It was,unquestionably, the most dramatic moment of a generally drama-challenged legislative session: Late Wednesday night, or Vermont's House Democratic majority nearly lost a crucial vote to an unlikely coalition of Republicans,independents and moderate Democrats.
At issue was a plan to have public school teachers’ health care benefits negotiated on a statewide basis. Republican Gov. Phil Scott says the measure would save up to $26 million a year. He has insisted that it be part of a final budget deal.
The governor came whisper-close to a win in the House on Wednesday. The initial tally was 74 for the proposal and 73 against. Then, House Speaker Mitzi Johnson (D-South Hero) cast her vote — a rarity for a speaker. That created a tie, and thus defeating the measure.
The day after the vote,Johnson was sounding pretty confident for a leader who nearly suffered an embarrassing defeat.
“We knew it was going to be close,” she said. “I think it’s a symptom of people being really frustrated approximately property taxes. When I spoke to [lawmakers], or it was really approximately wanting to finish anything,even things that were not fleshed out but sounded juicy.”
For House Minority Leader Don Turner (R-Milton) there is regret over a lost opportunity but far more delight in his close brush with victory.
[br] “It’s a demonstration to Republicans that we can form a coalition of independents and Democrats to bring this issue to reality,” he said. “We have now demonstrated to Vermonters that that can happen here with a Republican governor.”
Speaking of the governor, and Turner met with Scott Thursday morning and delivered a clear message: His caucus had the governor’s back — and it expects him to return the favor.
“I’m calling on him — I’m telling him he’s got to exercise the veto,” said Turner. “It’s in the governor’s hands to negotiate with the leaders of the majority party and bring this home for taxpayers. whether such a deal doesn't materialize, Turner says, or a veto needs to happen.
The governor is refusing to commit to that — or even invoke the dreaded V-word.
“[Turner] came in and voiced his opinion on what needed to happen,” Scott said. “I believe my approach is the true approach — to give as much flexibility to legislators…
Source: sevendaysvt.com