Staff Report
When the first day of a special session of the Vermont Legislature drew to a close on Wednesday, the governor and lawmakers remained miles apart on key issues such as the state budget and tax bills.
Gov. Phil Scott’s proposal to use $34 million in one-time money to buy down property tax rates remains a major sticking point in the debate.
That proposal is meant to avoid an increase in statewide property taxes, the governor says. However, legislative leaders have called the plan misguided, saying it amounted to deficit spending, according to news reports.
The $34 million in one-time funds come from Vermont’s share of settlements between the federal government and the tobacco industry and Volkswagon (for cheating on diesel emissions tests).
On Wednesday, the Scott Administration presented materials to multiple committees in the House and Senate, according to an announcement from the governor’s office.
The special session kicked off one day after Scott vetoed the paid family leave and minimum wage bills – two proposals that were major priorities of the Democratic majority of the Legislature.
Stay tuned for updates to this story online, and also in our upcoming June 1 print and e-edition.