Editor’s note: This commentary is by Stephan Morse, of Newfane, a former Republican Vermont state senator and representative who served as House speaker. He was also a member and chair of the State Board of Education.
With the special legislative session dragging on, Montpelier is beginning to look like our federal government in Washington, D.C. The governor will not compromise or negotiate with the Legislature on next year’s state budget. He is threatening to close down state government on July 1, just like they do in Washington when they cannot come to agreement. Only in 1961 was such a closure threatened in Vermont’s history. This governor’s actions are unprecedented. Governors usually work with the Legislature and resolve their differences, especially on state budgets.
I offer these comments as a former Republican legislator and speaker of the House. I understand this normal process and am completely confused by the governor’s lack of cooperation.
The governor stated from the beginning of his term “no new taxes or fees” and now shows no willingness to compromise. The Legislature recognized this position and passed two budgets that received strong tripartisan support, both of which the governor vetoed. The most recent rejected budget did not include the revenue in dispute and it did not raise education property taxes. Education property taxes are set each year to simply reflect the decisions of voters on their local school budgets. They will be set as usual, in a different tax bill still to be negotiated. But the governor has been unwilling to recognize this and state government may shut down. While it is not clear what state services and programs will close, it is certain most services would not be available, if the government closed down abruptly on July 1.
As the state treasurer has warned, with a government shutdown the state’s bond rating will decline and our bond rate will go up, resulting in an increase in state budget expenses. A government shutdown is fiscally irresponsible; it risks Vermont’s strong fiscal reputation and jeopardizes our bond rating. The governor needs to follow the Vermont tradition and openly negotiate with the Legislature for a fair budget to avoid a government shutdown. The Legislature has more than met its responsibilities. Now it is the governor’s turn.
If the governor refuses to compromise, I would suggest that the Legislature override his veto. The state of Vermont needs a budget!
