Your local Republican Committee works to show a way forward for Milton, create a prosperous and powerful party, and resist the march of the woke mob. But we only succeed as a team.
The Republican Party's actual power comes from the volunteers, contributors, activists, and affiliated groups who strive to advance our principles on a daily basis. It doesn't come from Washington, it doesn't come from Montpelier, and it sure doesn't come from multi-million dollar donors. The power is in You.
Town Meeting Day 2025 is Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Polls will be open 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Milton Municipal Building for legal voters of the Town of Milton to vote on the articles of business outlined in the 2025 Town Meeting Warnings from the Town and the School.
For more information, visit miltonvt.gov/vote
Join us Monday, March 3, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m. for a Town Meeting 2025 Public Information Hearing at the
Milton High School VT Library (17 Rebecca Lander Drive). You can participate in person or via Zoom at the following link: https://link.mtsd-vt.org/JointMeeting
Don Turner fulfilled the one singular requirement necessary in a mayor or town manager: He loved this town. He was Milton's biggest cheerleader. And he spent a lifetime serving and protecting its people.
HOUSE AND SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER JOINT STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO EDUCATION TAX LETTER
Montpelier, Vt. – 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 Pk-12 spending increases have far surpassed Vermont’s tax base, inflation, and wage and economic growth. Vermont’s total spending on Pk-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.
I am a Vermont state representative dedicated to common sense legislation and fostering open communication in our community.
Chris, a native Vermonter, moved to Milton 17 years ago when he and his wife, Jenn, purchased a home to raise their growing family. He was quickly impressed with the sense of community and support his family felt in Milton and started becoming involved by volunteering with organizations and at town events to help give back. Eventually, Chris also wanted to help in another capacity and decided to run for election to the Selectboard. He was subsequently elected in 2017 and is serving in his eighth year on the board.
Chris was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives in 2022 and was appointed to the House Education Committee. His years of dedication to local government coupled with his 7 years experience working in the Milton Elementary School strengthens his voice in decision making and Vermont education policy.
During his two-year tenure in Montpelier, Chris was appointed by the Speaker of the House to the School Construction Aid Task Force, assigned to a Conference Committee to negotiate the passing of H.204, an important literacy bill, and had the honor of being nominated by Governor Scott and recommended by House leadership to apply for The Council of State Governments Henry Toll Fellowship for leadership.
He is excited to continue to serve on the local level and looks forward to continuing to represent Milton and Georgia on the state level.
Creating a Vermont where everyone can thrive.
Problem: In recent years, the legislature has passed policies that have increased taxes and fees on everyday Vermonters through new payroll taxes and increased DMV and professional registration fees. In addition, some policies have unknown fiscal implications like the passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act and residential energy standards bills. These initiatives will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Solution: Continue to push back on increased spending while utilizing our current revenues in a thoughtful and fiscally responsible manner. The only solution should not be to continue to raise revenues.
Equitable support for our children, schools, and taxpayers.
Problem: With a looming average education property tax bill increase of 13.8%, the legislature must act on providing an education finance system that Vermonters can understand and afford. We need to more closely align local spending decisions to local tax rates. If we value local control, higher spending districts cannot continue to be subsidized by lower spending districts within the current system.
Solution: Create an education finance system that is more predictable for districts to craft their budgets and be understandable to voters. Crafting a new a baseline funding system determined by the legislature using non-residential and non-property tax revenues in the education fund, plus a homestead local spending tax rate determined by district spending decisions would create a more equitable system for towns across the state.
Safe communities where all can enjoy.
Problem: Decreased funding for law enforcement has been front and center for the last several years. In some areas, this has contributed to increased crime and decreased prevention. Many social influences impact public safety like addiction, homelessness, and addiction.
Solution: Fully support and fund law enforcement as a key to safe communities. Provide funding to allow for the timely processing of those who’ve committed a crime. Provide services for those who are most vulnerable.
HOUSING
Availability of housing for everyone’s needs.
Problem: Vermont’s housing stock is not sufficient for our population. With the high cost of housing and lack of inventory, housing is difficult to secure. Whether you’re renting, a first-time homebuyer or an owner of the same home for many years, the options for change are slim.
Solution: Work with public and private developers to increase the supply of housing. We need to increase the opportunities for renting and home ownership at all ages. Revitalizing Act 250 to be more predictable for developers will work to increase inventory while lowering costs to consumers. Thoughtful development in not just our city centers should be our focus so we can all thrive in our own communities.
Anthony "Tony" Micklus has deep roots in Vermont, having grown up in South Burlington. He graduated from South Burlington High School (SBHS) in 1987 before pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering at Champlain College.
In 2000, Tony moved to Milton, where he raised his three sons. He founded Information Technology Services, LLC, an IT consulting company, in 2004, showcasing his technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.
Tony’s commitment to his community began in earnest in 2008 when he joined the Milton Economic Development Commission. His dedication to local development continued with his involvement in the Milton Planning Commission starting in 2010. By 2018, Tony was representing Milton on the Regional Planning Commission, and in 2021, he was elected chair of the Milton Planning Commission.
Currently, Tony continues to work in IT consulting alongside one of his sons. He also contributes his expertise to the BHHS VT Realty Group's foreclosure division and partners with another son in an industrial rubber products distribution business. Tony’s extensive experience in both the private sector and community service makes him a well-rounded candidate for the Vermont State House of Representatives.
With his strong technical background and proven leadership, Tony is committed to bringing practical solutions and dedicated leadership to the issues facing Vermonters today.
"I am running to represent you in the state legislature, not special interests. I am concerned that if Vermonters cannot make changes in the legislature more people will need to move to states that are more affordable. I would like the opportunity to work with others that also want to bring affordability back to Vermont!
I am proud of my fiscally responsible track record as a selectboard member in Milton for 6 years and 9 years on the school board before that. This year I voted along with other members of the Milton selectboard for a municipal budget at less that 1% increase despite increased costs. That's the kind of thinking we need in Montpelier and if you vote for me I will not let you down."
Born and raised in Milton, Vermont, Leland Morgan graduated from Milton High School and The University of Vermont. A retired military officer from the Vermont Air National Guard, he has also worked as an educator and small business owner. Leland has been elected three times to the Vermont House of Representatives, is a member of the Milton Selectboard, and serves as a Justice of the Peace. He is an active member of the Board of Abatement, Milton Liquor Control Board, Milton Cannabis Control Board, and Milton Charter Compliance Committee. Additionally, he is a former School Board member. Married with two adult children and one granddaughter, Leland is an avid outdoorsman and supporter of Vermont traditions. He is also a member of the American Legion.
