![]() April was a concerning $43 million behind (and over $100 million behind last April), which could be a warning that the economic conditions in Vermont may already be slowing down.īudget conferees hope to reach agreement on a package by midweek, which would pave the way for adjournment by this coming weekend. For the third month in a row, personal income tax receipts were trailing the revenue forecast for the state. The House version of the bill is looking at $85 million in tax increases next year and over $200 million by FY30.Īnd speaking of income taxes. Meanwhile, the governor is not a fan of either and prefers to increase subsidies with the $50 million he proposed in his budget. Early this week we may have clarity on what tax package wins out. The House wants personal income and corporate tax increases, while the Senate favors a new payroll tax. Taking it off the table clears the way for both chambers to pass a major childcare initiative, S.56, this week. Scott also disapproved of the new payroll tax that was included in the bill. ![]() Last week, Speaker Krowinski took H.66, family leave, off the table for this session, not seeing a path forward with the Senate. An important agreement was reached last week on some temporary relief from Act 250 for certain housing developments, which may now pave the way for easy passage. While many are routine, like ones coming back from the Senate with slight changes, some are significant, like S.100, the session’s marquee housing legislation. On Monday, May 8, there were no less than 20 bills on the House agenda. The pace at the end of the session also ramps up a notch. However, given the much public opposition to the measure, the issue could become part of the 2024 campaign, as voters may want to know where their candidates stand on the bill’s final rule approval, which will happen early in the 2025 session. Unless some lawmakers change their vote, the bill will be enacted. Scott, as expected, vetoed the measure last Thursday, May 4. This week will likely see the first veto override of the session, when the Legislature takes up S.5, the Clean Heat bill. Up till now, leaders and the governor have agreed the program was unsustainable and needed to be phased out now that federal funding for the program has ended. Then, on Friday, May 5, a group of Democrat/Progressive lawmakers threatened to uphold a potential veto of the state budget, unless funding was added to continue the motel voucher program for homeless. That official was then acquitted by the Senate. The last time an elected official was impeached by the House was in 1976. Late last week the House Speaker held a press conference announcing the House would initiate an impeachment inquiry into the conduct of the Franklin County States Attorney and the Franklin County Sheriff. If you enjoy theater, you would like the final days of the legislative session.
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