Vermont Senate gives preliminary approval to FY 2026 state budget
A provision in the budget allows lawmakers to call a special session if significant federal funding cuts occur.
A provision in the budget allows lawmakers to call a special session if significant federal funding cuts occur.
A provision in the budget allows lawmakers to call a special session if significant federal funding cuts occur.
The Vermont Senate gave preliminary approval Wednesday to the fiscal year 2026 budget — a proposal totaling just over $9 billion — to keep the state running. The budget is tighter than in previous years as pandemic-era surplus funds have been depleted and uncertainty lingers around future federal funding.
A provision in the budget allows lawmakers to call a special session if significant federal funding cuts occur — an idea Gov. Phil Scott has yet to fully endorse.
“Regardless of how they do this, I think we’re all in the same frame of mind that if it gets to a point where we can’t handle this … we’d have to bring the General Assembly back,” said Scott.
The House is expected to propose changes, likely necessitating a conference committee before the bill reaches the governor. Final approval is anticipated Thursday.