January 27, 2025

The pace is picking up in the Legislature this week, so let’s jump in and get right to it.  

Catch up quick: Last week, we covered how new political dynamics due to eroded supermajorities have resulted in Democratic leadership waiting for Governor Scott to serve up omnibus bills on the key issues of housing, public safety, and affordability, with his budget address scheduled for January 28. 

Drips and drabs: This week the Governor’s team rolled out previews of omnibus bills slowly while holding back the full picture for his budget address.

Fiscal forecast: The state’s fiscal picture is a little bit clearer and a little bit better ahead of the Tuesday address, though the only thing certain with a Trump Presidency is uncertainty, and that could mean storm clouds in the state’s fiscal forecast.

The Only Certainty Feels Like … Uncertainty: There is no shortage of things for Vermonters to feel concerned about as the new President threatens our neighbor to the north with 25% tariffs potentially by February 1st, threatens mass deportations, and more. 

In this week’s update: 

• Governor’s Team Previews Education Overhaul
• Send this to your HR team – House considered expanding unpaid leave
• Governor’s Team Previews Housing Omnibus Bill 
• National politics cast a long shadow on Vermont policy 
• The healthcare landscape looks bleak, what will legislators do?
• The Laundry List