External Link: https://www.mynbc5.com/article/gov-phil-scott-vetoes-child-care-bill-payroll-tax/44108854
With the 2023 legislative session now adjourned, lawmakers reflected on their months of hard work on Wednesday.
"Our four priorities were child care, the housing crisis — which we passed the HOME bill to deal with that — climate we passed S.5, and then on the gun issue… we passed three bills," Sen. Phil Baruth said.
Top Democrats said the session was a success. After overriding the governor’s veto of their child care program on Tuesday, they hosted a celebration on the statehouse steps Wednesday afternoon.
"For far too long, families across Vermont have struggled to balance taking care of their children and earning a paycheck, but this year we took a huge step to ensure every family has access to high quality and affordable child care," Rep. Jill Krowinski said.
The governor vetoed the bill due to the payroll tax that comes with it, but supporters say to look at it as an investment into Vermont.
Gov. Phil Scott vetoes child care bill, citing concern over payroll tax
"Because all businesses throughout the state of Vermont are pitching in [and] paying their fair share of taxes, it's going to strengthen families, it's going to strengthen communities, it's going to strengthen the economy, and that means we are all better off," Rep. Emilie Kornheiser said.
The Democrat-controlled legislature also overrode the governor’s veto of their nearly $8.5 billion budget, but the amount of overrides and spending does not come without concern from Republicans.
"We're headed into dangerous territory, and I think the legislative majority went too far. I think we need to practice what is in Article 18 of the constitution, which is one of the factors that will make Vermont sustainable: frugality," Sen. Randy Brock said.
The 2024 legislative session is planned to begin on Jan. 3, 2024.
https://www.mynbc5.com/article/vermont-lawmakers-reflect-on-historic-legislative-session/44291970
