Speaker Krowinski: The governor failed our most vulnerable Vermonters

October 2, 2024 | By Rep. Jill Krowinski  

In 2016, Phil Scott was first elected as governor and stated he was committed to making a difference in the lives of Vermonters. 

To this day, his website states:

He has committed to making a difference in the lives of Vermonters by growing the state’s economy, making Vermont more affordable, protecting the most vulnerable and restoring faith and trust in government. 

Protecting the most vulnerable and restoring faith and trust in government — a headline priority for his eight years as our state’s leader. Yet, at a time when the governor has the ability to use the tens of millions in funds the legislature appropriated — money that could keep families, veterans, children with disabilities, and other vulnerable Vermonters sheltered — he has chosen to look the other way. 

As new guidelines for the General Assistance Emergency Housing benefit take effect, Vermonters are leaving motels and hotels with nowhere to go. These deadlines were not a surprise to the governor; his administration had months to prepare. We have repeatedly given the governor a legislative mandate to put together a long-term, sustainable housing plan for the most vulnerable, but no actionable plan has been presented. 

The governor wants to restore faith and trust in government, but he does not use the funds in his control, and the powerful tools of the executive branch, to put a roof over the heads of those who have nowhere else to go.

The governor should use the full power of his departments and agencies, such as the Agency of Human Services and the Department of Public Safety, to stand up temporary shelters and shift state employees, like we’ve done during floods and the global pandemic. I know state employees are also at capacity in their day-to-day jobs, so he should also consider hiring temporary employees or contract staff to operate the shelters. 

I recognize there’s not a simple solution here. If there was, we would have passed it years ago. Increasing access to housing in all 14 counties — whether it’s for shelters or for low- and middle-income Vermonters — has been and continues to be a priority for the legislature. Our response must be as comprehensive as it is compassionate. 

I know many are frustrated with the governor’s lack of action, but he still has the ability to right the ship and get a roof over these Vermonters' heads. I urge all Vermonters to call his office and ask what his plan is to take action and do the right thing. 

The governor cannot be a bystander in this moment. He must not look away.

State Rep. Jill Krowinski, D-Burlington, is Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives.