The Vermont House passed a state budget late Thursday and sent the spending package to the Senate.
The $5.8 billion spending package uses no one-time funds for on-going expenses. But it increases fees and taxes.
Republican Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott, who is running for Governor, says the House majority’s budget spends beyond the state’s ability to pay by increasing taxes $48 million.
Democratic House Speaker Shap Smith says the budget is balanced and sustainable. “There was a lot of talk about where we could cut spending, but nobody actually proposed cuts.”
The budget passed 94 to 40 in the House.