The Legislature adjourned (with the exception of a June veto session) on the night of Friday, May 12th. The Governor has now vetoed the budget, which includes DMV fee increases, and the veto session will consider that in a few weeks. Bills that were not passed this year will carry over to 2024.
Workforce Development
The push to broaden the availability of technical center education continues, but we are told that it is not as simple as including 9th and 10th graders in the tech centers. A report came out in April that addressed this matter. It found that key changes that could be implemented now include reaching students in the middle schools, aligning school calendars and academic requirements, and provide additional funding to create more accessibility for students coming from sending schools. (I read this to mean that it really is, in part, as simple as including the freshmen and sophomores). I would argue that they also need to realign the bureaucracy so there is one statewide district for all tech centers to be a part of. That change would create consistency in programs and guide the outcomes Vermont needs for its workforce.
Small Claims Jurisdictional Increase
S.33 passed with an increase in the jurisdictional limit to $10,000, except for cases of credit card debt and medical expense debt, which will remain at $5,000. Thank you to the members who gave information about your collection efforts—it made the difference with legislators! The bill was delivered to Gov. Scott on May 30th. We expect him to sign the bill.
Dept of Motor Vehicle fee increases still likely
The 19.8% across the board DMV fee increases that were part of the now vetoed Budget (H.494) are up in the air and will be discussed in the veto session on Tuesday, June 20th. The main issue which will be addressed is the motel housing program that was funded mostly by federal money. This program costs nearly $8 million dollars a month. Ironically, 5-10 legislators who support continuing the program are threatening to vote to uphold the veto if some funding is not provided. I expect that some deal will be brokered to give even more time to motel program beneficiaries to figure out their future housing, at an additional cost to the state. If the veto stands, the legislature has to pass a new budget.