Last Monday the Vermont Legislature reconvened to override six out of the seven gubernatorial vetoes issued since the regular session ended a month ago. Clearly the Democratic supermajority in the legislature and Governor Scott are not on the same page and see such issues as affordability differently.
Among the bills overridden were ones increasing the statewide property tax, a measure that will increase electric rates, and another expanding the role of Act 250 (Vermont’s land use law). In a clear sign that Scott is not going to accept the veto overrides sitting down, he called out legislative leaders and the supermajority as “arrogant” for their approach adding new costs onto Vermonters and their unwillingness to meet him somewhere in the middle. At one point in his press conference following Monday’s special override session, he even likened the Vermont Legislature to Congress, where it seems to be all about partisan politics, which a reporter labeled as the ultimate insult.
The bills enacted via veto overrides last week include:
H.887 – Property tax rates to fund education
The bill establishes an average statewide homestead property tax rate increase of 13.8%. Actual rates will vary depending on a school district’s per student spending and a town’s CLA (common level of appraisal). For example, Killington homestead education taxes are estimated to increase 29%, Chittenden 24% and Mendon 22%. The governor advocated using reserve funds to lower the rates, while legislative leaders said that was fiscally irresponsible. He also asked them to consider returning to providing need-based school meals, rather than making them universal, which again was not received well by leaders. And to be fair, the Legislature also used one-time funds to lower tax rates, which could potentially create problems for next year’s increase when surplus funds may not be available.
H.289 – The Renewable Energy Standard bill
Scott objects to the additional hundreds of millions it will add to Vermonter’s electric rates over the coming decade. His administration offered a plan to achieve the same air quality outcome at a much lower cost but it was not considered by the Legislature.
H.72 – Safe Injection Sites
The measure establishes an injection site in Burlington. Opponents of the measure question the advisability of providing a haven for illegal drug use and diverting resources from other treatment options, while proponents believe it will save lives lost to overdoses.
H.687 – Land conservation and Housing
The bill expands the role of Act 250 in rural areas, but also allows some temporary exemptions for housing developments in downtown areas. Some called it a balanced approach, but the governor objected to the expanded focus on conservation, which he fears will make it more difficult to meet the state’s housing needs going forward. Suggestions for further compromise by the administration were ignored.
H.645 – The expansion of approaches to restorative justice
The bill as passed expands the role of the Attorney General’s Office yet does not provide funding for additional restorative justice initiatives. AG Clark indicated she plans to ask for funding when the Legislature returns in January.
H.706 – Banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides
The legislation is modeled after a similar law in New York State, which bans the use of neonicotinoid treated seeds by 2029 (other uses of the pesticide are banned in 2025). The administration believes the bill could have negative impacts on farmers, who rely on these treated seeds for their corn crops. They also argue that the bee populations are rebounding and question the impact of the pesticide.
The Senate failed to override one bill and the governor’s veto stands: H.121 – Enhancing consumer privacy and the age-appropriate design code.
The legislation would have regulated consumer online information and how it could be utilized. Vermont’s bill went further than other states prompting concern from many businesses.
At the conclusion of Monday’s session, the Legislature adjourned sine die, which means the ’23-’24 biennium is officially over unless the governor calls the Legislature back for a special session. Lawmakers elected this fall will convene a new session next January.
In the meantime, the political season will be in full swing. Scott, almost a sure bet for re-election, will be campaigning to add more balance in the Legislature next year. In his view, we can’t afford more of the same, no willingness to compromise and no focus on affordability, something he believes the supermajority hasn’t set as a priority.
As I have indicated before, I am a candidate for re-election and hope to be part of the balance at the State House, if returned.
On a different note, I would like to extend a thank you to the 90+ volunteers from the area who helped at last week’s American Junior Golf Association tournament at Green Mountain National. It attracted some of the best young golfers from around the country as well as the world to Killington.
Thank you for your continued interest in my periodic updates and issues at the State House.
Jim Harrison is the state representative for Chittenden, Killington, Mendon, and Pittsfield. He can be reached at JHarrison@leg.state.vt.us or harrisonforvermont.com.
