Dear Editor,
The Vermont House of Representatives passed its final bills and adjourned Friday, Sept. 25. This concluded an historic two-year session in which Covid-19 tested our state, causing numerous disruptions, including the closure of Vermont’s Statehouse.
The main purpose of the final session, which began Aug. 25, was to finalize the state budget for fiscal year 2021 and appropriate the remaining $223 million of the $1.25 billion Cares Act allotted to Vermont.
In developing the state budget, we had to struggle with a $180 million budget hole caused by the pandemic. However, the House working collaboratively with the Senate and the governor’s administration, put together a balanced budget without raising taxes or fees.
We’ve done so while ensuring there are no cuts to the services Vermonters count on. At the same time, we have kept our two primary reserve funds–the so-called rainy day fund and unemployment insurance fund–intact to ensure we are in a strong financial position heading into the uncertain months that lie ahead. We gave final approval to the $7.15 billion state budget bill Friday, Sept. 25.
Included in the budget bill is the remaining $223 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds. These federal dollars will be used to fund public post-secondary education, including $23.8 million in bridge funding for the Vermont State Colleges System, and $10 million in pandemic relief for UVM.
With the CRF dollars we were also able to set up a program to provide Covid-19 stimulus checks to immigrants in our state and spend more than $30 million to help schools cover the costs of reopening during the pandemic.
Another $88 million will be spent on additional grants for businesses strained by the pandemic and $5 million to help ski areas make Covid-related modifications needed to stay open this winter.
We also allocated CRF dollars to all hospitals in Vermont, including $6 million to Springfield Hospital.
In this final month-long session, the Global Warming Solutions Act was enacted to lower our carbon footprint and move us toward our climate goals. The GWSA converts Vermont’s emissions goals into requirements at a rate that’s achievable and realistic. To accomplish this, the GWSA sets up a Climate Council to develop a Climate Plan. The plan must prioritize strategies that are fair and equitable, that are technologically feasible, and that reduce the energy burden and impact on rural, low-income, and marginalized Vermonters.
With passage of the act by both House and Senate, the bill moved to the governor’s desk where he vetoed it, as expected. However, the House had enough support, including mine, to override a Scott veto.
The House also passed the cannabis bill (S.54). The bill creates a commission to establish a retail cannabis market in Vermont. Although I did not vote in favor of this bill, Gov. Scott has allowed it to go into law without his signature.
Our work will continue into the winter as we prepare for the next legislative session in January. My focus is on the needs of our community and on ensuring no one falls behind during this pandemic. If you need any assistance, please reach out. I can always be reached at tmbock@vermontel.net or 802-875-2222.
Sincerely,
Rep. Tom Bock
Windsor District 3-1