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In a move that can only be described as an affront to Vermont taxpayers, the state’s Democrat/Progressive-controlled legislature is pushing a massive pay increase for themselves while simultaneously refusing to consider legislative efforts that would alleviate rising energy costs. House Bill H.215, introduced by Rep. Nugent (D-Chittenden-10) of South Burlington, has been read for the first time in the General Assembly and referred to the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs for consideration. If enacted, this bill would set lawmakers’ salaries at Vermont’s median wage, which could result in a staggering +93.79% increase since 2022.

The Math Behind the Pay Grab

Vermont’s legislators are currently paid $897 per week during the legislative session, which lasts about 18 weeks, equating to an annual salary of $46,644. If H.215 is enacted, their new salary would be tied to the state’s median wage, estimated at $60,075 per year. This means their weekly pay would jump from $897 to $1,155 , a 28.76% increase. Over the course of the same 18-week session, their earnings would rise to $20,790, funded by Vermont taxpayers.

This kind of self-serving maneuvering is particularly galling given that the state is already struggling with affordability issues, with rising property taxes, fuel costs, and a challenging economic climate driving people out of Vermont in record numbers.

Refusing to Consider Energy Cost Relief

Even more troubling than their push for higher pay is the Democrat/Progressive-controlled House Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure’s refusal to take up three critical bills aimed at reducing the financial burden of Vermont’s extreme environmental policies:

• H.16 – Would repeal the Affordable Heat Act (aka. the Clean Heat Standard), a costly fuel mandate.
• H.62 – Would repeal the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), which allows environmental activists to sue the state over carbon reduction targets.
• H.65 – Would revoke Vermont’s adoption of California’s Clean Air Act waiver, which mandates electric vehicle (EV) adoption and restricts gas-powered cars.

These laws, particularly the Global Warming Solutions Act, have already exposed Vermont taxpayers to expensive legal battles. Environmental groups are suing the state for failing to meet unrealistic climate targets, lawsuits that the Democrat/Progressive majority is willing to let proceed—despite the fact that Vermonters will foot the bill for both the legal costs and the economic damage caused by these policies.

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Hypocrisy on Full Display

Vermont Democrats and Progressives are fully aware of the financial pain their climate agenda is causing. Instead of addressing affordability, they are doubling down on failed policies while quietly working to pad their own paychecks.

As Rep. V.L. Coffin (R Windsor-2) put it:
“If a legislator feels that they aren’t getting paid enough to afford Vermont’s cost of living, then perhaps, instead of voting for a pay raise, they might want to work on reducing the cost of living in the state instead.”

That sentiment echoes the frustration of many Vermonters, who are watching their elected officials push ideological agendas over practical governance, all while looking out for their own financial interests. If lawmakers truly cared about affordability, they would prioritize reducing costs for their constituents rather than using taxpayer dollars to line their own pockets.

What’s Next?

While the Democrat/Progressive majority refuses to consider these corrective bills, their silence is a choice—a choice to allow fuel costs to rise, to allow legal battles against the state to continue, and to burden working Vermonters with even higher expenses. Meanwhile, the effort to increase their own pay is moving forward.

For more on the Democrat/Progressive’s refusal to address these critical issues, check out Robert Roper’s detailed breakdown:
Democrats Refuse to Consider Repeal

With H.215 now in play, Vermont taxpayers should take this opportunity to bring any concerns they may have directly to their representatives at Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. If they want their legislators to take up H.16, H.62, and H.65, they must act fast—before time runs out.

The crossover deadlines for the 2025 Vermont legislative session are March 14 and March 21. These dates are critical because:

• The crossover deadline is the last day a bill can pass out of one chamber and move to the other chamber for consideration.
• Bills that don’t meet the deadline may face procedural hurdles to be considered in the other chamber.
• The Senate will not act on bills that miss the deadline unless the Senate Rules Committee grants special approval.

Vermonters who want to see these bills taken up need to contact their representatives immediately and demand action before it’s too late. If legislators truly believe in making Vermont more livable, their first step should be addressing the crushing costs of their own policies—not giving themselves a massive raise at taxpayer expense.

Dave Soulia | FYIVT

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