Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today vetoed S.39, An act relating to compensation and benefits for members of the Vermont General Assembly. Legislative leaders had sought a pay hike for lawmakers in large part as a recruitment tool. They argued that it has become harder and harder to convince qualified Vermonters to run for office because of the relatively low pay given the time commitment, which might not allow for working another job.
Scott, however, said in his veto: "it does not seem fair for legislators to insulate themselves from the very costs they are imposing on their constituents by doubling their own future pay."
According to the JFO: The compensation rates in this provision would result in increased annual legislator compensation costs of approximately $585,000 in fiscal year 2025 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026. The base legislative pay now is $811.68 a week and would go to $1,210 by 2027. Leadership compensation (annual) would go from $13,891.02 to $28,300.
S.39 also proposes to make members of the General Assembly eligible for the same health insurance benefits, employee assistance program (EAP) benefits, and flexible spending account program benefits available to State employees. This provision would be effective on January 1, 2025. Based on JFO assumptions, costs for a half year in fiscal year 2025 would be approximately $843,000 and costs for a full year in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 would be approximately $1,686,000.
The governor also today signed several other bills into law. announced action on the following bills, passed by the General Assembly.
Governor Scott signed bills of the following titles:
- S.17, An act relating to sheriff reforms
- S.48, An act relating to regulating the sale of catalytic converters
- S.95, An act relating to banking and insurance
- S.112, An act relating to miscellaneous subjects related to the Public Utility Commission
On May 31, Governor Scott returned without signature and vetoed S.39, An act relating to compensation and benefits for members of the Vermont General Assembly, and sent the following letter to the General Assembly:
May 31, 2023
The Honorable John Bloomer, Jr.
Secretary of the Senate
115 State House
Montpelier, VT 05633-5401
Dear Mr. Bloomer:
Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, I’m returning S.39, An act relating to compensation and benefits for members of the Vermont General Assembly, without my signature because of my objections described herein.
This year, the General Assembly passed several pieces of legislation that will significantly increase costs for Vermonters through new and higher taxes, fees, and penalties. In my opinion, it does not seem fair for legislators to insulate themselves from the very costs they are imposing on their constituents by doubling their own future pay.
Sincerely,
/s/
Philip B. Scott
Governor
To view a complete list of action on bills passed during the 2023 legislative session, click here.
Source: 5.31.2023. Governor. Montpelier, www.vermont.gov
