November 3, 2026 · 12 statements · 2026.09.30-09c6b154
Reviewed by a person.
Candidates
Amanda Janoo
Democratic
Sourced positions on 8 of 12
Phil Scott
RepublicanIncumbent
Sourced positions on 9 of 12
Also on the ballot
June GoodbandOther partyNot researched: below our published threshold
Brian JuddIndependentNot researched: below our published threshold
Dean RoyOther partyNot researched: below our published threshold
We research every Democratic or Republican nominee, every incumbent, and anyone who raised at least $50,000 (per the FEC) or reached 5 percent in a public poll. Methodology
Statements and positions
AgreeDisagreeNo clear positionSelect a position to see the evidence behind it.
Vermont should merge its school districts into a smaller number of larger districts.
Background
A 2025 state law set a process to redraw Vermont's school district map into fewer, larger districts and change how schools are funded. Lawmakers have not yet settled on the final district boundaries.
Vermont should tax second homes at a higher property tax rate than primary residences.
Background
Vermont's statewide education property tax already sorts property into homestead and nonhomestead classes. This would set a separate, higher rate for second homes such as vacation properties.
Yet there are advocates who say, "All we need to do is shift the cost to the income tax, or ask more of second homeowners." But that money already pays for something else.
Campaign or official site · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
Vermont should use public funds to cover primary care visits for all residents.
Background
Primary care in Vermont is now paid for through private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or out of pocket. This would have the state pay for primary care for every resident, funded through taxes.
Vermont should create a single public health plan that covers all residents.
Background
Vermont passed a law in 2011 to plan a single-payer system but dropped the plan in 2014 over its cost. This would replace most private coverage with one state-run plan funded through taxes.
Vermont took a very different approach, and the opportunity to build more options was set aside to pursue a government-run single-payer plan that failed after years of empty promises and millions of dollars.
Campaign or official site · Jan 20, 2026 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
the Legislature pursued healthcare policies, culminating in Act 48 in 2011, which directed the state to design a taxpayer-funded single-payer healthcare system.
Campaign or official site · Jul 8, 2026 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
Vermont should remove the right to sue the state over missed greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Background
The 2020 Global Warming Solutions Act sets required cuts in the state's emissions and lets people sue if the state does not act to meet them. A lawsuit over the state's missed 2025 target has been filed.
If we want to protect Vermonters, we have to remove the provision that allows special interests to sue us, which, by the way, is already happening – and it will slow down progress.
Campaign or official site · Jan 28, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
Vermont should exempt more housing projects from Act 250 land-use review.
Background
Act 250 requires state review of many larger developments for environmental and community impacts. Recent laws exempted some housing in designated areas, and this would widen those exemptions.
Vermont should give judges more power to hold people in jail before trial.
Background
Vermont's constitution guarantees bail for most defendants, with exceptions for some serious crimes. This would widen the cases in which judges can order someone held until trial.
We also need to make it easier to revoke bail, limit the ability to reduce or suspend sentences, seal criminal records instead of erasing them and provide more tools to hold repeat offenders accountable, including funding to expand last year's pilot for pre-trial supervision.
Campaign or official site · Jan 28, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
Vermont should put its clean heat standard for heating fuel dealers into effect.
Background
A 2023 law set up a clean heat standard that would require heating fuel dealers to cut emissions or pay for heat pumps and weatherization, but it has not taken effect. This would move ahead with the program.
Last year, I vetoed S.5, the so called “Affordable Heat Act” which established a Clean Heat Standard. Unfortunately, the Legislature overrode that veto, so the bill became law.
Campaign or official site · Sep 12, 2024 · retrieved Sep 30, 2026
Vermont should keep free school meals for all students regardless of family income.
Background
Since 2023, Vermont has paid for breakfast and lunch for every public school student. Keeping it would continue that funding rather than limit meals by income.
Buy Vermont first by expanding local purchasing through schools, colleges, hospitals, correctional facilities, and state government while strengthening Farm to School and Universal School Meals
Campaign or official site · Mar 10, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
Vermont should keep the payroll tax that funds its child care aid expansion.
Background
A 2023 law created a payroll tax to expand child care subsidies and raise payments to providers. Keeping it would continue that tax and the expanded aid.
Vermont should limit yearly growth in the state general fund budget to the rate of inflation.
Background
Vermont's general fund budget is set each year by lawmakers and the governor, with no fixed growth limit. This would cap yearly increases at inflation.