The Impact of Act 46 on Property Taxes: How It’s Hurting Lamoille County

When Act 46 was passed in 2016, it aimed to consolidate public schools and make education more efficient across Vermont. However, the decision to repeal spending caps on schools and remove penalties for overspending—championed by Senator Rich Westman—has led to a significant rise in property taxes.
For many Lamoille County residents, this historic property tax increase has created financial strain. Property owners are feeling the weight of higher taxes, all while school budgets continue to grow with little oversight. The repeal of the spending caps left local taxpayers footing the bill for budget overruns, a reality that has only worsened since 2016.

Maureen Heck, the Independent candidate for Lamoille County, has made it a central point in her campaign to shed light on this issue. Her straightforward approach highlights how Senator Westman’s vote on Act 46 directly contributed to this burden on taxpayers. Unlike her opponent, Maureen supports Governor Phil Scott’s efforts to repeal the property tax increase and restore accountability to public school budgets.

If elected, Maureen plans to fight for the hardworking people of Lamoille County by bringing real change to the education funding system. With a focus on economic responsibility, she aims to prevent further tax increases and ensure schools operate within their means. It’s time for new leadership that puts taxpayers first and protects the community from irresponsible policies like Act 46.