Michael Morgan is a resident of West Milton and serves in the Vermont House of Representatives. His district included the towns of Alburgh, Isle Lamotte, North Hero, Grand Isle, South Hero and West Milton. He was born in Burlington, Vermont and has lived in Milton, Vermont all of his life with the exception of 9 years serving in the Active Duty Air Force. Michael is a 1979 graduate of Milton High School and was appointed to attend the United States Air Force Academy from which he graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Michael proudly served the US military for 38 years from 1979-2017. He retired from the Vermont Air National Guard in 2017 at the rank of Colonel. His last major assignment at the 158th Fighter Wing was the role of Vice Commander of the 1100 person unit at the Vermont Air National Guard. He deployed in 2004 in the Middle East theater of operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Michael is a former business owner in addition to his military service. He has served as a Selectman in Milton from 1989-1998 and 2018-Present. He has been Milton Town Moderator since 2005 and is additionally a member of the Board of Civil Authority and a Justice of the Peace.
Professional Organizations include: Masons, Life Member of the National Guard Association of the US (NGAUS), Life Member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, American Legion member (currently serving as the 2nd Vice Commander of Post 60, Alburgh), Life Member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), STARBASE VT Inc. board member, Vermont National Guard Fallen Hero’s Committee, and Chair of the NGAUS Resolutions Committee in Washington DC.
June 19, 2024
Montpelier, Vt. – At his weekly press conference Wednesday, Governor Phil Scott discussed the impact the Legislature’s veto overrides will have on Vermont taxpayers, workers and families and their ability to afford to live in the state.
TRANSCRIPT:
Good afternoon. Yesterday, the Legislature voted to override six of my vetoes. As you might remember, after the last week of a chaotic end of the session, where they passed 70 bills in three days, I talked about how we were going to review each bill and weigh the good against the bad when deciding whether to sign the bill, let it go without signature, or veto the bill.
And, with each veto, I included a letter explaining my concerns and described a path forward, where neither got everything we wanted, but each gave a little.
Unfortunately, what has become typical of the legislature is their unwillingness to meet me in the middle, to come to a reasonable compromise.
Yesterday, the legislature proved once again, they don’t need to consider my perspective or proposals.
***
And what’s sad about that is their strategy only hurts everyday Vermonters. Because it’s Vermonters who pay the price.
When I travel around the state and talk to people, so many are worried about how expensive it is to live here, and they wonder how they’re going to make ends meet.
It’s them who will pay a higher property tax, while schools struggle to put forward reasonable budgets.
It’s them who will pay more to turn the lights on, or heat their homes, because of the renewable energy standard and clean heat standard.
It’s our rural communities, who will continue to suffer in the future, due to the expansion of Act 250 and will have fewer tools to help them with housing and making life more affordable.
And it’s Vermonters who are already paying 20% more at the DMV, and will face a new payroll tax starting July 1, all while being crushed by inflation.
So, as some may frame this as a loss for me, and a win for the legislature, the reality is, it’s a major loss for Vermont taxpayers, workers, and families.
***
For six months, the legislature has known about the property tax increase facing Vermonters. We warned them in our December 1st letter that there was an 18% property tax increase heading their way, but instead of sounding the alarm, they said I was fearmongering and the Pro Tem promised to get it down to “one and a half, maybe two percent.”
Instead, Vermonters will face a historic double digit property tax increase this year of about 14%.
And yesterday, they were even declaring victory, when they said they had gotten it down more than 33%. But, what they failed to mention was, that 33% reduction is compared to the projected 18% increase. That’s like raising the price of a loaf of bread by 60% and then having a 20% off sale.
They also failed to mention they raised taxes and fees in other areas to give you 33% off.
And because nothing was done to address the structural problems, we’ll see this same thing play out again in about 6 months.
***
From my first day in office, I’ve been clear about my priorities to make Vermont more affordable, protect the most vulnerable, and grow the economy.
My team has spent this entire legislative session trying to keep costs down for Vermonters, while working to make housing more affordable and more available, improving our education system for kids and taxpayers, and revitalizing communities, so we can keep and attract the workers we desperately need.
It's clear this Legislature, led by the super majority, has little interest in compromise or taking a moderate approach on any issue.
As I’ve said, I feel obligated to be the voice of Vermonters. And I’m sorry that it was not enough this year.
At this point, we simply need more balance in Montpelier, and lawmakers who will put people and communities over party politics.
Milton Selectboard Member Brenda Steady Announces for Vermont House
I am Brenda Steady and I want to announce that I have decided to run for a seat in the Legislature. I am in District 25 which comprises of Westford and East Milton. My campaign is rooted in making Vermont more affordable for current residents and attracting people to move to Vermont.
I am a long time Justice of the Peace and enjoy performing weddings for people of all walks of life. I am serving my sixth year as a Selectboard member and served 9 years on Milton's school board. As a former school board member, I understand the issues related to Vermont's education funding system. The system seems broken and I recognize it. I will support Governor Scott's leadership for education funding reform and general budgetary restraint. I also share the governor's concerns over the coming carbon tax, as this will hurt working people more with fuel taxes.Vermonters are experiencing a monumental increase in education tax, I believe this is hurting property owners and renters alike. These increases are impacting our families and our seniors which is causing many people leaving or thinking of leaving our state. I will vote fiscally responsible in hopes to protect our citizens.
As a Selectboard member, I am proud of the budget oversight I supported in March which has limited our increases for the Milton community. If elected, I hope to help make Vermont more affordable for all of us so we can celebrate our lives a little bit better.
Campaign contact: steadyforhouse@gmail.com
Huff: It's Time to G.E.T. R.E.A.L. about Vermont's future.
From the Vermont Daily Chronicle
Our state is facing multiple crises, mostly self-inflicted, the result of policies enacted by a Democrat supermajority made up of activists who are either out of touch with the real needs of Vermonters or are too wrapped up in their own ideology to care.
But we all need to get real about putting positive solutions in place – now — or we are doomed as citizens individually and as a state collectively.
This is the reality:
We cannot afford the crushing tax burden the majority is placing on our household incomes. State spending is out of control, and despite unprecedented amounts of money flowing into programs, it is not working to solve the real problems Vermonters are dealing with every day.
On top of the $200 million-plus property tax increase ushered in by Act 127, etc., since obtaining their veto-proof supermajority in 2022, Vermont Democrats have rammed through in just 2023 a new $120 million payroll tax that will take effect this July. They imposed $20 million in higher DMV fees for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration. They passed the Clean Heat Carbon Tax, which is estimated to add 70 cents to every gallon of home heating fuel Vermonters need to buy to keep warm in winter over an unprecedented outcry of citizens. They didn’t care.
This year, 2024, they are poised to pass a Renewable Energy Standard bill estimated to add $1 billion to the cost of our electricity bills. They are looking at increasing the sales tax by as much as $271 million by including groceries, medical products, residential energy, clothing and footwear, and/or expanding coverage to include services. They are looking at a $15-$30 million sweetened beverage tax. New taxes on downloaded software: $20 million. A new 5 percent gross receipts tax on television streaming services on top of the sales tax: $7-8 million. And a Clean Transportation Carbon Tax on gasoline and diesel on par with the one on heating fuels.
