Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement: “As we begin the 2026 legislative session, I welcome Vermont’s legislators back to the State House and thank them for their continued service to Vermonters. Today also marks the fifth anniversary of the January 6th riots at the U.S. Capitol, a very dark day for our country. My feelings haven’t changed, and I continue to believe it could and should have been avoided.
“As I reflect on the causation, it’s an important reminder that fear, anger, and deeply held beliefs can be manipulated and elevated to the point of destruction and violence. It’s also a reminder that our democracy depends on respect for the rule of law, peaceful political disagreement, and the integrity and accountability of the institutions created to serve the people, as well as the officials elected or appointed to uphold them.
“Here in Vermont, we have an opportunity and responsibility to lead by example, rather than allow hyper-partisan activism and political division to dominate the national conversation. By working together, we put people ahead of partisanship, solutions ahead of slogans, and decency over divisions.
“This session, we need to make significant progress on housing, health care affordability, education transformation, and public safety. To deliver results for Vermonters, we must stay focused on what’s within our control and commit to the notion that when Vermonters with different perspectives come together with an open mind, there is no challenge we cannot meet.”
1.6.2026. Governor. 109 State Street | The Pavilion | Montpelier, VT 05609-0101 | www.vermont.gov
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