The figure represents a 1.1 percent increase over last year’s budget.
“Our growth rates are astounding if you like low growth rates,” said House Appropriations chair Rep. Kitty Toll (D-Danville). “I don’t know how much lower I can go.”
The 2019 budget, which passed by a 122-10 vote, relies on about $2.5 billion of state money, $1.6 billion of which would be allocated to the general fund to cover general government expenses. That’s slightly more than the general fund proposed by Gov. Phil Scott.
Ahead of the vote, several representatives argued in favor of more funding for causes such as health care subsidies, the state’s attorney’s office and substance abuse treatment. “We know there are many areas in the state budget that need to be shored up,” Toll said in response, but the committee was working within the constraints dictated by Scott — no new taxes or fees.
Overall, however, opposition to the budget was markedly muted, with Democrats, Progressives and Republicans praising the House Appropriations Committee for putting forth a modest budget.
The budget maintains several programs that Gov. Phil Scott had proposed cutting, including funding to support people with disabilities and tuition loan repayments for primary care providers.
The budget was buoyed by a $28 million windfall the state recently received from a tobacco settlement, which put more money into substance abuse programs, shored up the teachers’ retirement fund and was invested in the state’s higher education institutions.
The Senate Appropriations Committee, which is led by Toll’s older sister, Sen. Jane Kitchel (D-Caledonia), will now take up the bill.
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Believe it or not, in Vermont divided government appears to be working well. Republican Governor Scott over the last two years has put to some degree a break on spending beyond our means. The Democratic led legislature has for the most part determined the priorities within that framework. All this done in a relatively respectful way. Representative Kitty Toll deserves particular credit for making things work.
“The figure represents a 1.1 percent increase over last year’s budget. “
Only a 1.1% increase over last year? Not bad.
Or is this more statisical bias? Never mind that this budget represents spending equivalent to $9,300 per person for just one year, or $37,200 per year for a family of four.
$5.8 Billion/623,657. Do the math. Then ask yourself if you think you’re receiving public services anywhere near equivalent to to this spending.