Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Explore our coverage of government and politics.

Gov. Phil Scott Pushes For Second Term, Plans To Continue Focus On 'Affordability Crisis'

Gov. Phil Scott speaking into a microphone in the VPR Talk Studio.
Anna Ste. Marie
/
VPR
Gov. Phil Scott, seen here during VPR's Republican gubernatorial debate on Aug. 2, won the Republican nomination for governor Tuesday. Scott spoke to Henry Epp via phone as he now looks ahead to the general election in November.

Incumbent Republican Gov. Phil Scott turns to his re-election campaign for the general election, after securing his party’s nomination Tuesday night by warding off a challenge from Keith Stern.

Though Scott received more than 65 percent of the vote in the Republican primary, the governor speculated that his support for gun control legislation earlier this year affected him at the polls.

"I believe public safety is [a governor's] highest obligation, and so I decided to take action, instead of inaction," Scott told VPR Wednesday afternoon. "And there were a number of people who were disappointed and angry about that, that signing, and chose themselves to take action."

In Scott's bid for a second two-year term, he’ll now face Democratic gubernatorial nominee Christine Hallquist on Nov. 6.

“We’ve been making some changes, but we need to continue. Because we know, I believe, that Vermont is unaffordable,” Scott said. “We have an affordability crisis on our hands, and we have the means to do something about it.”

More from VPR — Scott Wins GOP Gubernatorial Nomination, Says Voters Face 'Clear Choice' In November

Scott listed balanced budgets and level property tax rates — aside from the non-residential rate in the last legislative session — as accomplishments during his first term as governor. He also highlighted reductions in income tax rates and free tuition for those in the National Guard.

While Scott wouldn't commit to a pledge to not raise taxes or fees during his conversation with VPR, he said it's something he'd evaluate year-to-year, especially as Vermont experiences a budget surplus.

"I'll continue to advocate for living within our means, being able to utilize those surpluses to make investments as well, to give taxpayers relief," Scott said. "Because if we can't give them relief, if we can't make it more affordable in Vermont, we're not going to attract nor are we going to keep people here. And that's our biggest issue that we face."

Listen above to Scott's interview with VPR All Things Considered host Henry Epp.

Henry worked for Vermont Public as a reporter from 2017 to 2023.
Latest Stories