The House passed the 2015 budget Friday, which makes investments critical to Vermont’s future. The budget increases Vermont’s commitment to addiction treatment and intervention, increases funds to help low-income Vermonters acquire reliable housing, and makes important economic and transportation investments.
“Under enormous economic pressures and increasing cuts in Federal funding, the House Appropriations committee has put together a responsible budget that makes important investments in areas that are vital to a vibrant Vermont.” said Speaker of the House Shap Smith.
“We have committed our resources to help low-income working families afford health care, housing, and childcare, while raising and spending less than the Governor’s recommend," he said.
“We are all acutely aware of the opiate addiction problem facing our state and the toll is takes on our communities and our safety. We have invested $10M in additional treatment and recovery capacity,” said House Appropriations Chair Martha Heath.
“Treatment is much more productive than jail. The need is great and Vermont will be well served if these strategies along with the efforts of our local communities reduce the numbers of Vermonters struggling with addiction,” she said.
In addition, when federal funding expires for VT Health Connect, the state will provide funding, supporting Vermont’s unique cost-sharing program. The budget increases funding for Regional Development Corporations and Planning Commissions by 6% as well as makes additional investments in Vermont’s transportation infrastructure, working landscapes, and agricultural economy.
The bill passed third reading by a vote of 89 to 36. It will now go to the Senate for consideration.
More information about the Budget Bill can be found here:
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/jfo/budget_reports_v3/FY%202015%20Big%20Bill%...
Source: Office of the Speaker of the House, March 28, 2014
House passes balanced budget: invests in opiate treatment, housing, health care, and economic development
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