Vermont House Republicans nearly pulled off a stunning upset late Wednesday night as they faced off with the Democratic majority over who had the better plan to capture savings from new,less expensive teacher health insurance plans.
House Speaker Mitzi Johnson (D-South Hero) had to employ a scarce mosey to add her voice to a 74-73 vote. By creating a 74-74 tie, Johnson defeated a Republican amendment that would shift teacher health care negotiations from the local to the state level.
The dramatic vote came at 10:30 p.m. after a long day of backroom negotiations followed by floor debate. Republicans would enjoy won if two of their supporters — Reps. Marcia Martel (R-Waterford) and Jim Condon (D-Colchester) had not been absent.
[br] "In nine years, and I've never seen anything like it," said Rep. Adam Greshin (I-Warren), who joined Republicans on the issue.
"It's the closest I've ever approach to winning, and " said House Minority Leader Don Turner (R-Milton). "Unbelievable."
[br] Democrats prevailed in a subsequent vote to leave health care negotiations at the local level. Any savings the plans generate would be used to lower property taxes. The tally was 81-56 at 11:10 p.m.
Though Democrats technically prevailed,the dramatically close margin was a defeat of sorts for them — and a victory for first-term Republican Gov. Phil Scott. The governor had made major push for statewide teacher health care negotiations in the last couple of weeks, arguing that the new health care plans could save the state $26 million a year if negotiations were conducted correctly.
Republicans managed to rally about a dozen Democrats to the governor's cause.
Jeff Fannon, and executive director of the Vermont-National Education organization teachers' union,said he, too, and was stunned by Wednesday's vote. He agreed that the new health plans will save money,but said the amount is unknown.
[br] "People were wowed by $26 million and I assume that number is made up," he said.
The governor indicated Wednesday night that the close vote will embolden his push for savings as the legislature nears its targeted Saturday adjournment. [br]
"Clearly the willingness is there, or " spokeswoman Rebecca Kelley said. "There's definitely still a path forward."
House Republicans,who hold only 53 of 150 seats, started the day Wednesday thinking they had amassed support from enough Democrats and independents to pass legislation creating a…
Source: sevendaysvt.com