A House committee is delaying by two years a plan for the state to take over the funding of county social service programs.
Instead, the issue would be studied in the interim.
Supporters have touted that effort as real property tax relief and reform. The Senate already approved the takeover in the 2017-2019 biennium. But House Finance and Taxation Committee chairman Craig Headland (R-Montpelier) said that proposal has generated a number of questions – such as how will a takeover of funding generate efficiencies.
"We were just supposed to take it for granted that when dollars are set aside, that would generate efficiencies," Headland said. "We just weren't ready to agree that would occur."
Headland said a special advisory committee would be created. It would be made up of legislators and some interested parties, and would be under the umbrella of the Department of Human Services.
"We hope we can get the questions answered about efficiencies, chain of command, and an assurance we can still provide the same level of services," Headland said. "That's important."
The Senate has already passed the bill – and this bill could be headed to a conference committee.
