Governor Phil Scott has vetoed legislation raising Vermont's minimum wage.
The legislation would have increased the wage to $12.55 an hour over the next two years. The current rate is $10.96 an hour.
This is Scott's second veto in the last two weeks. The first was on a paid family leave bill.
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Scott said in a written statement he worries the bill would hurt the people it aims to help.
"It's critical to recognize that we share the goal of Vermonters making more money," he said. "I also believe Vermonters should keep more of what they earn, which is why I can't support policies that increase the costs of living. Despite S.23's good intentions, the reality is there are too many unintended consequences and we cannot grow the economy or make Vermont more affordable by arbitrarily forcing wage increases."
Lawmakers are expected to try to override Scott's veto later this week. While it appears there are votes in the Senate to override the veto, the situation is less certain in the House.