Despite all this taxing and spending, misplaced priorities left many of our homes and businesses vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as the July and December flooding, because Vermont Democrats diverted hundreds of millions of dollars away from investing in preventative adaptation measures and into unrealistic – and unbearably expensive — schemes to change the weather by “lowering our carbon footprint.”
Crime in our once uniquely safe state is now a top issue because of the supermajority’s unrealistic belief that defunding our police, allowing criminals to shoplift and commit other crimes without consequence, and fostering a permissive drug culture would somehow make our communities safer. The opposite is true.
Housing is unaffordable because the supermajority piles regulation upon regulation, making it literally impossible to build new housing at an affordable price.
Our schools, despite record spending on a declining student population and an ever-increasing property tax burden, are failing to educate our children. Test scores are dropping, classroom safety is suffering, mental health issues are rising because of the supermajority’s proclivity to adopt every progressive educational fad and to use our classrooms as indoctrination camps instead of focusing on real skills like reading, writing, math, science, and critical thinking.
These are just a few of the biggest issues we face – and must solve. To do so, we must “G.E.T. R.E.A.L” about what’s happening, who is responsible, and who is really willing to do what needs to be done to keep our ship of state afloat.
G.E.T. R.E.A.L. is a solemn promise and a positive path forward for our state by Vermont Republicans focused on improving the quality of life of our people. It is a prescription of policy proposals that includes: G.lobal Warming Solutions Act reform, recalibrating the law to reflect realistic and affordable goals; E.ducation reform, refocusing our schools’ mission back to excellence in core subjects; T.ransportation and infrastructure with a priority for fixing our roads; R.egulatory reform to lower the cost of housing; E.nvironmental protection initiatives focused on protecting and preserving our natural resources and landscapes; A.ffordability and tax reform to lower costs for working Vermonters; and restoring L.aw and order in our communities.
We encourage Vermonters who see the need for a new and more affordable direction for our state to learn more about the G.E.T. R.E.A.L program and the candidates who support it in the months between now and November 5. It’s time to get involved. The future of Vermont – and your future in it — is at stake.
Bill Huff, Orange County Republican Committee chair, on behalf of all the Republican County Committee chairs.
W~Submitted Written Comments~Commissioner Bolio Comments to House Ways and Means~3-21-2024.pdfLast Milton Legislative Town Hall Recap, 4-20-24
Yesterday's last meeting with legislators representing Milton was a standing room only event. Thank you everyone who attended and made your opinion known on the property tax debacle and other issues. No legislator left that meeting thinking that the bill that came out of the House Ways & Means committee, H.887, which proposes not cost controls, but proposes two new taxes, was OK with Milton voters who showed up. This bill will likely hit the house floor this week.
Here's an update from Behind the Lines on the testimony and influence of special interests on the super-majority which resulted in H.887:
Democrat Supermajority Has No Interest in Solving the Property Tax Mess They Made (substack.com)
Here's the info on the bill and the Republican Response:
House GOP pans new school tax plan, suggests spending cuts (Vermont Daily Chronicle)
Thank you to our Republican Representatives, Morgan, Mattos & Taylor for supporting the needs of the voters and working for us.
From the Independent: MTSD Budget Fails Again
The Milton Town School District's proposed budget, facing a second round of scrutiny, failed to garner support yet again in a decisive vote today.
The proposed budget of $36,672,099, which saw a reduction of $500,104 from the previous proposal, failed to secure approval during the April 16 re-vote.
Preliminary results revealed 635 votes in favor, while a substantial 1,114 votes opposed the new budgetary plan.
This outcome arrives after the district's initial $37,172,203 budget was rejected during the March 5 Town Meeting Day election, prompting the need for a revote.
With 1,750 voters participating in the school budget vote, representing a fraction of the 8,518 registered voters in the town of Milton, the school board now faces the task of charting the next steps in light of the budget's failure to pass for the second time.
From the Independent: Milton Town Meeting Day 2024; School budget fails, town budget passes
By Shannon Gunderson:
Preliminary vote totals are in. Here are the results for Town Meeting Day 2024 in Milton.
Respectively those running uncontested were elected; Kristin Beers for town clerk, John Gifford for town treasurer and Beth Bouchard for a three year seat as library trustee.
Incumbent Michael Morgan won the 3-year seat on the Milton selectboard.
Incumbents Darren Adams and Leland Morgan won the two open 1-year seats on the selectboard.
In a tight race, incumbent Karen Stout cinched the 3-year seat on the Milton Town School District board of trustees.
Allison Duquette was elected to the 2-year seat on the MTSD's board of trustees.
Scott O'Brien won the 1-year seat on MTSD's board of trustees.
Jennifer Taylor won the 2-year seat on the Milton Public Library board of trustees.
Voters did not pass the school district's $37,172,203 budget. Residents voted yes to appropriate $72,723 of the district's audited fund balance to MTSD's Capital Reserve and Maintenance Fund.
Voters approved the $10,025,278 budget for the Town of Milton fiscal year 2025. Voters also voted yes to accept the reports of the Town Officials as presented in the Town Report.
For the presidential primary, Joe Biden won the majority of Democratic votes. Donald Trump was the majority Republican vote.
Action Alert - Minor Consent
Say NO to Minor Consent for Vaccines
Vermont’s Senate Committee on Health and Welfare is moving a bill that would make it legal for doctors to see children age 12+ and to vaccinate and medicate children, expressly without parental consent or notification.
Contact Senators to Oppose S.151/Minor Consent!
S.151, an otherwise innocuous bill, contains one section that is being lobbied by the AAP:
(a) A minor 12 years of age or older may consent to medical care by a licensed physician related to the prevention of a sexually transmitted infection.
(b) Consent under this section shall not be subject to disaffirmance due to minority of the individual consenting. The consent of the parent or legal guardian of a minor consenting under this section shall not be necessary to authorize care as described in this subsection.
(c) A minor 12 years of age or older who has or is suspected to have a sexually transmitted infection may consent to treatment in accordance with the provisions of section 4226 of this title.
TAKE ACTION:
Urge Senators to STRIKE Section 4 "CONSENT TO PREVENTIVE SERVICES AND TREATMENT BY MINORS" + VOTE No on Minor Consent.
1-Contact Senators on Health & Welfare Committee
>> URGE to STRIKE Section 4 "CONSENT TO PREVENTIVE SERVICES AND TREATMENT BY MINORS" (link to latest markup of S.151, here)
Email: vlyons@leg.state.vt.us, dweeks@leg.state.vt.us, tkwilliams@leg.state.vt.us, rhardy@leg.state.vt.us, mgulick@leg.state.vt.us
Telephone: 1-802-828-8228, leave messages for: Senate Health Chair Ginny Lyons, Vice Chair Weeks, Senators Williams, Hardy & Gulick
2-URGE YOUR elected Senator to VOTE NO on Minor Consent, should this come to the Senate floor for a vote.
Email & Telephone your Senators - Have a polite, respectful CONVERSATION
***
Minor Consent is an end-run around parents.
Many adults have vaccine safety concerns. Many have been injured.
