‘Tis the season…

Santa with his endless lists, and many others are busy this time of year getting ready for the upcoming holiday season. Likewise, Vermont legislators are also busy prepping for the new session, which begins Jan. 8. Newly elected representatives and senators attended a three-day orientation session last month at the State House and all new and returning members were recently invited to participate in a fiscal briefing. Additionally, many legislators are busy working with State House lawyers to draft various bills for introduction in January.

What is clear to most political observers is that there will be a marked difference in the ’25-’26 legislative biennium compared to the past two years. In the past biennium, the legislative majority enacted 12 laws by overriding vetoes by the governor. That is unlikely to happen again in the new session because of Republican gains in the Vermont House and Senate. For anything to pass in the coming session, there needs to be an agreement between the Democratic majority and Governor Scott, along with his Republican colleagues in the Legislature.

Reaching consensus on major bills is not always easy to achieve, especially given we all look at issues differently. However, there is some agreement on what the major priorities are:

Education financing – Candidates all heard the message of high property taxes. The perspectives and solutions vary, from raising other taxes to getting serious on reducing the cost of education, or some combination. To add to the challenge, many do not understand the education funding formula and even fewer can explain our current system of how education taxes relate to voter approved budgets.

Housing – We need more housing, period. Some regulatory changes were approved last year to help development in certain downtowns, but many rural areas face new Act 250 restrictions.

Public Safety – Increased crime, sometimes the result of other issues, such as addiction or mental health, will require additional focus at the State House.

Health Care – According to some reports, Vermont’s health insurance rates are among the highest. Coupled with ongoing friction between hospitals and the Green Mountain Care Board, health care will be on the front burner.

Affordability – The governor’s message of affordability throughout the summer and fall has certainly resonated with many voters. Every issue before the legislature will likely receive extra scrutiny as to how it impacts the cost of living in Vermont.

Meanwhile, legislative leadership positions are essentially set, except for a closely watched race for House Speaker. Current Speaker Jill Krowinski, D-Burlington, is being challenged by Rep. Laura Sibilia, I-Dover. With the Democrats still holding a strong majority in the Chamber, Krowinski holds the edge. However, Sibilia could attract some Democratic defectors, given her past support of several key climate initiatives along with some in the party disappointed with their losses at the polls. And Sibilia is not from Burlington. The election for Speaker will be done on the first day of the new session by secret ballot. At this writing, it is unclear who House Republicans may prefer for the position. 

To win the post you need 76 votes if all 150 members are present. In the Senate, Phil Baruth, D-Chittenden Central, is expected to be re-elected as Senate President pro-tem.

In other news this past week:

The House Republicans plan to introduce legislation to repeal Act 18, the Clean Heat Standard. The legislation, while still needing approval of the regulations to fully implement it, is estimated to dramatically increase the cost of heating fuels in Vermont.

The Vermont Human Rights Commission, an independent body that focuses on enforcing discrimination violations, is seeking to double its staff and budget, which may be difficult in a tight budget environment.

In closing, I want to extend my best wishes for a joyous, healthy and safe holiday season! Regular updates will resume with the new legislative session in January.

Jim Harrison is the state representative for Chittenden, Killington, Mendon, and Pittsfield. He can be reached at JHarrison@leg.state.vt.us.