Democratic leaders in the Vermont Legislature are drafting a supplemental budget bill that aims to extend housing support for over 1,000 low-income households who are at risk of losing their motel accommodations at the end of June. Since the Legislature adjourned last month, the negative consequences of abruptly ending the emergency motel housing program have become more apparent. In response, House Representative Emilie Kornheiser, who chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means, along with other leaders in the House and Senate, are working on legislation to expand housing support for individuals with disabilities, families with children, and seniors over the age of 62. The goal is to ensure that those currently in the motel program have access to suitable housing options that meet their needs. It has become evident that both the administration and local communities require additional support, resources and flexibility to address this issue effectively.
The decision by Republican Governor Phil Scott and the Democratically controlled Legislature to significantly reduce the motel housing program in Vermont this summer has faced widespread criticism. Supporters warn of a potential mass displacement of vulnerable Vermonters who may end up homeless when they lose access to motel accommodations.
The federal funding that had supported the program since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic expired, and both Governor Scott and Democratic leaders stated that the state lacked the financial resources to sustain it.
However, the situation has changed in recent months. Representative Kornheiser explained that legislators now have confidence in the Scott administration’s ability to transition vulnerable Vermonters into different housing alternatives. It has become clear to many people, as the Legislature has progressed, that the administration needs more support and communities require greater flexibility and additional options to address the issue effectively.
Lawmakers will host a vote on the legislation, which is still being finalized, during their veto session next week. Democratic leaders hope that the bill will pave the way for overriding Governor Scott’s veto of the state budget.
A coalition of Democratic and Progressive lawmakers in the House has been advocating for increased funding in the budget to extend the motel housing program. They had planned to sustain Governor Scott’s veto of the state budget to pressure leadership into allocating more funds.
A member of this coalition explained on Tuesday that it’s too early to determine whether the proposal being agreed upon by Kornheiser and other leaders will be sufficient to gain the coalition’s support.
“The devil is in the details,” they said.
Kornheiser stated that lawmakers have not yet settled on a final appropriation for the bill. The legislation would not restore motel eligibility for the approximately 700 households that were displaced from their hotel rooms on May 23. Kornheiser explained that the appropriations in the budget approved by lawmakers a month ago should be enough to address the needs of that population.
“I believe those resources, when utilized by communities, whether it’s expanded shelter capacity or expanded daytime services, I believe those should serve individuals who may have exited the motel program previously,” Kornheiser said.
Kornheiser said the new funding won’t be limited to motels alone. She explained that the Legislature wants to provide the Agency of Human Services with flexibility to use the funds for various housing options for people at risk of homelessness.
The legislation should also direct the administration to negotiate reduced monthly rates with lodge owners. Kornheiser added that the Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Committee will hold regular meetings between now and the next legislative session to address the situation and ensure that resources are allocated appropriately.
Kornheiser stated that the Legislature intends to urge the Scott administration to assist in drafting the supplemental funding plan.
A spokesperson for the governor stated on Tuesday that Scott has not yet seen the details of the plan but expects to meet with House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth this week.
Typically the Vermont Statehouse is often the people’s house. I will be your sight and head there. I just keep an in depth eye how legislation may affect existence; I also on a regular basis speak to those who produce those guidelines.
