Discussing Affordability at St. Johnsbury's Latest Legislative Breakfast

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Created on Friday, 01 May 2026 02:28

Written by Asher Ballantine

ST. JOHNSBURY - Affordability was a hot topic during Monday’s legislative breakfast in St. Johnsbury. A variety of the discussed bills were rooted in the economy of the state and impacts of the Northeast Kingdom.

"I am still sitting here... because I still believe that we can make Vermont affordable," stated Senator Scott Ingles. "We need to get back to affordability... we need to start pulling budgets back together."

Education was a focus point as well. As Act 73 continues to remain with a layer of uncertainty, lawmakers continue to express the issues with education in Vermont as a whole.

Representative Marty Feltus highlighted a disconnect between high spending and teacher compensation. "We spent over $2.5 billion on education in the state," Feltus noted. "We are number two in the country for per-pupil spending, but we are 17th in the country for teacher salaries. So this is not going to teachers. This is going to inefficiencies in the system... it's going to a very, very, very inefficient system."

There was also public comment made regarding enrollment at Vermont State University, specifically the Lyndon campus. 

"Right now, we're at—I believe there's less than 500 students. And before the pandemic, we were, I believe, around 1500."

In response, Senator Ingles offered a legislative perspective on the school's recovery. "I think they are on a good path. We've had some tough conversations with them, but I do have a lot of respect for [them] for what they're doing."

Legislators expressed that they are continuing to work hard on the presented bills as they head forward in the year.