Phil Scott in 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Budget & Economy: We need to keep our spending within existing revenue

I continue to believe we need to keep our spending within existing revenue. So in full transparency, you can expect my budget will increase by about 3%. I know from experience, many of you view 3% growth as an "austerity" approach. It's important to know that with this increase, and after meeting our obligations, we have very little money left. If you go higher, we will be spending more than we're taking in, leading to higher taxes and fees, adding to the burden Vermonters are already feeling.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

On Crime: Consider strategies to fight crime besides justice reform

When those who victimize others are put back on the streets, hours after being apprehended only to reoffend again and again, Vermonters question law enforcement. We've made progress on justice reform and treating addiction as the public health crisis it is. But when spiking crime rates make it clear that not all the changes have been effective, we have a responsibility to take a step back and consider other strategies.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

On Education: Our education infrastructure is too large for number served

Keep in mind, the Education Fund is now more than $2.1 billion dollars. With fewer than 83,000 Pre-K through 12 students, we're spending about $25,000 a year per student, among the very highest in the country. It's the result of an education infrastructure that is too large for the number it serves, so not enough money is making it to the kids.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

On Principles & Values: Our decency to one another is our greatest strength

To me, it's our decency to one another, where we as Americans and Vermonters find our greatest strength. I've seen this my entire life. I saw it in my dad and in my mom, and in the people of my hometown when he passed away. I've seen it in teachers and classmates, co-workers, friends, neighbors, colleagues in the legislature and dedicated state employees. Like many of you, I've tried to pass it on to my kids.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

On Welfare & Poverty: Housing is key; remove impediments to growth

The fact is, Act 250 did exactly what it was intended to do. It slowed down growth, and in some cases, stopped it altogether. But it was enacted at a time when we were growing way too fast. Today we face a different reality--one where families desperately need homes, and communities need reinvestment. Housing is key, and it's something we can do right now. So let's work together and get more families in homes faster, and at a cost they can afford.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

On Budget & Economy: We need to keep our spending within existing revenue

I continue to believe we need to keep our spending within existing revenue. So in full transparency, you can expect my budget will increase by about 3%. I know from experience, many of you view 3% growth as an "austerity" approach. It's important to know that with this increase, and after meeting our obligations, we have very little money left. If you go higher, we will be spending more than we're taking in, leading to higher taxes and fees, adding to the burden Vermonters are already feeling.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

On Crime: Consider strategies to fight crime besides justice reform

When those who victimize others are put back on the streets, hours after being apprehended only to reoffend again and again, Vermonters question law enforcement. We've made progress on justice reform and treating addiction as the public health crisis it is. But when spiking crime rates make it clear that not all the changes have been effective, we have a responsibility to take a step back and consider other strategies.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

On Education: Our education infrastructure is too large for number served

Keep in mind, the Education Fund is now more than $2.1 billion dollars. With fewer than 83,000 Pre-K through 12 students, we're spending about $25,000 a year per student, among the very highest in the country. It's the result of an education infrastructure that is too large for the number it serves, so not enough money is making it to the kids.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

On Principles & Values: Our decency to one another is our greatest strength

To me, it's our decency to one another, where we as Americans and Vermonters find our greatest strength. I've seen this my entire life. I saw it in my dad and in my mom, and in the people of my hometown when he passed away. I've seen it in teachers and classmates, co-workers, friends, neighbors, colleagues in the legislature and dedicated state employees. Like many of you, I've tried to pass it on to my kids.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

On Welfare & Poverty: Housing is key; remove impediments to growth

The fact is, Act 250 did exactly what it was intended to do. It slowed down growth, and in some cases, stopped it altogether. But it was enacted at a time when we were growing way too fast. Today we face a different reality--one where families desperately need homes, and communities need reinvestment. Housing is key, and it's something we can do right now. So let's work together and get more families in homes faster, and at a cost they can afford.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 4, 2024

The above quotations are from 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Sep 29, 2024