Gov. Scott talks economics, education at annual luncheon

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott discussed ongoing initiatives and fielded questions, including those on issues with local impact, during a luncheon on Monday, March 27 at the Hartness House Inn.

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2017-03-28 / Front Page Gov. Scott talks economics, education at annual luncheon By TORY JONES DENIS toryd@eagletimes.com Vermont Gov. Phil Scott speaks to about 65 Springfield residents, members of the business community, municipal and school officials at the Annual Governor’s Luncheon on Monday, March 27 at the Hartness House in Springfield. — TORY JONES DENIS Vermont Gov. Phil Scott speaks to about 65 Springfield residents, members of the business community, municipal and school officials at the Annual Governor’s Luncheon on Monday, March 27 at the Hartness House in Springfield. — TORY JONES DENIS SPRINGFIELD — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott discussed ongoing initiatives and fielded questions, including those on issues with local impact, during a luncheon on Monday, March 27 at the Hartness House Inn. Scott was the key speaker at an annual Governor’s Luncheon Monday, sponsored by the Springfield Rotary Club and the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce (SRCOC). About 65 guests attended. The Scott Administration has been working toward a more concentrated effort that focuses on trades training, workforce programs, and a new “cradle to career” approach that he hopes will create better opportunities for Vermont citizens, he said. He also touched on the annual budget, including his effort to not raise taxes or add fees this year, and changes to the state education budget. That drew a question from Springfield School District Superintendent Zach McLaughlin. McLaughlin asked if the governor anticipates, in future budget cycles, to promote the concept of freezing the budget across the state. Scott had proposed level-funding the education budget during his January budget address. In the Springfield community, that budget freeze would lead to a cut of 15-20 professional positions, when they have already cut more than 40 positions in recent years, McLaughlin said. Scott’s response was that the state must “get control” over the budget, and that he wanted to expand some of the existing education funding to the early childhood and technical education programs. “We’re going to need people in early childhood education,” Scott said. Scott also said the state may not have to freeze the budget if it goes through with a measure to have teachers pay at least 20 percent of their health insurance premiums, which he said could save $30 million. “I think we can have both,” if all parties can “come together to the table,” the governor said. Springfield Town Manager Tom Yennerell also spoke to the governor about the town taking part in a municipal consortium lobbying for tax increment financing (TIF), and a bill relating to the concept. Scott said that the state’s Senate Committee on Finance passed out a bill for a $2 occupancy fee attached to TIFs, but with the full knowledge that he would veto anything with taxes and fees. However, as bills pass to the Senate appropriations committees and out to the floor, he anticipates changes, he said. Scott also said he would “continue to fight” for TIF and housing bonds. “I’m interested in economic growth. Bottom line,” he said. The governor discussed legislation in progress, the need for more early education and continuing education, opportunities in cyber security, more affordable housing, and keeping jobs in Vermont. The governor spoke about his recent proclamation, following President Donald Trump’s immigration and deportation plan, that he said was to recognize the importance of people in Vermont from all backgrounds, including immigrants. He also spoke about his executive orders issued on his first day in office, including a three-part order aimed at growing the economy, making Vermont more affordable, and taking care of the state’s most vulnerable. His administration is working to create more affordable housing — not only for low-income residents, but also to help middle-income families, “our workforce,” to afford homes, he said. Scott also said the administration has been working to change how people think of what state government does. “We are chipping away at this every single day,” he said. He also spoke about initiatives such as centralizing the state’s information technology infrastructure, and a new proposed Agency of Digital Services. Right now, no central agency is keeping track of successful and custom-made IT programs, which people may be spending millions of dollars on, he said. “So we have no idea how much we’re spending,” he said. He also discussed helping those seeking jobs to connect better with the Department of Labor, and an effort by his administration to align the liquor agency with the state lottery agency. “If we combine liquor and lottery, we can save … it’ll still be the smallest agency in state government,” Scott said. Members of the Springfield business community, local legislators, representatives of nonprofit organizations, and school and municipal officials were among those in attendance. Also present were Springfield Rotary Club President Ethan McNaughton, President-Elect James Fog, SRCOC President Jeff Perkins and SRCOC Vice President Dan Harrington.