Governor Vetoes Combined Education and Comp Bill

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday vetoed a bill that included provisions addressing workers’ compensation surcharges and benefits, citing concerns over an unrelated provision that would have created a new payroll tax to fund state child care programs. The governor vetoed House Bill 217, saying the proposed tax — projected to raise $81.9 million in 2025 and another $92.7 million in 2026 — is regressive, meaning it takes a larger percentage of income from low-wage earners than it does from high-wage earners. The governor said the net result would be lower-income residents...