Vt. lawmakers pass $8.5 billion budget

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - State lawmakers were burning the midnight oil on the final hours of the legislative biennium, passing an $8.5 billion budget.

This budget deal will increase property taxes by 13.8%, an increase that Governor Scott has concerns over. This budget includes funding for schools and government-subsidized housing.

We’re still waiting for the chambers to agree on a sweeping land-use bill, which would update Act 250 and try to incentivize more housing.

They also advanced a pair of bills that would crack down on retail theft and increase penalties for dealing synthetic opioids.

There are a few bills that didn’t make it over the finish line, including a bill remaking the Fish and Wildlife Board and banning coyote hunting with dogs.

Lawmakers will return on June 17th for the veto session.

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