Through a special arrangement with VBM,Leonine Public Affairsprovides a summary of legislative activity in Montpelier for the week ending May 5. 2017.
Leonine Public AffairsWe will not write a report this week because many bills are in flux, but we will provide a full legislative wrap up within a week of adjournment. The Vermont General Assembly will not adjourn on Saturday, May 6th as originally anticipated. The Legislature will reconvene onWednesday, May 10thto complete its work.
A standoff between legislative leaders and the Governor over the Governor's proposal to save $26 million annually by negotiating a statewide teachers' health insurance contact is the major stumbling block. The Governor has repeatedly stated he will not “walk away” from the savings when budgets are tight. Yet, the House and Senate both voted down the proposal. In fact, a dramatic House vote over the issue lateWednesdaynight ended in the Speaker casting a rare vote to create a 74-74 tie, which killed the proposal. But, with a number of House Democrats and Independents joining forces with House Republicans to almost win the day, the proposal clearly has support and has left the door open. Conference committees will be meeting early next week to try to hammer out a compromise on this issue and others.
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