An historic day for Vermont leadership

For the first time, Vermont is beginning its legislative session with the House, Senate and lieutenant governor's office all being led by women, and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott recognized this historic occasion in his welcoming remarks to the Legislature Thursday.

The new leadership includes Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski, Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint, Senate Majority Leader Alison Clarkson and Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray — all with the Democratic majority. After a small swearing-in ceremony, Scott also recognized that the House caucuses each have female leaders as well: Rep. Patti McCoy (R), Rep. Emily Long (D) and Rep. Selene Colburn (P).

Scott said this day in Vermont leadership was "long overdue."

"We should all be proud of these milestones and appreciate the history they’ve made," he said.

Vermont's Republican governor also spoke about vandalism and violence that occurred Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol.

"Seeing our Capitol — a symbol of democracy around the world — stormed by this mob of traitors was heartbreaking," Scott said. "The fact that these flames of hate and insurrection were lit by the President of the United States will be remembered as one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history."

In his inaugural address to the state on Thursday evening, Scott said American voters sent a clear message that they want a different kind of leadership, that treats people of all parties with respect. Scott said that approach is critical, especially in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.

"The challenges we face demand the very best of all of us, that we rise above the partisanship and division, the pettiness and political games, to commit to the tough work ahead, to get through this crisis safer and stronger, and to do it together," he said.

In Vermont, Scott said the pandemic has put the spotlight on major challenges, such as inequities in remote learning access, the struggles of the state college system, the severe impact on businesses and job loss, and the need for workforce training.

"And with all of this, we see the urgency to build a more diverse and resilient economy and make Vermont more affordable for families and businesses," Scott said.

Among his goals for Vermont this year include expanding the state's tax increment funding program to spur local development, and also modernizing Act 250, the statewide land use law. In his annual budget proposal, he'll call for a property tax exemption for licensed preschool programs, to boost state help for child care. Scott also proposes to organize all the state’s child development work within the Agency of Education. Additionally, the governor has asked his administration to develop a plan to get every Vermont student back to full-time, in-person learning by the end of the school year, and perhaps by April.

To watch, listen or read the governor’s 2021 inaugural address in full, click here.

— Gareth Henderson