Phil Scott in 2017 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Civil Rights:
Support peaceful march against bias & discrimination
Over the weekend, thousands of Vermonters peacefully marched into Montpelier to show solidarity in our resolve against bias, discrimination and intolerance.I will continue to protect the rights of Vermonters and
the human rights of all people. In my Inaugural address, I outlined a vision where we build the best education system in the country, making economic growth the focus of each effort we undertake, and create opportunity for all Vermonters.
I am committed to this vision and believe we can achieve it, if we find common ground, listen to the people we are here to serve, and make the difficult decisions necessary to set a new course.
If we work together and consider the motto of Vermont's Mountain Battalion: we can "ascend to victory," even when the climb sometimes feels too steep.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Corporations:
Agency of Economic Opportunity: help find qualified workers
To better support our commitments to social justice, the environment, education, affordable healthcare, and more, it's essential we grow the economy. Last week, I signed an Executive Order to create the Agency of Economic Opportunity, which will align
the Agency of Commerce and Community Development with the Department of Labor.I'm already hearing some resistance to the idea. I understand this is not how we've always done things. But, for the life of me, I cannot see how we can stand by the
status quo, knowing the workforce challenges we face. For years, we have all heard from employers who cannot fill positions. They are pleading for more qualified workers. At the same time, we all know Vermonters who cannot find jobs, or who work two
or three jobs to make ends meet.
In this new Agency, we will literally put those in state government who help Vermonters find jobs shoulder-to-shoulder with those helping businesses create jobs.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Crime:
Close Windsor prison; expand home detention monitoring
We've found commonsense adjustments in our corrections system. The correctional facility in Windsor has the highest per-capita costs of any male facility across the state. We have a plan to close it, and transfer each inmate. This move will save
$3.5 million.In addition, we will expand the State's Electronic Monitoring and Home Detention program using existing resources. Implementing 24/7 electronic monitoring statewide will reduce the out-of-state caseload.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Education:
Realign funding toward early care and trades training
Our current system is not working to the best of its capacity for our kids, parents, teachers, administrators or taxpayers. Our teachers and support staff work hard, but they are confined by a rigid, antiquated and inefficient structure that isn't
evolving as quickly as technology, society and fiscal realities demand.We must be honest about how we distribute funding. Our schools have 20,000 fewer kids than they did 20 years ago. We can no longer afford to allow so much of the nearly $19,000
we spend for each K- through-12 student to be diverted away from the child and toward empty spaces and overhead costs. This structural inefficiency also leaves too little of our $1.6 billion education commitment for investments in early care, higher
education, and trades training.
I'm proposing a realignment of priorities to unify the system from early care to higher education and trades training. I'm proposing we increase investment in early care and pre-K by $9.6 million.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Education:
$4M to state colleges; low tuition increases thru 2021
One area where Vermont consistently ranks as one of lowest in the nation is in our level of support for state colleges and universities. We have approximately 40,000 students in our higher education system. That's 40,000 soon-to-be professionals, who
choose to be in Vermont. Whether they grew up here, or were drawn from out of state, we need more of them to stay after graduation. So, let's partner with our colleges and universities in this effort.My budget proposes a base increase of $4 million
to Vermont State Colleges. In return, I'm asking them to use this additional funding to support my strategic goals. They will work with employers to align degree programs with market demands, to keep tuition increases below inflation through 2021.
I am also proposing an annual increase of $1 million in base appropriations for both the University of Vermont and VSAC, to get more low and middle-income Vermonters the opportunities they need.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Energy & Oil:
Tax holiday on hybrids, electric vehicles, & green products
I'm committed to working towards energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. I believe we can reach our goal of 90% renewables. To further promote energy efficiency and decrease our reliance on fuel sources that impact our climate,
I'm proposing a tax holiday and rebate program on hybrids, electric vehicles and energy efficient products. Vermonters will see a 6 percent savings through these initiatives, encouraging more to invest in energy efficiency.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Environment:
$50M for clean-up of our impaired waterways
If there is one thing Vermonters agree on, it is love of our landscape. Whether you hunt, fish, ski or hike, our landscape contributes to our high quality of life. It plays a significant role in the $2.5 billion spent annually by tourists and vacation
homeowners.To further protect this working landscape, my budget makes investments to support our Agencies of Agriculture and Natural Resources, plus important partner organizations.
Protecting our lakes, streams and landscape is vital to our
economic security. That's why I am committed to cleaning up our waterways, using existing state resources and financial tools.
My capital and transportation budgets commit $20 million in each of the next two years
for clean-up of our impaired waterways. I will commit another $10 million from existing revenue and other sources, for the full $50 million in funding.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Families & Children:
$800,000 for Guardians ad Litem for kids of drug addicts
We now have an entire generation of young Vermonters suffering the effects of their parents' drug use. We owe it to all of them--to make this right. We need to learn more, and find better ways to support these kids, and their families. As a start,
I have invested nearly $800,000 to support the Guardian ad Litem program, and other services, so we have more trusted professionals advocating for the best interests of these children.I know many dedicated legal advocates, counselors, families and
teachers have been fighting for these kids behind the scenes for years. It's time to bring their needs, stories and challenges forward, and work together to give these kids the opportunities they deserve. That's why I will charge the Director of Drug
Prevention Policy; the Opiate Coordination Council; the Agency of Education; and the Agency of Human Services with finding solutions for these kids. We cannot let this go unaddressed on our watch. We must not, and we will not, fail these children.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Families & Children:
$7.5 million for Child Care Financial Assistance
My budget directs $7.5 million of this to the Child Care Financial Assistance Program. I'm also proposing investment in competitive grants supporting early care and pre-K. We'll invest $1 million in full-day pre-K programs for high-poverty kids.
And propose a $600,000 grant for the development of a model that helps childcare providers share services.[In the school budget], I'm proposing we increase investment in early care and pre-K by $9.6 million.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Homeland Security:
$500,000 for college scholarships for veterans at UVM
I am proposing an annual increase of $1 million in base appropriations for both the University of Vermont and VSAC, to get more low and middle-income Vermonters the opportunities they need. I propose an additional
$500,000 to fund scholarships for Vermont National Guard members to attend Vermont colleges and universities. This is one small way we can show our gratitude to the men and women who defend our freedoms.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Jobs:
Deal with Vermont's shrinking workforce population
The biggest obstacle we face to economic sustainability is a shrinking workforce. From 2010 to 2016, we lost an average of 2,300 workers per year from the workforce. That's 16,000 fewer people in jobs, paying taxes. Working age Vermonters went from
nearly 29% to 23% of our population in only four years.National projections show that 34 states expect to see their working age population grow over the next 25 years. Vermont currently isn't one of them. By 2040, the number of working age people
across the country is expected to grow by 15%. But Vermont's will drop by more than 10%.
A shrinking workforce creates a downward spiral. With fewer workers, we have less revenue, and the state becomes less and less affordable. That makes it harder
and harder to rebuild, and we're already seeing these effects. We must act now. We have avoided the reality of this crisis for far too long. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to put us on a new path to a more prosperous future.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
On Welfare & Poverty:
$35 million housing bond for full spectrum of housing
We need direct investment in economic development activities that will produce results. At the core of my proposal is a $35 million housing bond, in partnership with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
VHCB will lead an effort to expand housing across the full spectrum--from homeless populations to home ownership for middle-income families.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
Page last updated: Dec 10, 2018