Many families have deeply held religious beliefs opposed to vaccination.
***
Vaccines are big business - and teens are vulnerable to pressure.
Vaccines marketed as “prevention for sexually transmitted infections” include 3 doses each of Hep B and HPV vaccines & many more are in the pipeline.
***
All vaccines carry risk of death and debilitating side effects.
As recently as 2019 the Chief of Rheumatology Department, National Institute of Cardiology of Mexico wrote: “HPV vaccine: adverse event signals were minimised or ignored” (BMJ, 2019). The country of Japan withdrew the HPV vaccines, due to side effects in 2013. It's irresponsible to leave parents out.
Minor Consent places tweens and teens in harm’s way, because they're not equipped to weigh complicated medical histories v. marketing propaganda, and their parents will not know how to help them.
***
Education is Key!
In 2015, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gave important testimony here in Vermont, explaining that the only thing standing between our children and the pharmaceutical industry, is the parents (watch the video!) Everything he said, still remains true today.
School Taxes: Coming to a Town Near You
Bruce Roy
On Feb 9th in FPF, Ann O'Day did a solid analysis of how Williston property taxes may increase. In lieu of no "official" total position, I did the same, adding analysis on the education tax component and the "unforeseen impact" of Act 127.
Warning: it's complicated!
The town budget has been warned for vote. As Ted Kenney explained in a recent post, the town piece adds tax of $40 per $100k of assessed home value, from $336 to $376 per year. An increase of 12%
The District School budget is the bigger component. It has also been set and warned for vote on March 5th. The proposed budget increases from $96.1M to $105.8M, $9.7M more, about 10%. Applying the Current Level of Appraisal (CLA) for Williston (69%), this will generate an estimated tax increase of $304 per $100k of assessment per year. Taxes go from $1674 per $100k to $1978, just over 18% increase for the school component. (Assuming the Act 127 5% pre CLA tax cap remains).
Summary for Williston taxpayers:
Town tax: $336 to $376 per $100k.
School tax: $1674 to $1978 per $100k.
Overall: Residential Property tax goes from $2010 to $2350 per $100k assessment, 17% increase from last year.
Bottom line: a $300,000 home's property tax will go from $6,030 to $7,050/year.
Now, if the 5% local non-CLA tax "cap" that was put in place by Act 127 is eliminated by emergency legislation being proposed now, then by my estimate the school CLA applied tax increases from last year's $1674 to now $2088 per $100k assessment. Bottom line muni/school total property tax goes to $2460 per $100k combined total tax rate (22% increase from last year's $2010).
This amounts to $7380/year for a $300k home, up from last year's $6030.
This may happen even without rescinding the 5% cap. Without a different/additional source of revenue, Vermont still has to find the money for the difference between the tax cap rate and actual spending in the proposed budgets.
What an incredibly complicated mess!
Rep. Chris Mattos on Ways and Means, Flavored Tobacco
It was another quiet week on the House floor which means it was busy in committee. House Ways and Means spent the week on a variety of topics.
Some of our time was focused on the continued work of modernizing Vermont’s communications taxes and fees. The shift from landline phones to more cellular devices has caused a strain on funding for our E-911 fund. We then took testimony on S.18 – an act relating to banning flavored tobacco products and e-liquids. This bill passed out of the House Human Services committee after coming over from the Senate. Another topic discussed was H.629 – an act relating to changes to property tax abatement and tax sales. No action was taken on any of these bills.
The bulk of our work this week was fixated on education spending and transitioning to the new system for pupil weighting. As I’m sure many of you are already aware, education property tax bills are estimated to increase by almost 20% on average across the state this year. Previously the legislature passed Act 127 which updated the pupil weighting system and created a 5% cap on property tax rates. The updated weights were adopted to bring more equity to districts that have been historically disadvantaged. The intention of the 5% cap was to help insulate those districts most negatively affected by the new weights. However, due to rising costs and the ability to increase funding with no tax penalty due to the 5% cap, we saw a substantial increase in education spending this year, estimated to be at 14.8%.
Rep. Chris Mattos
The Ways and Means committee spent a great deal of time working on a bill that would remove the 5% cap and still provide a discount to districts affected by the weighting change. The bill essentially does three things; removes the 5% cap, applies a 1 cent discount for each percentage point of those negatively affected over a 5-year period and provides a mechanism for any school district to rescind warned budgets and hold a vote at a later date. We know that making changes this late in the process can be difficult, but our intention is to provide the greatest opportunity for success. In Milton, based on this bill, we will see a seven-cent tax rate decrease in year one and Georgia will see a 13-cent tax rate decrease.
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns I would be happy to listen. Feel free to reach me by email at CMattos@leg.state.vt.us or by cell at (802) 922-2059.
Chris Taylor - Legislative and Education Committee Update 2/16
The floor started to see much more action this week with five bills being passed over to the Senate, one bill being passed to the Governor, and one being sent to a Conference of Committee. The five that were passed were: H.563, An act relating to attempted auto theft; H.649, An act relating to the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission; H.850, An act relating to transitioning education financing to the new system for pupil weighting; H.247, An act relating to Vermont's adoption of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, and H.801, An act relating to approval of the adoption of the charter of the Town of Waterbury. The bill that passed to the Governor was S.154, An act relating to the Vermont State Plane Coordinate System. Lastly, the bill referred to a Conference of Committee was H.839, the Budget Adjustment Act.
(You can read the full text of any bill by going to the Vermont General Assembly website at http://legislature.vermont.gov and entering the bill number in the search bar.
H.839 - The Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) came back from the Senate with some changes that the members of the House did not agree with, and it will now go to what is called a "Conference of Committee." This is a smaller group of legislators consisting of three appointed members from each chamber (House and Senate) that will work towards compromises and hopefully produce a budget adjustment that all can accept.
H.850 - (an act relating to transitioning education financing to the new system for pupil weighting). Because of the time constraints and importance of this bill, it was voted to suspend rules on the floor to move this bill through all necessary steps needed in the House and get it to the Senate in one session. This is the bill I have written about in my last couple of updates, and it proposes a change to Act 127 and the transition mechanism (5% tax rate cap) that was created to ease school districts through the pupil weighting changes. As explained before, this bill eliminates the 5% cap altogether and instead targets only the districts adversely affected by providing a decrease to their property tax rate equal to $0.01 for every relative percent decrease to their long term weighted average daily membership. (Both Milton and Georgia school districts qualify for this new transition mechanism.) In order to help school districts deal with this change so late in the process, this bill also allows the districts to postpone their budget votes for a short time to reevaluate and possibly make changes if they desire and provides funding to help cover the cost of the voting delay. (new ballots and additional mailing, etc.) If there are no changes in the Senate, this bill should be on the Governor's desk for signature this coming week.
In the Education Committee, we continue to take testimony and are in the midst of crafting language for bills relating to school construction and boards of cooperative educational services. More importantly, driven by the impact of this year's school budgets, we have started the conversation and work towards identifying changes in Vermont's education system that will lead to efficiencies and decreased pressure on the education fund. In my opinion, besides academic proficiency ratings, these systematic changes are the most important work in front of us and should take precedence over any other bills currently on our wall.
