Budget a remarkable achievement for Scott administration, but big challenges lie ahead

Gov. Phil Scott began his term in office by setting three top priorities: grow Vermont’s economy, make the state more affordable and protect the most vulnerable. Six months later, his administration and the Legislature achieved a remarkable feat — they approved a level-funded budget that didn’t raise taxes or fees.

In this episode of Vote for Vermont, co-hosts Pat McDonald and Ben Kinsley interview Administration Secretary Susanne Young about the behind-the-scenes planning that led to the budget victory.

Despite the big win, however, state budget leaders face new challenges. An unexpected $29 million revenue downgrade will require the administration and Legislature to cut $12 million, after plugging the rest of the gap with available one-time funds. In addition, federal budget cuts coming from Washington, D.C., will affect all states, potentially requiring even more cuts.

Such challenges come on top of a daily crisis in the Green Mountain State that includes the loss of six workers from the workforce each day, a drop in enrollment of three students each day, and the loss of one child to opioid addiction each day.

Watch full episode:

Image courtesy of Vote for Vermont/Pat McDonald

One thought on “Budget a remarkable achievement for Scott administration, but big challenges lie ahead

  1. With a bloated government and opportunities to cut waste a budget that simply doesn’t raise taxes or fees for one year isn’t acceptable to those who are struggling to survive here including businesses. If an aggressive plan of action isn’t pursued then we are still falling further behind.

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