House Democrats: Focused on Results in 2026
, on Jan 09, 2026
Montpelier, VT — Vermont House Democrats today outlined their priorities for the 2026 legislative session, focusing on housing, healthcare, public education, affordability, and transparency as lawmakers begin the second year of the biennium.
Representative Mary-Katherine Stone, Assistant Majority Leader of External Communications, emphasized the caucus's commitment to keeping Vermonters informed about the work of the legislature.
"Vermonters deserve a government that not only works hard, but clearly shows its work," said Stone. "Transparency matters not just in outcomes, but in process and we are committed to communicating openly about what we're doing and why."
House Majority Leader Lori Houghton highlighted progress made in 2025 on priorities Vermonters identified as urgent, including education, housing, healthcare, tax relief, and overall affordability.
"In 2025, House Democrats delivered real progress on issues Vermonters told us could not wait," said Houghton. "That work continues because the challenges facing Vermont families haven't gone away."
Last year's accomplishments included passage of Act 73 to guide education transformation and stabilize costs while maintaining strong public schools; Act 72, Vermont's Phone- and Social Media-Free Schools law; and Act 71, a tax relief package returning $13.5 million annually to working families, seniors, and veterans. House Democrats also advanced housing reforms and investments to increase supply and worked to reduce healthcare costs through targeted legislation and system oversight.
Looking ahead to 2026, House Democrats said they will build on that progress by advancing housing production, continuing education transformation, pushing for healthcare affordability and access, and maintaining strong government oversight. Leaders also noted the importance of monitoring federal actions that could impact the safety, security and well-being of Vermonters.
"We will continue to make the hard decisions, deliver real solutions, and ensure that everyone can afford to live, work and thrive in this state," said Houghton.
CONTACT:
Representative Mary-Katherine Stone, Assistant Majority Leader of External Communications, emphasized the caucus's commitment to keeping Vermonters informed about the work of the legislature.
"Vermonters deserve a government that not only works hard, but clearly shows its work," said Stone. "Transparency matters not just in outcomes, but in process and we are committed to communicating openly about what we're doing and why."
House Majority Leader Lori Houghton highlighted progress made in 2025 on priorities Vermonters identified as urgent, including education, housing, healthcare, tax relief, and overall affordability.
"In 2025, House Democrats delivered real progress on issues Vermonters told us could not wait," said Houghton. "That work continues because the challenges facing Vermont families haven't gone away."
Last year's accomplishments included passage of Act 73 to guide education transformation and stabilize costs while maintaining strong public schools; Act 72, Vermont's Phone- and Social Media-Free Schools law; and Act 71, a tax relief package returning $13.5 million annually to working families, seniors, and veterans. House Democrats also advanced housing reforms and investments to increase supply and worked to reduce healthcare costs through targeted legislation and system oversight.
Looking ahead to 2026, House Democrats said they will build on that progress by advancing housing production, continuing education transformation, pushing for healthcare affordability and access, and maintaining strong government oversight. Leaders also noted the importance of monitoring federal actions that could impact the safety, security and well-being of Vermonters.
"We will continue to make the hard decisions, deliver real solutions, and ensure that everyone can afford to live, work and thrive in this state," said Houghton.
CONTACT:
Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone
Assistant Majority Leader-External Communications
Vermont House Democrats
mstone@leg.state.vt.us
Assistant Majority Leader-External Communications
Vermont House Democrats
mstone@leg.state.vt.us