On Thursday, we held a Joint Assembly with the Senate and re-elected Major General Gregory Knight to continue as the Vermont Adjutant General. Major General Knight has served as Vermont's Adjutant General since 2019, and with over 40 years of uniformed service, he has proven his dedication to our state and our country. I have had the pleasure to interact with Major General Knight on several occasions and have always felt his knowledge, demeanor, and desire to listen to be inherent and sincere. I congratulate him on his reelection and wish him the best in his continued service.
Thank you, and if you ever have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at 802.233.7579 or chris.taylor@leg.state.vt.us.
Mike Morgan - Legislative Report
This past week the following bills passed the House: H.247 the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact; H.563 an act relating to criminal motor vehicle offenses involving unlawful trespass, theft, or unauthorized operation; H.649 amendments to the VT Truth and Reconciliation Commission; H.801amendments to the Town of Waterbury charter; and S.154 an act relating to the Vermont State Plane Coordinate System. We sent H.839 the Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) to a Committee of Conference as it went to the Senate, and they amended it from the original form from the House. Now the House and Senate must come up with a compromise.
The biggest Statehouse news of interest to constituents this week is H.850, a bill developed by House Ways & Means and House Education to "fix" a loophole in Act 127 from 2023. When the implementation of the new pupil weighting system formula that determines the tax capacity of a school district with respect to the needs of its individual student population was enacted, a 5% cap was included for certain districts that needed a "soft-landing" for a few years because they would be losing tax capacity. Keep in mind that because of Act 60 in 1997, Vermont has a statewide education fund that all taxpayers pay into, and all school districts receive funding from. Also, not all students cost the same to educate (for instance, students who are multi-language learners or who live in poverty are more expensive to educate, as are high schoolers vs preschoolers). Unfortunately, there were some districts across the state that submitted budgets over the 5% cap "because they could", and that resulted in warned budgets that greatly exceeded education spending from last year and could cause all of our property taxes to rise, regardless of how many fiscally frugal districts submitted reasonable budgets. H.850, which passed the House and is in the Senate, seeks to remedy this by allowing school districts who wish to re-work their budgets to hold that vote up until April 15. It also provides a discount for those districts that lost tax capacity due to the aforementioned changes in the pupil weighting formula. In my opinion we have reached a point in this state where we have to take a very deep dive into the funding of education as I don't think the current model works any longer. However, we'll have to see if the rest of the Legislative body agrees with my line of thinking and has the will to greatly reform a system that no longer works.
In the House Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee, we continued our work on: H.612 miscellaneous amendments to cannabis statutes; a state and a municipal code of ethics; H.626 animal welfare; miscellaneous amendments to the Department of Liquor and Lottery statutes; H.794 services provided to the Vermont Veterans Home; and H.641authorizing boards of abatement to hear like cases as a class.
On Thursday we elected two trustees of the Vermont State College System and the Adjutant and Inspector General of the Vermont National Guard. My good friend and Guard colleague, Major General Greg Knight ran unopposed for the Adjutant General position and was unanimously re-elected to his office. Of note, we are the only state in the US that still elects its Adjutant General.
As always, I can be reached at: mmorgan@leg.state.vt.us or 802-881-7835.
Chris Taylor - Legislative and Education Committee Update 2/2
Legislative and Education Committee Update 1/30 to 2/2
There was very little action on the House floor this week, with only one bill being passed to the Senate. H.363, an act relating to prohibiting discrimination based on certain hair types and styles, and one being passed to the Governor, S.160, an act relating to state education property taxes and flood-related damage.
(You can read the full text of any bill by going to the Vermont General Assembly website at http://legislature.vermont.gov and entering the bill number in the search bar.)
S.160, an act relating to state education property taxes and flood-related damage, received a unanimous vote on the floor, and rules were suspended to expedite it to the Governor for signature. This is an important bill that will supply tax relief to individuals with property lost or destroyed due, directly or indirectly, to severe storms and flooding in an area that was declared a federal disaster between July 1, 2023, and October 15, 2023. This will occur by allowing a town to gain reimbursement for state education taxes that were abated (removed) from the property owner's taxes due to the floods. There are stipulations as to what qualifies an eligible property for reimbursement, as follows:
– a 50 percent or greater loss in value to the primary structure on the property;
– loss of use by the property owner of the primary structure on the property for 60 days or more;
– loss of access by the property owner to utilities for the primary structure on the property for 60 days or more; or
– condemnation of the primary structure on the property under federal, state, or municipal law, as applicable.
There is a lot more that needs to be done to help those affected by the flooding that occurred this summer. It was a devastating event that caused extreme damage to many, and hopefully this will play a small but helpful part in bringing relief.
In the Education Committee this week, we continued discussions and testimony on many important topics.
Education Finance: We joined in a joint hearing with the House Ways and Means committee to continue discussions surrounding the effects of Act 127 on school budgets this year and what can be done to help lessen the projected large property tax increases. Some of the solutions proposed are to do away with the 5% tax rate cap altogether, find a more targeted mechanism to help districts, and identify alternative/additional means of revenue to offset the cost. Finding the actual revenue streams to mitigate the effect on taxpayers is an ongoing discussion that, to me, doesn't equate to a real, long-term, solution. I say this because the only way the state gains more revenue is through more taxes or fees, which in turn means taxpayers are still paying more, just through other avenues. I have long been a proponent of education funding improvements and feel the system should be more predictable for school districts and much more transparent and easy to understand for the taxpayer. Hopefully, the current situation we are facing will drive further conversations on this topic and lead to that change in the future.
School Construction: The School Construction Aid Task Force report was released on Thursday. As stated in past updates, this report makes recommendations on a path forward for Vermont school construction and sustainable funding. A large portion of these recommendations will need much more discussion, but our committee has already started formulating a bill that can move some of the pieces forward. There is a sense of urgency behind formulating this program due to the extreme cost of immediate needs and the compounding effect of not taking action. To view the full report, follow this link:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Education/Reports%20and%20[...]pdf
Lastly, on Friday, we heard testimony from UVM President Suresh Garimella. During his testimony, he reminded us of a great scholarship program that they offer called the UVM Promise. This program provides free tuition to Vermont students from households making $75,000 or less. Please take a look into this program if you qualify and have a child looking to further their education.
Thank you, and if you ever have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at 802.233.7579 or chris.taylor@leg.state.vt.us.
Representative Chris Taylor
Chittenden-Franklin District
Message from Montpelier: Rep. Michael Morgan shares thoughts on Gov. Phil Scott's State of the State address
from the Milton Independent
Friends – Happy New Year!
This Wednesday was the kick-off to this year’s legislative session. In just three days, well over 150 new bills have been introduced with many more to come. Some would say that is good, and some would say that is bad. My next paragraphs focus on (from Governor Scott) what we as YOUR legislative body should really be laser focused on.
