Montpelier, Vt. - Governor Phil Scott’s Communications Director Rebecca Kelley issued the following statement:
“Tonight, the House voted clearly to support Governor Phil Scott’s proposal for a statewide health benefit that would realize up to $26 million in savings, in a 74-73 vote. In addition, two supporters of the proposal were absent from the House tonight.
“Sadly, House Speaker Mitzi Johnson cast a final vote, creating a tie that blocked the proposal from advancing.
“While the Speaker’s vote ensured this savings proposal was not adopted tonight, this vote is a clear indication that enough votes exist in the House to ensure that, one way or another, the Governor’s proposal can still become law, saving taxpayers up to $26 million each year, without asking teachers to pay more or cutting programs for kids.
“Gov. Scott is unwilling to leave the estimated $26 million in savings a year on the table, and this vote demonstrates the legislature is willing to make commonsense policy changes on behalf of taxpayers.
“The Governor is grateful to all those who voted for the amendment to put Vermont's taxpayers and school districts first and he will continue to work with the Legislature to enact this proposal.”