Vermont’s governor vetoes largest budget in state history

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont’s governor has vetoed a state budget that would have been the largest in state history.

Republican Gov. Phil Scott said the proposed budget, which is well over $8 billion, would unfairly raise taxes and fees on state residents. He said in his Saturday veto message that Vermonters “have made it clear that living in our state is not affordable” and lawmakers shouldn’t ask them to take on more burden.

Scott called on lawmakers to work with him on a new spending plan. The Vermont Legislature is controlled by Democrats, and adjourned its session by passing the budget.

Vermont Senate President Pro Tempore Philip Baruth said the legislature can’t act again until late June. Baruth called the veto “disappointing” and said senators “will need to recalibrate our approach as we work with our partners in the House on a response to the governor’s action.”