Threat of government shutdown looms over budget impasse

Gov. Phil Scott meets with Senate leaders to discuss expectations for the special session starting this week. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
As a budget impasse in Montpelier drags on into another week of negotiations, an uncommon threat looms over the statehouse: the possibility of a government shutdown.
Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Phil Scott, who fundamentally disagree over the use of a budget surplus and a property tax rate hike, would have to iron out a deal and pass a budget by July 1 i