Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders and Tax Commissioner Craig Bolio shared an overview of the administration’s proposal for reforming Vermont’s education system with the Legislature. While many questions remain regarding the details, it is safe to say the plan represents the most significant change to education governance and finance in decades.
There will undoubtedly be a wide divergence of opinions among various stakeholders on various aspects of the reforms. Belt in!
Some elements of the plan include:
Reduce approximately 120 school districts to just five.
One elected school board for each of the five districts, but with the addition of new local advisory councils.
A change to a foundation formula where every district receives the same funding per student adjusted for certain items such as non-English learners.
A single statewide education property tax rate for homestead and non-homestead property.
Income-eligible homesteads can file to exempt a portion of their home value from the statewide education property tax.
Communities may choose to raise limited additional funds, and a state guarantee would equalize each district’s ability to raise revenue up to a capped amount.
Strengthen state oversight to ensure quality education and efficient use of resources.
Define average school and class size minimums and maximums.
Standardize graduation requirements for all districts.
There are many more questions than answers at this point. However, there appears to be a growing acknowledgment inside the State House that although changes will not be easy, we need to move forward with a program to lower overall costs (and resultant property taxes) and improve student outcomes.
Following the Scott administration’s education transformation proposal to the General Assembly, House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Senate President pro tem Phil Baruth issued the following statement: “We thank the governor for bringing forward a proposal to transform Vermont’s public education system, and we look forward to working together throughout the session. The Legislature and the governor are aligned in the belief that we must take on the serious task of transforming our education system so all Vermont kids have the opportunity to thrive.”
It is too early to know what the final plan will look like as the Legislature is sure to make some adjustments, but it appears there is an appetite for some bold and transformative changes this session.
Other issues of interest:
State economists increased their revenue forecast for the state, indicating their view of a continued strong economy. (See story, page 7).
Governor Scott used his weekly press conference Jan. 22 to propose easing regulations to encourage more housing development throughout the state. He indicated that Vermont needs 41,000 additional rental and owner-occupied units over the next five years.
The proposal to phase out the Vermont tax on Social Security benefits, with Rep. Noyes, D-Wolcott, and I, along with 60 bipartisan co-sponsors, was introduced Friday (H.74). If approved, Vermont would eventually join 41 states that do not tax those benefits. AARP is expressing support for the bill. (See story, page 8).
Sen. Collamore, R-Rutland, introduced S.21, a bill to exempt veteran pensions from the Vermont income tax, with 21 co-sponsors (over half of the Senate). Rep. Bill Canfield, R-Fair Haven, introduced a similar bill in the House with nearly half of the members as co-sponsors.
H.52, a bill to remove the suit provision of Vermont’s Global Warming Solutions Act, was introduced by Rep. Morris, D-Springfield, Rep. Lipsky, I-Stowe, and me. I have always believed that elected officials should be accountable to the voters on this issue and not leave GWSA enforcement to lawyers and the courts. If voters do not believe we are doing enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they can un-elect us and/or the governor every two years.
The House Appropriations Committee is expected to advance the annual mid-year budget adjustment bill in the coming week. One potential sticking point could be the Human Services Committee’s proposal to extend the winter rules for the hotel voucher program, which is currently scheduled to expire on April 1.
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. the governor will address a joint session of the House and Senate to deliver his annual budget address, which will outline his plans for the state’s fiscal year, beginning on July 1.
Other news
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Border Patrol Agent David Maland and former Vermont Governor Tom Salmon.
Attorney General Charity Clark announced that a bipartisan coalition of states and other parties have reached a $7.4 billion settlement in principle with members of the Sackler family and their company, Purdue Pharma, Inc., for their role in creating the opioid crisis. Vermont’s share, which will be set aside for drug addiction treatment, is expected to total $22 million.
Treasurer Mike Pieciak has proposed a plan to eliminate $100 million of medical debt with a payment of $1 million, which he suggests coming out of state funds previously appropriated to pay down Vermont bonds. He also recommends removing adverse information resulting from the medical debt from a consumer credit report. The proposal needs legislative approval. (See story, page 8).
Mendon Town Clerk Jesse Bridge was appointed to the Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas’s town clerk advisory committee. The group will meet monthly to discuss and address the interests of Vermont’s town clerks, who play an essential role in the functioning of Vermont’s municipalities.
Jim Harrison is the state representative for Chittenden, Killington, Mendon, and Pittsfield. He can be reached at JHarrison@leg.state.vt.us.
