Governor Phil Scott spoke for the first time Wednesday since lawmakers couldn’t come to a deal on education reform last Friday. Although understanding the need for additional time, Scott remains firm that lawmakers must deliver a plan to his desk promptly.Concerns persist over a conference committee possibly favoring a four-year timeline for implementing a new foundation formula, slated to take effect during the 2029-2030 school year. Scott expressed opposition to the extended timeline, reiterating the urgency of completing the plan sooner. Adding to his concerns, Scott addressed reports that the committee might not reconvene until June 12 or 13 to finalize the proposal. While House members suggested they would have a plan ready by then, Senate members on the committee said they have not agreed to a schedule for the conference committee yet. Scott stressed the need to avoid last-minute efforts, especially with both legislative chambers scheduled to vote on the full proposal June 16.“I just don’t want to see us get into a position where we ended up last Friday, where we were just at a standstill in some respects, and getting sloppy in others, just trying to get a bill across the finish line,” Scott said. “We have some time now, I think we should take that time,” he added. The governor also disclosed that he is not currently part of discussions with House or Senate conference committee members, leaving negotiations firmly in the lawmakers’ hands.Whether Scott will ultimately sign the anticipated compromise bill remains uncertain. However, he remains optimistic about progress this year. The primary challenge lies in ensuring that property taxes in lower-spending districts across Vermont do not increase under the proposed funding model.
Governor Phil Scott spoke for the first time Wednesday since lawmakers couldn’t come to a deal on education reform last Friday. Although understanding the need for additional time, Scott remains firm that lawmakers must deliver a plan to his desk promptly.
Concerns persist over a conference committee possibly favoring a four-year timeline for implementing a new foundation formula, slated to take effect during the 2029-2030 school year. Scott expressed opposition to the extended timeline, reiterating the urgency of completing the plan sooner.
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Adding to his concerns, Scott addressed reports that the committee might not reconvene until June 12 or 13 to finalize the proposal. While House members suggested they would have a plan ready by then, Senate members on the committee said they have not agreed to a schedule for the conference committee yet.
Scott stressed the need to avoid last-minute efforts, especially with both legislative chambers scheduled to vote on the full proposal June 16.
“I just don’t want to see us get into a position where we ended up last Friday, where we were just at a standstill in some respects, and getting sloppy in others, just trying to get a bill across the finish line,” Scott said. “We have some time now, I think we should take that time,” he added.
The governor also disclosed that he is not currently part of discussions with House or Senate conference committee members, leaving negotiations firmly in the lawmakers’ hands.
Whether Scott will ultimately sign the anticipated compromise bill remains uncertain. However, he remains optimistic about progress this year. The primary challenge lies in ensuring that property taxes in lower-spending districts across Vermont do not increase under the proposed funding model.
