ROCKINGHAM — Phil Scott wouldn't have been elected without the votes of many Independents and Democrats concerned about the out-of-control spending and unsustainable tax burdens that are making our wonderful little state unaffordable for young families and retirees and driving businesses across the Connecticut River. In vetoing the budget, he was fulfilling his pledge to the clear majority of Vermonters who elected him.
If even a fraction of the proposed Republican cuts to Medicaid reimbursement, transportation, and environmental programs are enacted, Vermont's budget will be hammered.
So Scott was wisely signaling that it's time to bring our spending in line with our resources so that we can continue to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, maintain infrastructure and protect our precious lands and waters.