The bill H.141, introduced by the Committee on Appropriations, proposes significant budget adjustments for the fiscal year 2025, amending various sections of the 2024 Acts and Resolves No. 113. It focuses on reallocating funding across multiple state agencies and programs, resulting in a revised total budget of $566,173,768, an increase from the previous total of $563,046,727. Key insertions include increased operating expenses for the Agency of Digital Services, the Judiciary, and health-related grants, while deletions involve reductions in previously allocated funds for departments such as the Department of Vermont Health Access and the Department for Children and Families. The bill also highlights increased funding for Long Term Care Grants and the Corrections sector, as well as new appropriations for health equity community grants and affordable housing initiatives.

Additionally, the bill addresses financial discrepancies in education funding by establishing a credit for the Northeast Kingdom Choice School District to compensate for overpayments due to accounting errors. It includes amendments to existing laws, such as extending the pilot program for the Blueprint for Health Hub and Spoke initiative and repealing certain funds like the Workforce Education and Training Fund. The bill also allows for the transfer of funds within the Human Services Caseload Reserve and mandates a strategic plan for the Department of Corrections to enhance employment readiness for offenders. Overall, H.141 aims to streamline funding processes, enhance support for vulnerable populations, and ensure fiscal responsibility across state services.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 32-8521, 32-8522, 3-3306, 10-543, 18-9502, 30-86, 32-706, 32-902, 32-951a, 32-954, 32-308b