This is an excerpt from the Final Reading of Tuesday, Feb. 25.
For the second time in three weeks, a House vote to override a gubernatorial veto was decided by a single vote. On Feb. 5, Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of a paid family leave bill was sustained on a 99-51 vote. On Tuesday, Scott came out on the short end of a 100-49 vote to override his veto of an increase in the minimum wage.
For legislative leaders, these crucial votes require advance planning, constant communication — and occasional last-minute scrambling.
“Today I got a call a half hour before the vote,” said House Minority Leader Pattie McCoy, R-Poultney. “Tom Burditt had a flat tire on the freeway.” Burditt, a Republican from Rutland, left his car and got to the Statehouse in time for the roll call. Afterward, he was asking fellow members for a lift back to his car and a little help changing a tire.
“The expectation is that we’re always in our seats, but life slips in,” said Assistant Majority Leader Emily Long, D-Newfane. “Doctor appointments, family emergencies, illnesses. People get stuck. Cars break down. People are really good about letting us know.”
In fact, House Speaker Mitzi Johnson, D-South Hero, stayed on the podium through the roll call — and then immediately left the building to deal with a family emergency.
House members take their obligation very seriously, especially for close votes. Rep. Lynn Dickinson, R-St. Albans Town, had a cataract procedure the morning of the paid leave override, and arrived with a huge patch over one eye. Rep. Harvey Smith, R-New Haven, had pneumonia — and disregarded doctor’s orders so he could cast his vote.
Caucus leaders spend a lot of time keeping up with members’ schedules and concerns. There’s some persuasion involved as well. But Democratic and Republican leaders alike say they don’t believe in arm-twisting — just providing information. One of McCoy’s members, Rep. Paul Lefebvre, R-Island Pond, voted “yes” on the minimum wage bill in January.
“I sat down with Paul, and he told me he was still going to be a ‘yes,’” McCoy said. “Before the roll call, I asked him if he was still a ‘yes.’ He said, ‘I’m thinking about it.’ I was as surprised as everyone else when he voted ‘no.’”
Despite that prodigal son’s return, McCoy was fairly sure she’d be on the losing end of Tuesday’s vote. “I had heard they’d flipped a few people,” she said. “I thought we’d be one vote shy.”
Long claimed she had no idea how it would turn out. “I never know until the votes are counted,” she said. Just like the rest of us.