Vermont Legislature Fails to Finalize Landmark Education Reform Bill
MONTPELIER — In a dramatic turn of events, Vermont’s Legislature adjourned on Friday night without reaching an agreement on the much-anticipated education reform bill, H.454, despite a full day of negotiations. House and Senate members struggled to find common ground, resulting in stalled discussions and palpable frustrations among lawmakers.
Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth announced the Senate would reconvene Saturday after extensive, yet unproductive, deliberations that lasted until nearly midnight. Meanwhile, House Speaker Jill Krowinski signaled the House would hold “token sessions” without significant actions until mid-June, when they are scheduled to address potential veto overrides by Gov. Phil Scott.
“We’ve been putting compromises on the table all day, but it’s clear we need more time to get it right,” Krowinski stated, underscoring the significance of the education reform as a session priority. The legislature aimed to respond to voter concerns over rising property tax rates which contributed to a shift in political power following recent elections.
As discussions progressed, lawmakers initially seemed to close in on key elements of the bill, including new funding formulas and how to manage school choice and spending. However, by the end of the day, unresolved issues diverged the parties further than before.
Legislative leaders have committed to continuing discussions in the coming weeks, but with the education reform in limbo, other legislative measures—including housing and agricultural regulations—were passed. Frustration among lawmakers was evident, as many grappled with the urgency required to satisfy constituents eager for a resolution on the critical education issue.
As the session drags on, the future of Vermont’s education system reform remains uncertain.
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