News
Vermont January 2010 Revenues Short $5.5 Million Compared to Forecast
See the story here at Vermont Digger.
More bad news for the Legislature, the Administration and Vermont's economic health. The FY2011 budget gap just widened by $5.5 Million as FY2010 revenues for January are below the forecast which is only one month old.
Fundamental change is needed to get the economy back on track and state spending must be reduced substantially for the both the short and long term. That, coupled with policies that move government out of the way are the only solutions to Vermont's job and financial pain. Raising taxes is NOT the answer
In a nutshell (HT to vermontbiz.com):
Keeping Score on 'Challenges for Change'
Much of the $38 Million savings proposed in the report Challenges for Change produced by the consultant hired by the Joint Legislative Government Accountability Committee will come hard, very hard. These savings should begin to accrue on July 1, 2010. The agencies should hit the ground running to make these changes pay off as predicted. But I'll bet my dollar to your doughnut that implementation planning has barely begun in the various state agencies.
Who's job is it to keep score on these savings? The enabling legislation states, "At least annually, the committee (Joint Legislative Government Accountability Committee)shall report its activities, together with recommendations, if any, to the general assembly." That's hardly sufficient to track progress.
VEH Presentation by T. Licata in Manchester VT Feb 7, 2010
VEH Founder Tom Licata to Speak in Manchester, VT Feb. 7
“The Coming Tsunami: The Dire State of the Vermont Economy”
A Vermonters for Economic Health/Kemper Report
SUNDAY, FEB. 7, 2010
1:30 PM
Mark Skinner Library
48 West Road, Manchester, VT
Tom Licata, MBA, College of William and Mary; Burlington, VT Resident & Community Volunteer; 10 years in corporate finance & strategic planning; founder, Vermonters for Economic Health
Hugh Kemper, B.A., Harvard; Londonderry, VT Resident & Community Volunteer; Managing Director, JP Morgan, 30+ years; Flood Brook School Board Member 2005-2008
Legislative News from Colchester Rep. Jim Condon
This Legislative update by Rep. Jim Condon was originally published in
the Colchester Sun on January
28, 2010. It is presented here with Rep. Condon's permissio.
"There was more circumstance than pomp last week when Governor Jim Douglas delivered his final budget address to the state legislature.
Comparing Vermont’s current economic situation to the Great Flood of 1927, Douglas suggested our state’s economic foundation should be rebuilt, much like our roads and bridges were reconstructed and our infrastructure strengthened after the big flood.
Janus Forum Debate at UVM Davis Center- Nuclear Energy
The Janus Forum at UVM is hosting a debate on the future of nuclear power. The date is Monday, February 8 at 4:00pm at the Davis Center. (Thanks to Ethan Allen Institute for this item).
With so much interest and the swirl of facts and assertions, myth and reality surrounding nuclear energy in the nation's energy mix, here's an opportunity to learn more about the issue.
See attachment below for details.