year.
Legislative leadership reaffirmed their aim to adjourn by the end of May, despite rumors that the session could go into June.
A veto session is already scheduled for June 16-17.
The Senate received and began reviewing the education transformation bill passed by the House on Friday, and they feel they have a lot of work ahead of them to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate’s wishes, while simultaneously closing the gap with the Governor’s desired bill.
The passage of the education transformation bill left no one with a sense of elation, as most felt that it was a vehicle for change that could keep the conversation moving forward, rather than a final comprehensive draft.
Reminder, the Governor has signaled that he will not let the Legislature leave until they have passed an education transformation bill he approves.
This isn’t the only thing that could keep them here longer.
In the background are potential federal budget cuts. And the Governor and the Legislature have an ongoing dispute over the voucher program for those experiencing homelessness, and many would like to see this legislative session end with further advancement on enabling housing production.