Vermont lawmakers as shutdown enters third week

(WVNY/WFFF) – Vermont’s lone congresswoman fielded questions from concerned Vermonters Wednesday, hoping to provide answers. While others in the delegation are calling on the feds to make a change and make it now.

Congresswoman Becca Balint held a ‘Tele-Town Hall’ meeting Wednesday focused on how the federal shutdown is impacting Vermont. Several callers asked about cuts to the affordable care act and furloughed federal employees.

One Vermonter says, “my premium is going to jump about $1,200 dollars a month, which will surpass my mortgage payment. so, as a small business owner, I’m basically paying by business taxes, paying my mortgage, or paying for health insurance.”

New data released by the Vermont Health Connect exchange, shows if the subsidies aren’t extended, tens of thousands of Vermonters could see substantial rate hikes come January.

During a news conference Wednesday, Governor Phil Scott also mentioned health care. “By just taking the subsidies away, doesn’t fix the problem. at least continue the subsidies until you fix the problem,” says Scott.

Vermont Senator Peter Welch addressed the senate today. He says if the ACA subsidies expire, the average family of four in Vermont making around $130,000 a year, could pay an additional $22,000 a year in health care.

“In my state of Vermont, from Bennington to Derby Line, from Brattleboro to Swanton, people are going to their mailboxes and fainting as they get the news of these rate shocks.”

Finally on Wednesday, a federal judge ruled to block the trump administration’s firing of federal workers, saying the cuts were illegal, and issued a temporary restraining order.

There are over 6,000 federal workers in Vermont.