Hatin v. Philbrook

This case involves a determination of the validity of a regulation enacted by Vermont’s Department of Social Welfare, in the administration of its General Assistance Program, which attempts to reconcile the demands of its needy citizens with the fiscal resources available to meet such demands. In the proceedings below, plaintiffs instituted a declaratory judgment proceeding pursuant to 3 V.S.A. § 807 claiming, inter alia, that Begulation 2613.1 of the Welfare Assistance Manual (WAM) impaired plaintiffs’ legal rights and privileges as guaranteed under Vermont’s welfare statutes. 33 V.S.A. §§…