On Thursday the 4th, Governor Phil Scott gave his annual State of the State address to the Senate and the House. He had many, many important points but his focus was on: Affordability/The Budget, Housing and Public Safety.
First, The Budget and Affordability – he implored the legislature to stop crafting legislation that is (collectively) financially crushing to our Vermont families. For instance, the 20% increase in DMV fees that was passed last session and went into effect January 1st of this year. Several of you have reached out to me about these fees that, sadly, DMV did not even ask for. Many of you are already seeing the impact of this increase. Last year the VT Legislature enacted a budget that the Governor vetoed (and unfortunately his veto was overridden) that did not fund the state in the manner he recommended. The Governor stated that “With historic one-time federal aid ending, another large increase in our pension obligation, and last year’s spending decisions catching up to us, we are back to where we were several years ago with difficult decisions to be made. In three weeks, I will present my budget for Fiscal Year 2025, and it will be a much different picture than previous years – “sobering” comes to mind.” He further went on to say: “For many of you (we legislators) this will be the first time you will work on a budget without hundreds of millions of dollars in surplus. For others it is déjà vu. Once again, we will face the discomfort of saying “no,” choosing between many good things, and maintaining the discipline to focus on what Vermonters need most.” I will keep you posted as this morphs through the session.
Second, the Housing shortage. Right now, Vermont currently has 2200 housing units permitted each year, but census data and vacancy rates show that we could use 6,800 new units NOW! The Governor asked for us to massage Act 250 to allow for more housing, not impede it. He stated that when Act 250 was crafted it was needed to slow growth as we were growing too fast, but now, we cannot live with that level of restriction. Anyone that has recently sought out housing knows how difficult it is to find something.
Third, Public Safety. Every day we read about or see in the news increased crime at all levels that is unacceptable. The proliferation and use of illegal drugs is also at an all-time high. We should be focusing on legislation that allows for very stiff sentencing and stop with all of the “catch and release” politics we are seeing in the legal world in relation to criminal behavior/action. This is unacceptable. It must stop. I have collaborated with other legislators to seek reforms in our legal system, and we will see how all of this progresses.
You can read the full text of Governor Scott’s address here: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-2024-state-state-address
I am hopeful that my legislative colleagues are heeding the Governor’s recommendations, words and ideas and doing the right thing to help Vermonters in his quest to have the state be a place that we can afford to live in.......
I will, as last year, be publishing a weekly report to you and as always feel free to reach out to me at: mmorgan@leg.state.vt.us or my cell at: 802-881-7835.
Representative Michael Morgan
ATR: Vermont Doubles Down on Income Tax Hikes, Ignores Affordability Crisis as Neighboring New Hampshire Edges Closer to Zero
With legislators back at the State House in Montpelier to kick off Vermont’s 2024 legislative session, the Democrat/Progressive Party supermajority is searching far and wide for new ways to raise taxes on low- and middle-earners, even as their next door neighbor takes the final step down the path to eliminating its income tax for good.
S.B. 56 would raise income tax rates across each and every bracket, bringing an unpleasant and untimely tax hike to every family, individual, and small business located in the Green Mountain State.
Taxpayers will see a hike of anywhere from 9 to 11%, depending on their level of earnings, as shown in the chart below:
If this $128 million tax hike is enacted, Vermont would move up a spot to become the 6th-highest income tax state in the country.
And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, income taxes would go up again in 2027, taking another $57 million out of Vermonters’ paychecks and ramping up the top rate to 10.05%. As with the first hike, every bracket would take a hit with an average increase of around 5%.
Unlike most states with an income tax, Vermont takes a cut from every dollar earned, allowing for no exemptions. That means these tax hikes will hit every working Vermonter, even those in deep poverty.
All Democrat senators, plus Republican Senator Richard Westman, voted in favor of the bill.
Two days before the Vermont House Committee on Appropriations agreed to take up the income tax increase bill – which they did on the very first day of session – New Hampshire’s interest and dividends tax was slashed in half. Now sitting at just 2%, that tax will disappear for good in less than a year, finally making New Hampshire a true no-income-tax state.
Meanwhile, across the Connecticut River, Vermonters are subjected to a crippling tax regime that touches nearly every aspect of life, shaping what Republican Governor Phil Scott often refers to as an “affordability crisis.”
Property tax rates, for instance, are set by Vermont lawmakers each spring and are projected to go up 18.5% this year, thanks to a 12% jump in education spending. That’s the largest increase in state history, according to Tax Commissioner Craig Bolio.
““For years, I have warned that Vermont is unaffordable for too many families and small businesses. This is why for seven years I focused on holding the line on higher taxes and fees, while offering solutions to reduce the tax burden on Vermonters,” said Governor Scott in a statement. “At a time when housing costs and interest rates are elevated, higher property taxes will make our housing and workforce crises worse, and I sincerely hope the Legislature agrees.”
Unfortunately, the legislature thus far has taken full advantage of their new dominant supermajorities to enact numerous bills that were previously stymied by the governor’s vetoes.
The income tax hike proposed in S.56 comes not long after Democrats and Progressives in both chambers united in support of a 0.44% payroll tax on all Vermonters. In his veto message, Governor Scott offered a withering rebuke of the legislature’s tax-and-spend agenda:
“Supporters of raising taxes and fees will always point to the relatively small amount raised for each individual program or service – trying to suggest it is not that much money. But that type of narrow here-and-there thinking adds up, year after year, and has made living in Vermont increasingly unaffordable. For these reasons, I had to veto this regressive tax plan.”
Nonetheless, the leftist supermajorities immediately overrode Gov. Scott’s veto. That new tax will go into effect on July 1, 2024.
Lawmakers also rammed through a sweeping energy tax bill, again over Gov. Scott’s objections. S.5 establishes a system of carbon credits to subsidize the installation of “clean” heating systems. Fuel dealers would be required to purchase these credits to offset carbon emissions from any traditional heating fuel they sell in the state of Vermont.
With estimates ranging from $2 billion to $5 billion in new, mandatory private spending, that translates to a price hike anywhere from 70 cents to $4.00 per gallon on home heating fuels, which 2/3 of Vermonters depend on to make it through the winter.
Tellingly, the bill sponsor, Senator Christopher Bray – who earned a spot on ATR’s “Naughty” list last month – slyly renamed the bill from “Clean Heat Standard” to “Affordable Heat Act,” after the original bill failed under widespread fear of its expensive price tag.
Sen. Bray and other Vermont lawmakers are just getting started. Unless the legislature changes course, more and more Vermont residents of all socioeconomic statuses will simply pick up shop and drive an hour or two to the east, where residents of neighboring New Hampshire don’t pay a dime in sales taxes or income taxes, and are able to enjoy their lives in what the Cato Institute deems the #1 freest state in the country.
