Vermont Democratic Party Executive Director May Hanlon Issues Statement in Response to Governor Phil Scott’s Recent Letter to Senate Leaders Regarding a Government Shutdown

MONTPELIER, VT — October 06, 2025 — Governor Phil Scott recently sent a letter to congressional leaders calling for a deal to avoid a government shutdown. He advocated for a “clean” continuing resolution, or temporary funding bill, that would allow the Trump administration to continue implementing its agenda and rip health care from thousands of Vermonters. In response, Vermont Democratic Party Executive Director May Hanlon released the following statement:

“Vermont Democrats believe that we must put people ahead of politics. Let’s be clear about where hyper-partisan extremism is coming from: Republicans in Congress and Donald Trump. Donald Trump and his extremist allies have chosen to shut down the government rather than work with Democrats to protect Vermonters. “Governor Scott is right that a government shutdown is harmful to Vermonters, especially our service members, veterans, and those who rely on essential services. The last three government shutdowns have been under Trump. When Senate Democrats last had the majority for four years, not a single shutdown occurred. Democrats negotiated all 13 funding bills during that time period with Republicans. Republicans now control the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives — they own this crisis. “While our congressional delegation is in Washington fighting to protect tens of thousands of Vermonters from losing access to health care, Governor Scott is offering no solutions. The proposal he would support codifies deep health care cuts that put Vermonters’ lives at risk. Performative neutrality in the face of clear harm is not leadership.

“According to Governor Scott’s own Agency of Human Services, these cuts will mean that an estimated 45,000 Vermonters will lose their insurance. Senator Sanders, Senator Welch, and Congresswoman Balint know that a so-called “clean” bill will mean that if you don’t have the money to go to the doctor and you’re sick, you could die. Being unable to afford health care could cost you your life. That is why they are fighting hard in Washington to reopen the government and keep an already broken health care system from getting far, far worse. “Governor Scott could have joined Senator Sanders, Senator Welch, and Congresswoman Balint in calling for a budget that protects Vermonters. Instead, he’s chosen to sit on the sidelines, hoping someone else will fix it. His words show just how far removed he is from the real crisis Vermonters are facing.

“The Republican budget will mean that the price of health care premiums will spike for millions of Americans. Vermonters are already paying some of the highest prices in the world for health care. Because of Donald Trump and his Republican allies, thousands of our neighbors will no longer be able to afford basic health care.

“If Governor Scott truly believes what he says, he would call for restoring health care for Vermonters, not reinforcing the damage wrought by extreme partisan policies. 

“Democrats showed up to negotiate and stop a shutdown while defending health care. Republicans refused, and Phil Scott has chosen — once again — to sidestep his responsibility to stand up for Vermonters.

“We need real leaders who understand what’s at stake and are willing to fight for the people they serve. Phil Scott has shown that he is not the leader that this moment requires.”

CONTACT: press@vtdemocrats.org