Vermont Business Magazine Each year, the Legislature must approve a mid-year budget adjustment to account for shifting needs and ensure fiscal responsibility. While House leadership agrees with almost all of the Administration’s proposed budget adjustment, key differences remain - particularly regarding a short-term extension of housing support for Vermont’s most vulnerable populations, investments in affordable housing, and critical funding for communities still facing flood recovery.
Today, the House Speaker, Rep. Jill Krowinski reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to passing a responsible FY25 Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) that prioritizes the well-being of Vermonters while maintaining a balanced budget.
“I greatly appreciate Governor Scott and his Administration’s proposal that keeps critical programs and services funded,” said Speaker Jill Krowinski. “We agree on 99% of the proposal, but we do have some concerns about funding changes that could set us back in our shared goal of protecting the most vulnerable, supporting towns recovering from the devastating floods of the last two years, and building more desperately needed housing. We are hopeful that they will meet us in the middle to ensure Vermonters - especially those facing the greatest challenges - get the support they need.
“In addition to the Vermonters that are pregnant, medically vulnerable, and victims of domestic violence - the administration’s proposal would jeopardize the roughly 250 children and 150 military veterans that are currently in state supported housing in the matter of weeks. Upending and creating uncertainty as to whether Vermont kids would have a roof over their heads in the middle of the school year, is especially concerning. The proposal would pull the state from supporting these Vermonters, and put the burden on Vermont communities to provide the resources to support these vulnerable Vermonters. It would force towns to set up a system of care in two weeks, and this simply is not a responsibility that can be passed onto municipalities that lack the staff and resources to take on such an urgent and complex issue in just two weeks.
“I share the Governor’s goal to increase shelter capacity and more affordable housing that are better options than the current motel program. Unfortunately, despite asking for an alternative plan for four years, those options are not available. The proposal is more expensive than the money currently allocated in the budget adjustment and I am asking the Administration for a reasonable compromise to protect those who need it most.”
The motel program funding could lead to the governor vetoing the entire package.
https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.0141
Source: 2.28.2025. Montpelier, Vt. – Speaker of the House
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