Seven Days photo
Despathy: I’m an outsider inside the State House. Here’s what I see
From the Vermont Daily Chronicle:
I am the oldest of four girls. My Dad always said he could teach women studies better than anyone, he’s probably right. He had three lines he would repeatedly use with my sisters and I. “Have fun, nothing stupid”, “Shape up or ship out” and then when we really tested him, it was “Try that again and you’ll be on the outside looking in”. Maybe it was fate because this last line sums up my experience at the statehouse this past session. I am not a legislator or a paid lobbyist –I was definitely on the outside looking in.
As a concerned citizen of Vermont, mother of three children and new grandmother who cares deeply for people and the future of Vermont, I decided I was going to visit the statehouse weekly; Check out the scene, attempt conversations and see how the “sausage was made” so to speak. I share my humble experience and observations here with the hope that for those Vermonters not paying attention, please wake up, it’s time, Vermont needs you.
Alison Despathy
The statehouse is a microcosm, a little planet with a big impact. Every decision has tremendous influence on the lives of Vermonters. We know this, we feel it and see it. Literally, it is a ‘make it or break it’ situation. Everyday is intense and dramatic due to the nature of the work. Some take it seriously and put in the time and energy, others are along for the ride, and some simply have no idea. Multiple conversations revealed that I understood some bills up for vote better than some legislators. This is a problem
With a supermajority in place, many Democratic legislators stated that if a bill made it through committee then they trusted it was solid. What if members in the committee do not understand the bills? S.5 was a prime example, many legislators cannot explain this bill. In Senate Natural Resources, Senators McCormick and MacDonald often voiced confusion without resolution. I attended a zoom call with three legislators, Rep. Bobby Farlice-Rubio (D), Rep. Monique Priestly (D), and Rep. Carl Demrow (D). Due to the convoluted and controversial nature of the bill, they had lobbyists in full support of this bill briefly explain and answer questions from their constituents. Talk about a biased conversation. I attempted to contribute but was shut down.
As legislators it is their job to understand both the intention AND details of the bill. It cannot simply be a matter of catchy sound bytes. To not hold a clear picture of the impacts on constituents is a disservice. If you don’t do details, you shouldn’t be there. This coupled with party line voting and massive propaganda campaigns is why this past session was exceptionally destructive.
When you have been intensely pressured by supermajority leadership to vote a certain way, what will you do? Can you stand up to party pressure? Lobbyists aggressively work the legislators day in and day out, often marketing their agendas behind a false narrative of preventing discrimination or achieving environmental or social justice ‘solutions’. Can legislators identify special interest propaganda and remember they serve their constituents?
Regarding S.5, thousands of constituents reached out to their legislators in opposition and were ignored. They were told “They don’t understand” or “The fossil fuel dealers are lying”. They were given the, “Trust me I know what I am doing” line. Senator Ruth Hardy showed me a massive stack of messages left with the Sergeant at Arms from her constituents urging a No vote on S.5. This was on top of hundreds of emails, yet she still voted yes on S.5, along with over one hundred Democrats and Progressives. Do that many legislators really think that S.5 is a good idea? How many letters would it actually take for legislators to listen to and respect their constituents? Vermont is losing representative government due to a super majority of drones who are now blatantly ignoring their constituents and falling prey to special interests.
Behaviors differed greatly between the Democratic supermajority and the Republican, Independent and Libertarian legislators. All legislators care for their constituents, they are public servants, but on the whole it was the Republicans and the lone Libertarian, Jarrod Sammis who regularly acted on this concern. Their questions, floor speeches and attempted amendments were geared at protections of Vermonters’ livelihoods and constitutional rights and supporting economic viability and access to a wide variety of options to serve all Vermonters.
Most Democrats fell in lockstep party line with their votes thus failing to represent the people and bringing harm to Vermonters. There were several noteworthy exceptions to this pattern. Rep. Joseph Andriano had the strength to buck party line voting multiple times in service to his constituents when voting No for S.5 and Act 45. Senator Starr and Rep. Jed Lipsky also chose their constituents in their S.5 No vote. In the House Committee on Environment and Energy, Rep. Christi Morris asked key questions on the S.5 funding structure and economic impacts. With no clear answers offered, he voted No on S.5. Representative Dennis Labounty held steady on his S.5 No vote despite intense pressure from leadership and lobbyists. Senator Kitchel took action in the Senate Appropriation committee to move S.5 to a study. This offered some time and scrutiny but sadly didn’t kill the bill with its guaranteed outcome to increase heating fuel costs, waste taxpayer money and interfere with home heating options. There are a handful of Democrats who voted for their constituents and conscience over the Democratic party demands. There are just not enough.
Why is there an intensely coordinated voting pattern in the supermajority? In part it is pressure from majority leadership and special interest propaganda but then I learned about Emerge. Former Governor Madeleine Kunin began this program with intentions to help support women in politics. However, it appears to have devolved into a Democratic party indoctrination camp with candidates trained in group think and cookie cutter campaign messaging and talking points. They join a party tribe while their constituents suffer. Emerge graduates are heavily focused on environmental and social justice causes. Real answers to these issues we face are critical. Special interest versions run rampant in the statehouse and many, really all Emerge graduates latch onto these fake and destructive solutions. A sampling of Emerge graduates includes: Senator Becca White, Representative Gabrielle Stebbins, Attorney General Charity Clark, Senator Martine Gulick, and US Senator Becca Balint. For anyone tuned in; enough said, I think this list speaks for itself. Mono-cropped thought is dangerous and prone to exploitation by predators. This is currently part of the problem in the statehouse.
Recognizing that no party is immune to special interest propaganda is key. Right now the Democrats are in deep and don’t even realize it. Instead many believe they are actually achieving environmental and social justice. This is delusional. They have fallen for industry driven agendas and will literally make the people pay. Party line voting is void of representation and holds loyalty to a party versus the people. It chooses agendas over constructive ideas, ideology over service, and sacrifice over solutions. At this time, it is ironic and hypocritical to hear the Democratic party scream about holding onto democracy, yet right here in Vermont the Democratic supermajority has stepped away from the representative aspect of our constitutional republic, fallen for propaganda campaigns and chosen special interests over Vermonters.
https://vermontdailychronicle.com/despathy-on-the-outside-looking-in/
Vermont Public: Gov. Scott urging state lawmakers to reduce education spending with projected 18.5% tax increase
Vermont Public | By Bob Kinzel
State spending on education is emerging as one the top issues to be addressed during the upcoming Legislative session
In its annual letter to lawmakers, the Vermont Tax Department estimated it will take an average 18.5% increase in property tax rates to fund current levels of education spending. Some key factors for the bump include higher health care costs and inflation.
Gov. Phil Scott says this increase is "not acceptable," and he is urging lawmakers to figure out ways to reduce spending.
"What do we want to do without?" Scott said. "And maybe those are discussions we have to have. But we have to live within our means, because we're already spending a lot of money."
House Ways and Means Chair Emilie Kornheiser says she looks forward to reviewing Scott's recommendations, and she says it's important to remember that education spending decisions are made at the local level.
