Legislative View
2025 Biennium Legislative News and Information
Legislative Updates
Week One – January 8 – 10, 2025
And we’re back – ready to dive into another action packed biennium! It feels like just yesterday the session wrapped up under the glow of the northern lights. Now, after a whirlwind first week, we’re off to a dynamic start.
Week Two – January 13 -17, 2025
The Governor’s Press Conference on public safety, held on January 15, 2025, has sparked considerable debate among policymakers, community members, and service providers alike.
Weeks Three and Four – January 20 – 31, 2025
This week was a dynamic one, with the 10th Annual Mental Health Advocacy Day at the State House standing out as a key highlight. The event, themed Hope Starts Here – Prioritize, Invest, and Connect for Mental Wellness, brought together a powerful coalition of voices advocating for greater attention and investment in mental health.
Week Five – February 3 – 7, 2025
This week, the Legislature continued its deep dive into the FY26 budget, with the budget ups and downs being presented in key committees. The Agency of Human Services made appearances in several committees including House Appropriations and House Human Services. Feedback was similar in both with committee members asking about the lack of increases for service providers. Notably, the Department of Mental Health shared reductions impacting embedded pediatric positions and Howard’s community outreach program.
Week Six – February 10 – 14, 2025
The FY26 public budget hearings officially began on February 13th, drawing in a broad array of advocates from across Vermont, each making a case for critical funding to support the wide range of programs that help sustain the state’s well-being. Among those who testified were four individuals from the DA/SSA, who put forth a formal request for a 6.2% Medicaid rate increase, highlighting the growing need for adequate funding to ensure the continued success of Medicaid-supported programs.
Week Eight – February 24 – 28, 2025
This week brought some important developments in our legislative efforts, particularly with the second public budget hearing. During this session, two of our network members testified on our rate increase request, delivering an important message to the appropriations committees. By sharing personal stories and clearly outlining the rationale behind our request, they helped committee members understand why this funding is crucial to the work we do.
Week Nine – March 3 – 7, 2025
Find our Budget Ask Brief for FY’26 below.
Week Ten – March 10 – 14, 2025
This past week, significant progress was made in the legislative process as budget memos were presented to the House Appropriations Committee to guide their work on the FY26 Budget Bill. Both the House Health Care and House Human Services committees included notable provisions, with a 4% service provider rate increase from each – ranking as the highest for Human Services and in the top three for Health Care.
Week Twelve – March 24 – 28, 2025
On Tuesday, VCP hosted Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Day at the State House. This significant day saw a diverse group of individuals, families, agency leaders, staff members, and self-advocates converge at the State House to engage directly with lawmakers, share their stories, and be recognized for their vital contributions to our communities.
Week Thirteen and Fourteen – March 31 – April 11, 2025
In recent developments, Governor Phil Scott has once again vetoed the Budget Adjustment Act, citing disagreement with a key provision related to the extension of cold weather dates for the Emergency Housing Program. This move has prompted ongoing discussions within the legislature about how best to balance the needs of Vermonters during colder months with the realities of state budgeting.
Week Fifteen and Sixteen – April 14 – 25, 2025
The past two weeks at the State House have been nothing short of eventful – both under the golden dome and, unexpectedly, for me, under the surgical lights. While I was out recovering from a surprise cholecystectomy (yes, that’s the fancy name for gallbladder removal), the legislature kept moving, and I now have the distinct honor of having conducted an impromptu undercover review of Vermont’s healthcare system. Spoiler alert: there’s an op-ed brewing – stay tuned.
Week Twenty- May 19, 2025
The Legislature has entered its final stretch, and several key issues that impact our system of care came to a head over the past two weeks. Most notably, the FY26 state budget cleared a major milestone, passing out of the conference committee and advancing through both chambers with overwhelming support.
Week Twenty-two – June 2, 2025
The Vermont Legislature adjourned late night on Friday, semi-capping off a session marked by urgency, tension, and high-stakes negotiations. The reality is – it’s not over, but a lot happened in the final days and hours. Major legislation moved, some stalled, and others are now caught in the limbo of gubernatorial review.
July 16, 2025
As we close out the 2025 legislative session, I want to extend deep appreciation to everyone across the VCP network who contributed to a strong and determined advocacy effort this year. From countless hours of testimony to powerful storytelling and technical expertise, your commitment helped shape meaningful conversations and outcomes under extremely challenging circumstances.
Advocacy Training
VCP Advocacy Training
The VCP training was held on Monday, January 27, 10am – 11am. The training provided an overview of the legislative process, tips on connecting with legislators, and instructions on crafting compelling talking points for 1:1 meetings and testimony preparation.