Douglas administration officials say Vermont’s economic downturn means they need to spend more on human services programs even as some of those programs are facing cuts.
Growing case loads in public assistance and other human services programs make up the bulk of nearly $17 million in additional spending the administration is seeking in this year’s budget adjustment bill.
Even with the new spending, the administration says Vermont needs to trim welfare benefits for some recipients, as well as seeking savings in Medicaid.
In one example, Medicaid currently has an annual cap of $495 for adults getting dental work. The administration is proposing to lower that to $200.