MONTPELIER – The legislative session is nearing the end, although it is running later than normal. The budget bill has passed the House and Senate and has been sent to the Governor for signature. The budget shows approximately a 4% increase in spending. Although it is an increase, it is still significantly less than in years past and what was originally proposed for this year. A piece of the budget important to area schools is it includes funding for PCB remediation.
Senate bill S.51, is a bill enhancing earned income tax credits, social security tax credits and creating a Vermont Veteran tax credit. This bill also exempts military retirement and survivor benefits from state income tax. Although it isn’t a full exemption as was originally proposed, the exemption will cover about 70% of military retirees and survivors in Vermont. The bill passed the House of Representatives and was sent back to the Senate where it currently sits.
The education bill is just completing its journey in the Senate and would be back to the House this week. I do not expect this to be done quickly, nor should it be. It is difficult to say what will end up happening. More than likely, this bill will end up going to a committee of conference prior to being voted on.
There have been attempts to deal with the clean heat standard. These attempts continue to be blocked. There is no desire to address the concerns of so many Vermonters. The ability to recognize when something isn’t right for Vermont and to work to come up with a solution that does, is out of reach for many in the House of Representatives and Senate. Unfortunately, it does not look like this will be dealt with unless there is a willingness to do so by the majority.
Michael Southworth represents the Caledonia-2 District, which includes the towns of Hardwick, Stannard and Walden
