FROM OUR LEGISLATORS

​In November, voters delivered a clear mandate; they elected common sense Vermont Republicans in dramatic fashion and asked us to focus on affordability, housing, education, and public safety. Vermont Republicans gained more legislative seats than the rest of the states, combined. Vermonters empowered the Senate and House Republican Caucuses by breaking the supermajority and ensured that America’s most popular Governor would be an equal at Montpelier’s negotiating table.

 

Because of gains made by Vermont Republicans in the 2024 election, Vermonters could be assured that the worst ideas were blocked from becoming reality, especially the Clean Heat Standard. But being an obstacle isn’t enough to demonstrate true leadership. Vermont Republicans needed to show Vermonters that we could do more than just say no -- we could deliver results.

 

Despite still being in the Minority, we were able to accomplish what Vermont Republicans have sought for years and would have seemed unimaginable until last year’s election. 

 

For decades, we have fought to give military retirees the tax relief they deserve. The Governor has pushed this idea for nine years. But we were able to pass S,51, which moves Vermont very close to a full repeal of income tax on military retirement. And we were able to provide tax relief for seniors on fixed incomes and working families. Importantly, no tax rates were increased this year. The conversation in Montpelier has shifted from deciding which taxes to increase on already overburdened Vermonters, to deciding where we can actually provide tax relief and reduce costs. That would not have been possible without voter-empowered Republican Caucuses working closely with Governor Scott.

 

Instead of last year’s double-digit education property tax rate increase imposed over Governor Scott’s veto, Vermonters this fall will see only a 1.1% increase.

 

On housing, we passed the CHIP bill, which will unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in housing investments for communities across the state, big and small. For those who have been following the housing conversation for a while, we've been pushing for this idea for years. Housing that middle-class working Vermonters can afford solves so many problems related to affordability.

 

On public safety, we passed initiatives that will help law enforcement and hold offenders accountable. It wasn't nearly as much as we would have liked, but we made progress, and that wouldn't have been possible without our unity and increased relevance.

 

We passed bills that will help lower health care premiums, which will make living and doing business in Vermont a bit easier. There is a lot more work to do, but we made progress and gained momentum.

 

We passed Right to Farm, which many have tried to solve for years. Our increased presence actually led to cooperation between the Agriculture and Natural Resources committees. Most had given up on this ever happening.

 

Republicans have supported repealing the mistakes of Act 60 for nearly 30 years. We seized the moment and have put Vermont on a path to overhaul our education funding system, provide taxpayers relief, and increase opportunities for Vermont kids.

 

There's a ton more we can point to. And we plan to continue showing Vermonters that the monumental change they supported in November is working.

 

Minority Leaders

Sen. Scott Beck

Rep. Pattie McCoy