2 days ago
Reaction to Gov. Scott's veto of new homelessness program
(ABC22FOX44) – Advocacy groups are speaking out against Governor Phil Scott's veto of a bill that would have overhauled Vermont's hotel-motel program. The bill was designed to replace the current program with a more localized community shelter system.
The governor vetoed this Wednesday.
The bill was called V-HEARTH for short by some. It stands for Vermont Homeless Emergency Assistance and Responsive Transition Housing.
The group called End Homelessness Vermont says it would give more power to local communities by creating regional committees made up housing coalitions, shelter providers, state officials, and those who have experienced homelessness.
Brenda Siegel says the governor initially approved the funding in the state budget, now she says, he's walking it back.
The executive director of End Homelessness Vermont, Brenda Siegel says, 'The governor signed the budget that included the funding for V-HEARTH. That means that he already approved the money that was being spent.'
In a letter to the legislature Scott writes, 'the bill proposes we spend millions of dollars more than the $45 million used last year.' He goes on to say, 'it's my hope… to transform the hotel/motel program into one that delivers value for Vermont taxpayers, those in the program, the community-based organizations providing shelters and services, and communities that have been unfairly burdened by this failed program.'
Siegel says the bill shouldn't have been a surprise. Siegel says, 'the governor was in the room every single step of the way in making H.91. To end in a veto is not acceptable.'
The ACLU of Vermont says without reforms, the state can expect more unsheltered people on the streets.
The governor says the state should be focused on building more shelter capacity and getting treatment to those who need it.
Advocates are concerned the proposed federal funding cuts to HUD and housing voucher programs such as section 8, will only add more challenges.
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