MONTPELIER, Vt. -
By Friday Vermont lawmakers hoped to be packing up their desks and saying their good-byes.
Instead they are focused on the Green Mountain Power, Central Vermont Public Service Merger.
A state board is reviewing the deal.
But some state leaders don't like how the company would put 21-million dollars owed to customers into programs instead of writing checks.
That's not good enough for some leaders.
The State Senate Thursday overwhelming passed an amendment to the state budget that would force the companies to pay back customers.
Governor Peter Shumlin who is a strong supporter of the merger says it's a part of the budget he doesn't want to see.
"I've made very clear to the legislature. I think by a statute dictating to the public service board in a pending case what to do or not to do is a real mistake and it really hurts Vermonters," said Governor Shumlin.
It appears the house agrees with the governor.
They voted against adding the amendment.
Instead they passed a resolution asking the public service board to reconsider the merger.
"They may choose to look at that resolution and decide whether they want to go back and take another look or they may choose not to," said House Speaker Shap Smith.
"We can agree or disagree on the merits but I feel strongly that the legislature should dictate to the public service board what to do in a pending case," said Governor Shumlin.
With lawmakers spilt on the heated topic, it's unclear when the session will end.
