The last few weeks of the legislative session often contain a bit of theater, eureka moments, surprises, and just plain old disagreements. With the legislature scheduled to adjourn on May 10, the next two weeks could prove interesting. Major legislation, such as the state budget, education property tax rates, higher electric costs related to the renewable energy standard, safe injection sites, Act 250 changes and housing initiatives are in various stages of passage with differences still needing to be resolved.
On Friday, April 26, the House disagreed with the Senate version of the state budget, H.883, and sent the measure to a conference committee of three House and three Senate members to work out the differences. Conferees need to be cognizant of concerns the governor may have or risk a veto. Last year the Legislature enacted its own budget by overriding Scott’s veto, which he felt increased spending too much.
The Senate version of the budget includes a new streaming tax and increases on registration fees on securities, such as mutual funds. It also caps the number of rooms allowed for the hotel voucher program; a provision opposed by advocates for the homeless. It adds new positions in the Judiciary to help with the criminal case backlog and 15 new positions in the Dept of Environmental Conservation to support the work in another bill, S.213, protection of river corridors.
Another bill approved by the Senate, S.258, is facing opposition from various hunting and fishing advocates. The legislation expands the Fish & Wildlife Board and makes it advisory to the commissioner. It also bans hunting coyotes with dogs. Opponents of the measure fear that hunting and fishing rules could change every time there is a new commissioner, as is usually the case when there is a change in administration.
Given the large group of Vermonters that showed up at the State House last Thursday to protest increased property taxes, the renewable energy bill as well as the proposed change in the Fish & Wildlife Board, a smooth finish to the session is not likely.
The end of the two-year legislative biennium is also wrought with political news. News of who is seeking re-election (or not) or opting for a higher office begins to emerge. Late on Friday, the potential candidacy for Governor by Howard Dean was being speculated. Dean, who was Vermont’s Governor 30 years ago, could certainly make this year’s gubernatorial contest interesting.
Some issues of interest:
The House passed the education finance bill, H.887, which sets the statewide education property tax. The average homestead tax rate is estimated to increase by 15% and non-homestead by 18%. Those rates could go up or down depending on individual school spending and a town’s CLA (common level of appraisal). The governor has been critical of the House bill, which will now be considered by the Senate.
The full Senate will take up the confirmation of the Secretary of Education, Zoie Sanders. The Senate Education Committee voted 3-2 last week to recommend her confirmation. A close vote is expected. Many in the education lobby, including the NEA, oppose her confirmation.
The Vermont House approved S.209, which bans “ghost guns” (firearms without serial numbers) and bans firearms at polling locations during elections. The Senate will now consider the House changes to the bill.
The Senate Transportation Committee added a new $89 annual fee to electric vehicles to help with the cost of installing more charging stations. The new fee has been met with opposition from the Chair of the House Transportation Committee.
The House approved Proposal 3, a constitutional amendment guaranteeing workers the right to unionize, on a 129-8 vote. The measure will need to be approved by the legislature again in the next biennium and then by the voters in 2026.
The Senate approved legislation to ban neonicotinoid insecticides, believed to be harmful to bees. The ban is opposed by some farmers who fear availability and costs of replacements.
Congratulations to Wyatt Fitz-Gerald of Chittenden on his Eagle Scout recognition that was part of a State House resolution and ceremony honoring the 2023 recipients.
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.
