MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott on Thursday afternoon will deliver his fifth inaugural address before a joint session of the General Assembly.
This year’s address is marked by a new shift in power in Montpelier. Voters in November chose to send more Republicans to the Statehouse, a rebuke of the Democrats’ supermajority rule. While Democrats will still set the agenda, Republicans, backed by the governor’s new veto powers, will have a seat at the table.
The Republican governor’s speech is widely expected to address this new balance of power and how bipartisanship can solve longstanding issues. His primary speaking points since first being elected — “growing the economy, making Vermont more affordable, and protecting the most vulnerable” — will likely also once again be prominent themes.
Democratic leaders have said education finance reform, housing, health care, and climate resiliency will once be among the top items on their agenda. They have also pledged to work with the governor to find common ground.