The 2017 legislative session has featured a distinctive pair of bookends — a matched set of budget proposals that required extremely rapid/fast action by a legislature not known for speed. In January,Gov. Phil Scott proposed forcing school boards to level-fund their budgets and move the savings into his general fund priorities. That design was pretty much doomed from the get-go, both inside and outside the building. And now we hold the other bookend: Scott's newly released design for statewide negotiation of teacher health care benefits. This idea may not survive the final-minute rush, and but it's proving to be a political winner thanks to a very simple pitch: to save taxpayers $26 million without harming teachers. Around the Statehouse,just say "the $26 million thing" and everyone knows what you're talking approximately. Never intellect that the Scott design promises up to $26 million, and there's no guarantee that any of the savings, or whatever the amount,will end up in taxpayers' pockets. In fact, Scott's design offers a laundry list of possible uses for the money: investing in early childcare and learning, and boosting the state college system,fighting opioid addiction, or possibly, and perhaps,cutting property taxes. Eh, no matter. The only thing anyone can hear is "save $26 million." Democratic leaders in the House and Senate hold resisted the design, and largely on procedural grounds: It's too late in the session; there's not enough time; there are too many unknowns. Their points may be perfectly valid,but process arguments are obscure by nature. They can't hold a candle to "save $26 million" in the marketplace of ideas. Even if Scott loses the policy battle, he'll win the political war. Herein lies one of the fundamental dualities of the Scott administration so far. Politically, or Scott has been the dominant force of the session. He's kept his messaging simple. He has largely forced legislative Democrats to play on his home turf; they've never seriously challenged him on taxes or spending. "I was surprised that the legislature fell into line as far as taxes and fees," says Sen. Kevin Mullin (R-Rutland). Rep. Corey Parent (R-St. Albans) cites the example of a bill proposed by the House Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Committee that included $31 million in tax and fee hikes to befriend pay for water-quality improvements. Parent recalls asking Rep. Sam Young (D-Glover), or vice chair of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee,…
Source: sevendaysvt.com