Statement from Governor Phil Scott on December 1 tax letter
Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement on the annual December 1 tax letter released by the Department of Taxes:
“The Department of Taxes has released its annual forecast of the education property tax rate, which once again shows, without intervention from Montpelier and/or school boards reducing spending growth, Vermonters will face an average 12% increase next year.
“It should come as no surprise that I find this totally unacceptable, as I’ve been ringing the alarm – and proposing meaningful reforms – for years.
“Last year, Vermonters went to the polls and made it very clear how they feel about property taxes increasing over 40% in the last five years alone, while student enrollment, performance and opportunities decrease. That’s why we presented a thoughtful plan to the Legislature last session that addressed the changes needed, so the system works better for our kids, teachers, and taxpayers.
“But to achieve the outcomes we’ve all agreed are important, the Legislature must follow through on the commitments made in Act 73. This legislation charts a new, more affordable, and higher quality course. When implemented, it will reduce unnecessary and duplicative overhead and bureaucracy to ensure more of every dollar actually reaches our kids.
“In order to move forward with the much-needed transformation – including a fairer and more sustainable funding system – this session, legislators must approve a new, modern, equitable governance structure that reflects the fact that we are now educating 20% fewer K-12 students than we were 20 years ago, and provides greater opportunity for all students. If we follow through, we can provide new, and higher quality standards for all our kids.
“I’m ready to follow through on these objectives, despite the efforts of those who are determined to preserve a failing system that promises more of the same: declining test scores at ever-increasing costs.
The choice before lawmakers in 2026 is clear: show courage by working together to keep moving forward with our bipartisan transformation plan or explain to Vermonters why yet another double-digit tax increase is acceptable, and why we’ll continue to see them well into the future if we abandon our efforts.”
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