Phil Scott

Republican Gov. Phil Scott says a bill that sought to curb chloride pollution in Vermont waterways poses legal risks for towns and contractors that have a duty to keep roads safe.

The House Committee on Ways and Means has spent the last three weeks crafting proposals that would raise income taxes on households that earn more than $586,000 a year. Though the legislation has no chance of becoming law this year, some Democrats hope the debate will resonate with voters heading into the midterm elections.

The proposed buydown is by far the largest discretionary line item in the state budget that cleared the Senate this week. And it could emerge as one of the biggest sticking points as the Legislature and the governor negotiate a final version of the $9.3 billion spending plan.

Though federal law allows citizens to sue state and local officials for excessive use of force, unlawful searches and other constitutional breaches, there’s no comparable recourse for transgressions by federal officials.

Republican Gov. Phil Scott says he won’t let a state budget go into law unless the Legislature approves an education reform bill that includes mandatory school district consolidation. House lawmakers have refused to budge on forced mergers, and they've begun preparing for a government shutdown over the issue.

Lawmakers want municipalities to use less road salt. Republican Gov. Phil Scott worries the measure could expose towns and cities to costly lawsuits.

Scott bypassed nominees from the Burlington Democratic Committee in favor of a more conservative candidate recommended by a fellow Republican.

Republican Gov. Phil Scott and Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate were in lockstep on mandatory school district consolidation heading into the 2026 legislative session. House Speaker Jill Krowinski says it’s since become clear that while voters are desperate for property tax relief, they’re not willing to sacrifice control of their local schools to get it.

The Senate Transportation Committee is set to approve a new mileage-based user fee to supplement a century-old gas tax that, according to many lawmakers, doesn't account for the rise of electric and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The bill seeks to lower education costs in Vermont's highest-spending districts. But districts that don't rein in spending accordingly could see significant financial penalties as a result.