MONTPELIER – Vermont’s annual Education Tax Letter was released today by the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Taxes. This year’s letter projects an average tax bill increase of 5.9% next year. This is on top of this year’s 13.9% increase. The average Vermonters education property tax will have increased by one-third over the past three years if today’s projection holds.
For many years, Vermont Pre-K to 12 spending increases have far surpassed Vermont’s tax base, inflation, and wage and economic growth. Vermont’s total spending on Pre-K to 12 education next year is projected to increase 6% to $2.44B. This does not include Vermont’s Agency of Education, which is paid for by the General Fund. District education spending is projected to increase by 5.4% next year, the three-year growth has been 26.5%.
Vermonters clearly voiced their opposition to increasing education property tax rates in the most recent election and House and Senate Republicans are committed to working with Gov. Scott’s administration, and our legislative colleagues to reform the Education Fund so that it is transparent, understandable to Vermonters and establishes a closer connection between district spending decisions and local tax rates.
Some have proposed that education tax increases can be averted by simply dedicating additional revenue to the Education Fund or cost-shifting. Others believe if we craft a correct system of penalties and thresholds, the problem can be solved. We strongly disagree with such thinking and will oppose plans that do not include fundamental systemic reform to the Education Fund.
House and Senate Republicans are resolved to do our part to ensure Vermont children receive an excellent education at a price Vermont taxpayers can afford. We look forward to working with Gov. Scott’s administration and our legislative colleagues to provide tax relief for Vermonters.
Sen.-elect Scott Beck is the Vermont Senate Republican Leader and Rep. Pattie McCoy is the Vermont House Republican Leader.
