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[T]wo policies aimed at lifting up low-income Vermonters took unusual paths to passage this week.
Bills to raise the state’s minimum wage and provide workers with paid family leave were priorities of Democratic leaders throughout the session. Both have drawn opposition from Gov. Phil Scott, who says they will burden businesses and harm Vermont’s economy.
Republican lawmakers have concurred with the governor. But last week, key committees brought each bill to the floor without members’ approval, revealing divisions even among Vermont Democrats.
“It was a procedural vote. It wasn’t the issue,” said Rep. Maureen Dakin, D-Colchester, who serves on the appropriations committee.
Dakin said voting “yes” on the move gave her a visceral reaction. “I just felt that, gosh, I should have fought more to vote on the issue … and not a parliamentary procedure.”
Before Tuesday’s pivotal House vote, she told colleagues in a Democratic caucus meeting, “I have come to believe that there is no room under our big tent for moderates like myself.”
Those divisions led to a narrow vote in favor of the wage increase. Scott is now expected to veto it, along with the paid leave bill.
On this week’s podcast, VTDigger’s Xander Landen tracks the months-long debate that led to this week’s controversial vote. Plus, Dakin describes how that debate illustrates broader shifts in the party she’s belonged to since the 1970s.
Subscribe to the Deeper Dig on Apple Podcasts or Google Play. Music by Blue Dot Sessions.
