MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - A Vermont commission has voted to recommend a statewide health insurance plan for teachers.
Vermont Public Radio reports the Vermont Educational Health Benefits Commission voted 6-3 in favor of a statewide contract for teacher health benefits. Republican Gov. Phil Scott says the commission’s findings support his proposed plan.
Scott maintains that by negotiating a statewide benefit rather than having each school district negotiate separate health care deals it can save $26 million a year in property taxes. The governor vetoed the state budget earlier this year after lawmakers rejected his teacher benefit plan.
The Vermont Chapter of the National Education Association says Scott’s overhaul undermines the state’s collective bargaining system. Chapter communications director Darren Allen says most local school boards can successfully negotiate health contracts without state oversight.
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Information from: WVPS-FM, http://www.vpr.net
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