Tensions Rise Between Gov. Scott and Top Democrats Over Hotel Motel Program

Tensions Rise Between Gov. Scott and Top Democrats Over Hotel Motel Program

The discord intensified Wednesday after the Scott administration claimed it was uninvited from ongoing negotiations.

Vermont Budget Adjustment Act fight goes public

MONTPELIER — Vermont Democrats say they’re willing to cut a proposed extension of the “hotel motel” program from the mid-year budget, but only if Gov. Phil Scott agrees to keep it for children, pregnant women, disabled people, veterans, and people…

Democrats willing to concede spending clash if Gov. Scott extends motel stays

Legislative leaders conceded that they are willing to walk away from about $14.9 million in state spending — but made a single request in return.

Phil Scott’s Continuing Search for an Acceptable Level of Cruelty

“Governor Nice Guy” is having a bit of a tantrum. The cause: legislative Democrats are making him look bad, and he doesn’t like it. At issue, naturally, is the General Assistance Emergency Housing program, familiarly known as the motel voucher program. The Legislature passed a Budget Adjustment Act that would have extended winter eligibility rules through the end of June, thus preventing a mass unsheltering when the winter rules expire on April …

The Bias of VT Media: A Case Study in Selective Reporting

On March 18, 2025, VTDigger and Vermont Public published a joint article titled “Democrats willing to concede spending clash if Gov. Scott extends motel stays,” detailing a political standoff between Vermont’s Democratic legislative leaders and Republican Governor Phil Scott. The article framed the Democrats as pragmatic and compassionate, willing to sacrifice $14.9 million in proposed spending to protect vulnerable Vermonters in the state’s hot…

Scott Strikes Down Bill to Extend Motel Stays - The Hardwick Gazette

MONTPELIER — Gov. Phil Scott delivered his first veto of the 2025 legislative session over a midyear spending package on Friday, setting up a showdown over Vermont’s motel shelter program. The five-term Republican wrote in his veto message that he wants to hold off on increased state spending as state officials anticipate federal funding cuts to key programs. But beyond disagreement over dollar figures, Scott disapproves of the extension the ann…