Scott sets himself and state a financial challenge

Phil Scott was sworn in as governor Thursday, promising to hold the line on state spending and vowing not to raise taxes or fees.

The former lieutenant governor, the only Republican holding statewide office, pledged to continue fighting the opiate epidemic in Vermont, overhaul economic development efforts and transform the education system.

Some Democrats and Progressives panned his inaugural speech as unrealistic and lacking in detail, while others said they would wait until Scott unveils his proposed budget in three weeks before criticizing his plans.

Scott told lawmakers and observers packed in the House chambers that the state faces a budget deficit of at least $70 million and Vermonters are tapped out. He repeated what he told voters on the campaign trail: that he would not support a budget that grew more than the Vermont economy or people’s wages.

Read more: https://vtdigger.org/2017/01/05/scott-sets-state-financial-challenge/