Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont House of Representatives on Thursday voted 132 - 3 to pass H.493, the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget. The $9 billion budget reflects months of collaboration across aisles and chambers, with a strong focus on affordability, community resilience, and long-term investments in Vermont’s future. The Senate had passed it May 1 on a 20-10 vote and the conference committee, following the House vote, quickly sent it on to Governor Scott on May 15. Scott is expected to sign it.
"This budget reflects Vermont values," said Vermont Speaker of the House, Representative Jill Krowinski. "It supports working families, responds to the ongoing needs from flooding events, and makes smart, targeted investments to strengthen our education, health care, and housing systems for the long haul. Most importantly, it was built with input from every corner of our state, and I’m proud of the thoughtful, collaborative work that brought it forward.”
“I'm thrilled we were able to pass a budget on a 132-3 vote that addresses key priorities and serves Vermonters now, while maintaining flexibility and reserving funds for the inevitable cuts that are to come out of Washington, D.C.,” said Representative Robin Scheu (D - Middlebury), Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations. “This budget represents the work of many people and many compromises. We were successful because people were willing to work together and come to agreement, even when it was hard to do so.”
The budget, among other things, provides assistance to:
- Housing Response
- Expansion of shelter capacity and housing opportunity grants
- Manufactured home improvement and repair programs
- Funding for middle-income homeownership and first-generation buyer initiatives
- Support for individuals with developmental disabilities
- Early Childhood and Families
- Increased reimbursement rates for infant and toddler care under the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)
- Support for community-based services and food security through the Vermont Foodbank
- Health Care & Aging Vermonters:
- Updated Medicaid appropriations for projected utilization
- Increased support for nursing home beds and staffing
- Funding for the Vermont Veterans’ Home
- Substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery residence supports
- Education & Workforce:
- Investments in Vermont State Colleges, the University of Vermont, and VSAC
- Continued support for public education transformation and access
- Workforce housing development
- Affordability Measures:
- $77.2 million in property tax relief for homeowners
- Continued investments in health care payment and delivery reform, including reference-based pricing
- Funding to eliminate certain medical debts for Vermonters
“The budget reflects a number of compromises between all sides, including the administration, which paved the way for a product we can all can be proud of,” said Representative Jim Harrison (R - Chittenden), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations. “It funds our priorities while recognizing the fiscal constraints we must operate under.”
The report now goes to the Governor for final approval.
For more information about the budget or to read the full text of H.493, please visit the Vermont Legislature’s website.
5.15.2025. MONTPELIER, VT - Speaker of the House
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