On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Speaker Jill Krowinski and the Chairs of House Education and Ways and Means outlined the groundwork for the upcoming legislative session to address the rising property taxes and the future of public education in Vermont. Governor Scott issued the administration’s “December 1 Letter” which projected a property tax increase next year of 5.9%. The FY24 increase was 13.9%.
“Yesterday, we received the estimated property tax projection,” said Speaker Jill Krowinski. “While we are relieved to see a decrease from last year’s projection, the continued growth in our property taxes is unsustainable and unaffordable for Vermonters across the state. I look forward to working alongside the governor and hearing his plans. We agree that tough conversations and decisions are ahead, and it will only be possible if we work together.”
“We will be taking action this session with short- and long-term strategies,” said Speaker Krowinski. “There is not one policy change that will fix the problem before us. It will take a variety of changes to make a difference and we must be united in our mission to make sure that our public schools have the resources they need to support our kids, at a price that Vermonters can afford.”
Chair of House Education, Representative Peter Conlon, who was appointed to the Commission of the Future of Public Education, discussed the work of the Commission, which will include a report in late December with policy recommendations addressing cost containment and strategies for reducing the cost of education.
“The Commission’s report will include strong policy proposals, including strategies for class size management and addressing the rising costs of healthcare for schools,” said Rep. Conlon. “We are committed to ensuring that Vermont’s children receive the support they need while easing the burden on property taxpayers.”
Chair of House Ways and Means, Representative Emilie Kornheiser, who serves on the Education Finance subcommittee on the Commission, emphasized the need for continued collaboration as the Legislature works towards reform.
“This is not a one-size-fits-all issue, and we’re going to need to move forward with a slew of meaningful policy reforms,” said Rep. Kornheiser. “We need to continue learning from the lessons of previous reform efforts. It has taken us 30 years to get to this point, and we’re going to continue learning from our past and diving deep into what’s possible right now, in this moment of crisis, for so many children across our state. It’s going to be a significant undertaking … to make sure that we can have the quality education that all of our kids deserve at a price that Vermonters can afford.”
House Democratic leadership said they remain committed to working with the governor, stakeholders, and communities across the state to ensure that public education remains strong and that the cost of education does not continue to burden taxpayers. The focus is on meaningful, sustainable solutions for Vermont.
