Phil Scott in 2020 VT Governor's race


On Free Trade: Congress should pass USMCA trade deal

A new, and better, trade agreement--known as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)--was put forward, we are still waiting for the agreement to be reviewed, and ratified, by the U.S Congress. Every day that passes before the agreement is ratified in Congress is another day employers, workers and families are not benefiting from the new opportunities it makes possible and the higher standards it sets. We urge Congress to give it prompt consideration and move swiftly forward with ratification.
Source: Gubernatorial press release for 2020 Vermont governor race Jun 20, 2019

On Technology: State invests in expanding broadband connectivity

Scott signed an act relating to broadband deployment throughout Vermont, which invests in expanding broadband connectivity throughout the state. "While we know it's not a cure-all to economic challenges, we can all agree reliable broadband is important for economic growth, education, public safety and overall access to information, services and people around the world," said Governor Scott.
Source: Gubernatorial press release for 2020 Vermont governor race Jun 20, 2019

On Families & Children: Increased spending on childcare & early learning

Affordable childcare and early learning has been a top priority for Governor Scott as Vermont seeks to expand its labor force and attract young families, while strengthening the state's cradle-to-career education system. The Governor's FY 2020 budget proposal includes a $7 million increase to the Child Care Financial Assistance Program to raise the subsidy level for low- and moderate-income families and provide financial assistance to early educators.
Source: Gubernatorial press release for 2020 Vermont governor race Mar 15, 2019

On Technology: Alliance with Microsoft for digital skills, computer science

Scott announced the state's plans to enter an alliance with Microsoft to improve access to digital skills programing and computer science education and to promote rural broadband access, with the organizational support of Microsoft technology experts and partners. "We are grateful for Microsoft's partnership as we work to overcome broadband gaps in rural Vermont and provide more equitable and accessible opportunities for all Vermonters," said Governor Scott.
Source: Gubernatorial press release for 2020 Vermont governor race Jan 25, 2019

On Tax Reform: Scott and Republicans blocked many new taxes

Here are just some of the taxes and fees Governor Scott and Republican lawmakers were able to prevent: New carbon tax; New payroll tax on Vermonters' wages; Income tax surcharge; Increase in the meals and rooms tax; Occupancy fee; Per-parcel fee; Small business surcharge; Sugar tax; Bag tax; And many, many more!

Thanks to Governor Scott's vetoes and a united Republican Caucus, we avoided many new taxes and fees. They displayed fiscal responsibility and showed a real commitment to affordability.

Source: 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial campaign website PhilScott.org Aug 7, 2018

On Tax Reform: Tax burden takes a toll on economic development

"In my first 18 months in office, we've avoided $70 million in forecasted property tax rate increases--including two consecutive years of level rates for residential property tax payers. We've eliminated the income tax on social security for low and middle-income households.

As we move ahead, I look forward to working with fiscally responsible lawmakers of all parties who understand the toll the tax burden takes on our economy and economic development."

Source: 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial campaign website PhilScott.org Aug 7, 2018

On Social Security: Enacted state tax relief on Social Security benefits

Nearly 40,000 Vermonters receiving Social Security benefits will keep more of their income due to an income tax exemption proposed by Gov. Phil Scott and passed by the Legislature. This change creates a personal income tax exemption for Social Security beneficiaries below certain income thresholds. "This relief, coupled with our Working Family Taxpayer Protection Act, provides $30 million in income tax relief for Vermonters," said Scott.
Source: Gubernatorial press release for 2020 Vermont governor race Jul 27, 2018

The above quotations are from 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage.
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Page last updated: Nov 03, 2020