"We trust our local school boards to make local decisions about how much money and how many resources they need to support kids and teachers," Kornheiser said.
She says lawmakers might also want to consider other revenue sources to reduce pressure on the property tax.
Reason Foundation photo
WPTZ - Vermont lawmakers reflect on historic legislative session
With the 2023 legislative session now adjourned, lawmakers reflected on their months of hard work on Wednesday.
"Our four priorities were child care, the housing crisis — which we passed the HOME bill to deal with that — climate we passed S.5, and then on the gun issue... we passed three bills," Sen. Phil Baruth said.
Top Democrats said the session was a success. After overriding the governor’s veto of their child care program on Tuesday, they hosted a celebration on the statehouse steps Wednesday afternoon.
"For far too long, families across Vermont have struggled to balance taking care of their children and earning a paycheck, but this year we took a huge step to ensure every family has access to high quality and affordable child care," Rep. Jill Krowinski said.
The governor vetoed the bill due to the payroll tax that comes with it, but supporters say to look at it as an investment into Vermont.
Gov. Phil Scott vetoes child care bill, citing concern over payroll tax
"Because all businesses throughout the state of Vermont are pitching in [and] paying their fair share of taxes, it's going to strengthen families, it's going to strengthen communities, it's going to strengthen the economy, and that means we are all better off," Rep. Emilie Kornheiser said.
The Democrat-controlled legislature also overrode the governor’s veto of their nearly $8.5 billion budget, but the amount of overrides and spending does not come without concern from Republicans.
"We're headed into dangerous territory, and I think the legislative majority went too far. I think we need to practice what is in Article 18 of the constitution, which is one of the factors that will make Vermont sustainable: frugality," Sen. Randy Brock said.
The 2024 legislative session is planned to begin on Jan. 3, 2024.
https://www.mynbc5.com/article/vermont-lawmakers-reflect-on-historic-legislative-session/44291970
From the Independent: Milton residents question Herrick Project at latest community forum
Last night, the Milton Town School District held its fourth community forum on the Herrick Project to update the public on the cost of the proposed new K-8 grade school building and to solicit feedback.
This project has been a topic of discussion and debate for the past three years. After looking at several other options, the Herrick Project committee decided to move forward with building a new school on April 28.
However, at the recent forum, the majority of the 35 community members in attendance expressed concern over the increased cost estimates for construction and the impact it would have on property taxes.
TruexCullins of Burlington, an architecture company that was hired to conduct the facilities master planning process, said the current estimated cost for a new K-8 grade building is now over $188 million. This is an increase of $18 million from the estimate that was shared with the public back in April.
MTSD wants to put a bond for the project up for vote this coming Town Meeting Day in March 2024.
“We’ve used a professional cost estimator, and let’s say the project goes out to bid in 2025, they put in a cost estimate which is around a 7% [increase in inflation] a year to get our current estimated cost,” Cam Featherstonhaugh from TruexCullins said.
No matter the cost, the project is expected to increase taxes for Milton residents. The bond repayment schedule was not included in the presentation, but can be calculated based on the estimated cost and 30-year bond plan.
“This community can’t afford such an increase in our taxes,” a community member said Thursday night. “I did the math and mine would probably increase about $3,000 a year, and I am retired. I have no fixed income. It just wouldn’t work, we need to find something more cost effective than what we are hearing tonight. This is going to hurt the population.”
The exact tax impact for individual residents may vary based on the assessed value of their property and these estimates could further change based on alternative construction plans or if tax assessments increase in the coming years.
"This is just too much of an increase in taxes,” Town Manager Don Turner said. “I have been paying my taxes in this town for almost my whole life now and never seen anything of this magnitude. If this bond passes, this community would be expendable.”
After a brief presentation from MTSD director of operations Matt Grasso on the background of the Herrick Project, TruexCullins shared the new K-8 building designs. The proposed design would be two stories high and about 261,000 square feet.
When a community member asked why it is so much square footage and couldn’t the design be multiple stories instead, TruexCullins answered that the Town of Milton has a height limitation of 35 feet, so due to existing regulations a multi-tiered building is not an option.
Based on the model shown at the forum, the new building would have separate playgrounds, a courtyard, separate gymnasiums and libraries for different age groups and an auditorium for the performing arts.
The building would also meet 21st century accessibility standards and have internal drains to protect against flooding. In addition to its design, the building would have state-of-the-art technology and other modern amenities, with a particular focus on reducing its environmental impact.
“Education has changed, and we need a building that reflects education today,” Superintendent Amy Rex said. “When the building was built in the 50s we didn't need to have space to house infrastructure for technology, or devices. We are also not serving students with disabilities like we should be. Portions of the building are not ADA compliant, like if a child is in a wheelchair, they can't use the bathroom without being stigmatized because they have to leave their classrooms for longer periods of time.”
The current K-8 building is facing numerous issues that could be eliminated if the building is torn down and replaced with an entirely new structure. The new building would be in the field adjacent to the current building location on Herrick Avenue.
At the meeting, townspeople also shared their frustrations with lack of communication between the district and the public. While conducting surveys for the project, the district saw 300 responses from a town of 11,000 people. A few members stood up at the forum and stated that they never even received a survey.
“With only 300 responses to the survey, you are missing a large portion of our community,” community member Diane Barrows said. “It does not make sense to state you’ve received ‘overwhelming support’ for the project when you’ve only received a small percentage of responses from the town.”
Grasso and Rex said they were surprised by this, and that it pays the post office to deliver information out to the community about the Herrick Project. Rex said she would be following up on this to ensure the public is receiving the information the district is putting out.
Multiple townspeople stood up and said they hope the school board, TruexCullins and the public will hear their concerns and consider slowing down the process on the project.
Grasso and TruexCullins said waiting to move forward with the project could have even more of a financial impact in the future.
“It is very unlikely that the building will be cheaper if we wait any longer on this project,” Grasso said.
But, others argue that there are other options. Some proposed the new building could be built on a new parcel of land, perhaps adjacent to the current high school building on a sandpit not close to any wetlands. Others proposed the current K-8 grade building wouldn’t have to be torn down, as the current plans state, and instead could be used as a community space or senior center.
One townsperson had suggested maybe in the future there could be better funding options for the project if it is not completed so soon to the devastating flooding that occurred earlier this year; a catastrophe that is costing the state of Vermont millions in repairs.
No option is cheap though. In an evaluation completed two years ago, it was found that the current K-8 building has about nine years of life left before it is deemed completely unsafe for students to attend classes in. The district argues that this is something that needs to be addressed and fixed sooner than later.
The school will either need to have millions in repairs done in the current building to address issues with roofing, plumbing, wiring and more; or for 6% more in cost, build an entirely new school.
The school board and Herrick Project committee will need to reevaluate plans for the project to keep the community satisfied with the outcome. Tonight at 6 p.m. the school board will have a meeting where comments and concerns from the community forum will be discussed.
For more information on the Herrick Project, individuals can view the dedicated page on the MTSD website.
Shannon Gunderson, Milton Independent
