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PASSED
in the State House of Representatives
on May 18, 2017, by a vote of
97-41
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Purpose: The “Big Bill” sets the budget for state government through FY18.
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Analysis: H.518 sets the total state budget, including federally funded projects, at $5.83, which represents a spending increase of 1.3 percent over the current year. The state funded portion of total spending is set at $2.48 billion, an increases of 0.7 percent.
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The YES/NO votes on H.518 are complicated by Governor Scott’s threat to veto this budget because the legislature failed to enact a change in how teachers healthcare benefits are negotiated, which would save taxpayers $26 million. This plan is opposed by the VT NEA (teachers union), though supported by the School Boards Association and Superintendents’ Association. So, in many respects this roll call reflects support or opposition to the Governor’s plan as much as support or opposition to the actual budget.
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Though this is not a clear cut issue vote, it is fair to say those voting YES did so in support of the budget, while those voting NO did so in support the governor’s plan.
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As Recorded in the House Journal, Thursday, May 18, 2017: “Shall the House adopt the report of the committee of conference? was decided in the affirmative. Yeas, 97. Nays, 41.” ( Read the Journal, p. 2624-2742.)
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