FROM OUR LEGISLATORS
Montpelier, Vt. – January 21, 2026
​​​Senator Scott Beck and Representative Pattie McCoy
Statement on Gov. Phil Scott’s Budget Address
​
Governor Outlines Bold Plan for Structural Reform Amid Fiscal Challenges
Rep. Pattie McCoy (R) – “House Republicans appreciate the serious proactive approach that Governor Scott laid out in his budget address. Many difficult decisions need to be made for Vermont to become affordable."
Sen. Scott Beck (R) – “Governor Scott is asking the legislature to reform inefficient systems that are not cost-effective and making Vermont unaffordable. Senate Republicans take this message seriously."
Both Senate and House Republicans are ready to work with the Administration and House and Senate Democrats.
Today, Governor Scott delivered a clear and candid message to Vermonters and the General Assembly: the time for structural reform is now. With federal stimulus dollars winding down and revenue forecasts downgraded, Vermont faces a pivotal moment that demands discipline, innovation, and collaboration.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s guiding principles—grow the economy, make Vermont more affordable, and protect the most vulnerable. These priorities have shaped budgets for years, enabling investments in clean water, childcare, housing, and addiction recovery without raising taxes. But as he noted, “Gone are the days of saying yes to every group asking for more funding.” This year’s $9.4 billion budget reflects that reality, balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investments.
Education remains front and center. Costs have surged 39% in five years, driven by property tax increases and structural inefficiencies. The Governor called for full implementation of Act 73 and proposed $105 million in property tax relief to ease the burden on Vermonters. He urged school boards to curb spending growth and voiced support for Senator Baruth’s proposal to cap education spending, emphasizing, “We cannot continue to prop up a failing system at the expense of other priorities.”
Housing is another critical challenge identified by Governor Scott. Despite nearly $800 million invested since 2020, demand far outpaces supply. The Governor announced plans to modernize Act 250, extend housing exemptions, repeal outdated rules, and make successful programs like VHIP permanent. “If we want the next generation of Vermonters to afford to live here, we’ve got to treat housing like the crisis it is,” he said.
On affordability, the Governor highlighted Vermont’s highest-in-the-nation energy burden and proposed reforms to achieve 100% clean energy by 2030 at lower costs, leveraging proven sources like solar, hydro, and nuclear. He also outlined healthcare reforms to expand choice, lower costs, and invest nearly $1 billion in rural health over five years.
Public safety reforms will prioritize victims and communities while restoring accountability for repeat and violent offenders. The Governor called for repealing “raise the age” for 19-year-olds and expanding pre-trial supervision statewide. He also announced plans to replicate Burlington’s successful Community Accountability Court model across Vermont.
Closing his address, the Governor invoked Vermont’s history of transformation during times of challenge, urging lawmakers to embrace change and commonsense solutions. “If we tap into that Yankee ingenuity, we can leave Vermont better than we found it,” he said.
Sen. Scott Beck
Senate Republican Leader
(802) 274-0201
​
Rep. Pattie McCoy
House Republican Leader
(802) 236-0115​​​
​
​
​
