The Vermont legislative sessions has passed its midpoint, and we’re talking with Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman about where some of his key priorities for the session — like paid family leave and a tax-and-regulate plan for marijuana — stand in the legislature.
On Vermont Edition Lt. Gov. Zuckerman proposed limiting federal tax cuts for wealthy Vermonters as a way to provide $150 million a year for key state infrastructure projects.
Zuckerman said he wants to allocate the money to expand a variety of programs including child care, weatherization, broadband and affordable housing.
Zuckerman said the new federal tax law reduces tax burdens for most people who make more than $150,000 a year, and he wants to recoup about 50% of these savings to pay for the economic development infrastructure proposal.
"Why don't we take half of that. And put it into these massive and important investments in Vermont's economy, in Vermont people, and working-class individuals who are struggling today, and investing for our climate future," Zuckerman said.
"We could actually have about $150 million a year for the next four or five years."
Zuckerman acknowledged it's too late in the current session to consider such a bill, but it's one he hopes will be the subject of a summer study.
Listen to the full interview above to hear Lt. Gov. Zuckerman discuss universal primary care coverage in Vermont, funding for water quality projects and how legislation is handling questions of sobriety and marijuana on Vermont's roads.
Broadcast live on Friday, April 19, 2019 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.
Correction 4:49 p.m. The photo of Zuckerman was taken in the Senate chamber, not the House as originally stated.
