Vermont Business Magazine Yesterday, the Speaker of the House, Jill Krowinski, delivered the 2024 fiscal year state budget to Governor Scott to be signed, weeks ahead of the traditional timeline. Today, she called upon the governor to sign the budget to ensure funds allocated to assist the most vulnerable Vermonters are available as soon as possible. Anticipating that Scott might veto the budget, or some other bill, the Legislature has scheduled a "veto session" for late June. The governor has indicated he will veto budget (and possibly some other bills) because it spends too much. The Progressive coalition also opposes the bill because it spends too little on the hotel/motel program for the homeless, leaving a veto override in doubt.
“I urge Governor Scott to sign the budget without delay,” said Speaker Krowinski. “Over the last four months, the legislature engaged in a comprehensive process, taking testimony, hearing from Vermonters, and carefully weighing the diverse range of budgetary needs. The budget before the Governor has money that can be immediately allocated to communities in all 14 counties, including funding for transitional housing programs that are needed as soon as possible. Many housing and service providers have stated there is a critical need for additional staff and there are funds in the budget that would allow for wage increases and the hiring of additional personnel. I am calling on the Governor to act expeditiously, delivering critical aid to Vermonters in need of support and those that work every day to support them.
“Several federally funded programs designed to assist Vermonters during the pandemic and ongoing recovery were intended as temporary support systems. One such program, the motel program, has been instrumental in supporting Vermonters. However, we knew that it would not be available in perpetuity. For nearly two years, we have asked the Governor and his administration to present a plan to address the transition of people from the motel program into other housing. No comprehensive plan has ever been presented and now municipalities across the state are forced to manage this transition on their own.
“It is the responsibility of the governor and of the executive branch to ensure the welfare of the state and the health and safety of all Vermonters, and not having a plan for those living in the motels, is a failure of leadership. These individuals and families, who have relied on the motel program as a temporary lifeline, now face uncertainty and the risk of falling through the cracks.
"I implore Governor Scott to recognize the urgency of this matter and take action to allow the state budget to become law. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Vermonters, providing them with the support and resources they deserve to lead successful lives. Vermonters are counting on a safe transition plan to come forward, and I will continue to use my position to make sure that the legislature provides oversight of this transition, and the administration is held accountable."
Below is a snapshot of housing and support service funding in the FY24 budget.
Source: 5.23.2023. Montpelier, Vt. Speaker of the House. Speaker’s Website
