External Link: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-2024-state-state-address
from the Milton Independent
Friends – Happy New Year!
This Wednesday was the kick-off to this year’s legislative session. In just three days, well over 150 new bills have been introduced with many more to come. Some would say that is good, and some would say that is bad. My next paragraphs focus on (from Governor Scott) what we as YOUR legislative body should really be laser focused on.
On Thursday the 4th, Governor Phil Scott gave his annual State of the State address to the Senate and the House. He had many, many important points but his focus was on: Affordability/The Budget, Housing and Public Safety.
First, The Budget and Affordability – he implored the legislature to stop crafting legislation that is (collectively) financially crushing to our Vermont families. For instance, the 20% increase in DMV fees that was passed last session and went into effect January 1st of this year. Several of you have reached out to me about these fees that, sadly, DMV did not even ask for. Many of you are already seeing the impact of this increase. Last year the VT Legislature enacted a budget that the Governor vetoed (and unfortunately his veto was overridden) that did not fund the state in the manner he recommended. The Governor stated that “With historic one-time federal aid ending, another large increase in our pension obligation, and last year’s spending decisions catching up to us, we are back to where we were several years ago with difficult decisions to be made. In three weeks, I will present my budget for Fiscal Year 2025, and it will be a much different picture than previous years – “sobering” comes to mind.” He further went on to say: “For many of you (we legislators) this will be the first time you will work on a budget without hundreds of millions of dollars in surplus. For others it is déjà vu. Once again, we will face the discomfort of saying “no,” choosing between many good things, and maintaining the discipline to focus on what Vermonters need most.” I will keep you posted as this morphs through the session.
Second, the Housing shortage. Right now, Vermont currently has 2200 housing units permitted each year, but census data and vacancy rates show that we could use 6,800 new units NOW! The Governor asked for us to massage Act 250 to allow for more housing, not impede it. He stated that when Act 250 was crafted it was needed to slow growth as we were growing too fast, but now, we cannot live with that level of restriction. Anyone that has recently sought out housing knows how difficult it is to find something.
Third, Public Safety. Every day we read about or see in the news increased crime at all levels that is unacceptable. The proliferation and use of illegal drugs is also at an all-time high. We should be focusing on legislation that allows for very stiff sentencing and stop with all of the “catch and release” politics we are seeing in the legal world in relation to criminal behavior/action. This is unacceptable. It must stop. I have collaborated with other legislators to seek reforms in our legal system, and we will see how all of this progresses.
You can read the full text of Governor Scott’s address here: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-delivers-2024-state-state-address
I am hopeful that my legislative colleagues are heeding the Governor’s recommendations, words and ideas and doing the right thing to help Vermonters in his quest to have the state be a place that we can afford to live in…….
I will, as last year, be publishing a weekly report to you and as always feel free to reach out to me at: mmorgan@leg.state.vt.us or my cell at: 802-881-7835.
Representative Michael Morgan
