Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott delivered the 2018 State of the State address Thursday, highlighting progress made in 2017, and recommitting to an agenda focused on economic growth and affordability, while protecting the vulnerable.
Gov. Scott highlighted the impact of key proposals and initiatives passed last year, including a budget that did not raise taxes and fees, a $35 million housing bond focused on increasing availability of housing for working Vermonters, investments in downtown development, clean water, early care and learning and higher education, and expansion of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts.
While recognizing the progress made, Gov. Scott called for urgency in addressing the state’s demographic challenges, and asked for collaboration on policies and proposals that will strengthen and expand Vermont’s workforce.
“Whether employees are needed for a business to grow or just to keep its doors open, there’s a common theme here: We need more workers. And we cannot afford to ignore this any longer,” said Gov. Scott. “Reversing these trends should be the top priority of every elected official, regardless of party or political beliefs,” he added.
The Governor also called for continued action and outlined proposals to make Vermont more affordable, attract and retain working families and young professionals, and strengthen the economy. He concluded by calling on all elected officials, and all Vermonters, to lead the nation in restoring civility to our political discourse.
“The solutions we were elected to find are achievable, but we must not let our work be clouded by politics. We must resist the instinct to retreat to ideological corners,” he said. “We have an opportunity to set an example with our actions. We can commit to meaningful dialogue and be guided by our shared principles. We can work together towards consensus whenever possible, and compromise when its required.”
A transcript of Gov. Scott’s 2018 State of the State address is attached.
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