School Fundraising

State senators in Montpelier gave preliminary approval to the fiscal year 2024 budget adjustment. The budget adjustment is typically not too controversial, but this time around, there were hours of debate. The main focus of the debate was primarily focused on an amendment that would change how the state uses cannabis sales tax.Many senators want to use it for the Universal Afterschool and Summer Special Fund, which helps expand programs across the state.Those in support said many programs and kids rely on this funding, and the monetary change is just a clarification of funding and a technicality. “What this does is expands programs, it makes for more creative programs, it makes for greater opportunities. I hope everyone will support this proposal of amendment,” Sen. Brian Campion, a Democrat and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, said. While those against it feel it’s a policy change and the Agency of Education shouldn’t necessarily be handing out funds to non-profits and entities that arent public school districts.”The amendment appears to be a complicated change with unanswered questions and policy issues that need to got through the full legislative process.,” Sen. Martine Gulick, a Democrat from Burlington, said. The amendment ended up being approved on an 18-10 vote, and the whole budget adjustment passed on a vocal vote. The BAA also included money for local municipalities to get FEMA matches for flood recovery and extended the hotel-motel group that was going to be evicted in April to the end of June. The budget adjustment will be up for its third and final reading tomorrow.