Phil Scott

The Vermont Human Rights Commission is asking lawmakers and the governor to nearly double its annual budget to address a lack of capacity at the agency.

A forecast published this week by the Vermont Department of Taxes projects a 5.9% jump in property taxes next year, but Republican Gov. Phil Scott said he is seeking to put forward a proposal that would keep tax bills flat in 2025.

Republicans now have enough members in both the House and Senate to sustain Gov. Phil Scott's vetoes, and House Minority Leader Pattie McCoy said they plan to use that power.

While next year’s forecast isn’t as dire as some elected officials had feared, Democrats and Republicans say the projected increase is more than many homeowners can bear.

Some people are doubling up with friends and family. Others have strained their budgets to stay longer in the motels. And many are sleeping outside.

Trump has repeatedly vowed to deport all of the estimated 11 million people living in the United States illegally. That population includes approximately 1,500 immigrants living and working on Vermont’s dairy farms, many of whom have resided in the state for more than a decade.

Senate Democrats, who will maintain a slim majority in the chamber next year despite losing six seats on Election Day, say the first week of the 2025 legislative session will be devoted to plans for property tax relief from the administration of Republican Gov. Phil Scott.

Vermont applied for an enhanced federal match earlier this fall. And last week, President Joe Biden approved an amendment to Vermont’s disaster declaration that will deliver significant relief to towns that have filed public assistance claims.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said he was able to work effectively with the last Trump administration, despite his outspoken criticism of the president. And he said he expects the same will be true over the next four years.

A well-funded electioneering operation bankrolled by Gov. Phil Scott helped Republicans capitalize on voter disaffection over the rising cost of living in Vermont.