Governor talks end of restrictions; legislative session ends
Fletcher Hill Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
When Vermont gets 80% of eligible people vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Phil Scott plans to lift statewide restrictions on that same day. And that day might not be too far off.
Currently, the state would need to vaccinate nearly 28,000 more people to hit the 80% mark. On Friday, Scott said if the state immunizes an average of 1,500 people per day, that milestone could be reached by June 8. That would mean lifting restrictions nearly a month ahead of schedule.
Issuing that challenge to Vermonters, Scott said most states won’t come close to that high rate of vaccination.
“But I believe Vermont can, and we can show the country how it’s done,” he said at Friday’s press briefing.
To date, 74.9% of eligible Vermonters (those age 12 and over) have received at least one dose. That’s the highest percentage of any state. Scott urged those between the ages of 18 and 29 to get vaccinated, adding that this age group lags behind the most on vaccination rate.
“Now is your time to lead us to the finish line,” Scott said, speaking to that group.
He pointed out the statewide effort to make vaccination “as accessible as possible,” including local walk-in clinics and vaccination at job sites, colleges and other locations.
“Let’s keep our momentum going, let’s finish strong, let’s continue to show the nation and the world what this brave little state is capable of,” Scott said.
Whatever happens, Vermont is on track to end all pandemic restrictions by July 4, he added.
Friday also marked the last day of the Legislature, and lawmakers sent a $7.3 billion state budget to the governor’s desk before adjourning. The budget includes major investments in housing, broadband, and climate change initiatives. The spending plan also includes a $150 million reserve investment into the state’s pension funds, and $90 million for the state college system, WCAX reported. The budget is supported by nearly $600 million in federal stimulus dollars.
Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint was proud of how the session wrapped up, following months of remote legislating during the pandemic and myriad challenges.
“We started the session with not having a vaccine yet, insurrection at the Capitol, with a new president, so much uncertainty, and people really came together, both in the Senate, in the House, and also with the executive branch,” Balint told WCAX. “So, I’m actually feeling so good right now about the work that we’ve done.”
In remarks to the Legislature, Scott thanked each lawmaker and every Vermonter for their efforts during this once-in-a-century pandemic, The Associated Press reported.
“As I said in my Inaugural Address, this year was an opportunity for us to rise above politics and gamesmanship. To rise above the difficulty of a global pandemic that’s taken thousands of lives and disrupted so much. To rise to the challenge and embrace the opportunities so we can solve problems, help people, and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever,” Scott told lawmakers.
The governor said early Friday he could likely support the $7.3 billion budget plan, “barring any unforeseen last-minute details,” the AP reported.
— Gareth Henderson
