Press Releases

There are reports tonight that the Douglas administration is claiming that our statement that Vermont has the slowest job growth in New England is "flat wrong." The reports did not include any basis for the Douglas  charge, so we don't know exactly what the administration is objecting to, or what contrary numbers they are citing.

That said, we wanted to explain what we based our statement on.  We are basing that statement on a report on 2007 Economic Indicators that the Federal Reserve issued in May of this year.  

This is just ridiculous.  Vermonters didn't buy Jim Douglas' blame shifting the last hundred times he's tried it and they're not going to believe it now either. Vermonters know it's the Governor who should be held accountable for the worst rate of job growth in New England, the highest unemployment rate in 14 years and his other economic failures.

No amount of self-serving campaign rhetoric will change the fact that Jim Douglas has run our economy into the ground and he has no new ideas to turn it around. 

July 28, 2008 For Immediate ReleaseContact:  Dennise Casey802-223-3412dennise@jimdouglas.com

Colchester, VT - Governor Jim Douglas was joined at Severance Corners by Robin Jeffers from S.D. Ireland Concrete Construction and Bart Frisbee, President of Sterling Construction to talk about barriers to job creation and pro-environment development in Vermont.

Against opposition from House Speaker Gaye Symington, Governor Douglas has consistently advanced a pro-environment, pro-jobs agenda that balances our environmental ethic and our economic prosperity.  While Governor Douglas has worked to empower business leaders with the tools they need to grow good jobs and a healthy economy, Gaye Symington has stood in the way.

Monteplier, VT - In statements yesterday, Speaker Gaye Symington made the incorrect claim that Vermont ranked last in New England for job growth.  The Douglas campaign was quick to point out her error.

Today, the Symington campaign tried to rationalize their error by saying "The question is, do you include a state that lost jobs in a comparison about job growth?"  Sorry, Ms. Symington, there's no chance the umpire is going to let that one by.

New Vision for Heating Saves Money, Cuts Risky Dependence on Fossil Fuels, Creates Jobs

(Burlington) House Speaker Gaye Symington proposed a bold departure from Vermont’s current approach to heating homes and businesses today that will save Vermonters money, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create good jobs in a clean, new energy industry.

“Make no mistake: this energy crisis is hitting Vermonters much harder than it should because of Jim Douglas’ failure to act.  Over the past six years, he did not lead Vermonters away from our risky dependence on fossil fuels toward better, cheaper more dependable sources of heat because he has no vision for a different approach to energy. We could be six years closer to breaking the destructive grip giant oil companies have on our wallets, but instead we’ve gone nowhere.  We are stuck in neutral, and it is costing us a fortune,” said the Democratic candidate for Governor.

The Roadmap to Energy Independence includes three major components:

•       The “Efficiency Pays” plan enables homeowners, building owners and tenants to purchase and install efficient heating systems and complete weatherization projects with no up-front payment and no debt obligation. Those who benefit from these money-saving investments will pay for them through a monthly charge on their utility bill, but this charge will be lower than the estimated savings that the improvements produce.

“Efficiency Pays will help Vermonters overcome the obstacles of having cash upfront or taking on debt to pay for money-saving efficiency projects.  Because they only pay back as they save money, this system should be very attractive to a wide range of Vermonters,” explained Symington.

•       Symington’s Roadmap will also stimulate the growth of a biomass industry by supporting ongoing research into biofuels and heating systems at the University of Vermont, creating a Biomass Business Incubator to accelerate research & development and bringing new technologies to market, and encouraging use of biomass fuel in state buildings.

“Vermont can become a national leader in the production and use of energy that comes from wood, grasses, crops and other local natural sources. By developing our own sources of heat, we will keep millions of dollars in our local economies and create good jobs instead of sending it off to giant oil companies,” the Speaker said.

- more -

Symington releases Roadmap to Energy Independence – page 2

•       The third major element of the plan is creation of an “Efficiency and Renewables Training University” in partnership with state colleges, other providers of workforce training, efficiency experts, and related businesses.

“This training program will prepare Vermonters to obtain steady work in a growing sector of our economy. Our ability to achieve the vision outlined in this plan requires the availability of a trained workforce, said Symington.
“This plan will prevent a repeat of the terrible reality we now face of Vermonters being thrown into a financial crisis due to Wall Street speculators and global forces beyond their control. Vermonters have few options for lowering their bills except to lower their thermostats. They  want more options, and when I’m Governor they’ll get them.”

Today’s announcement is part of a two-part Roadmap for Energy Independence that will deal with both heating and electric use and generation.  The second part of the plan will be unveiled later this month.

-30-

A recent press release issued by Vermont Democratic Coordinated Campaign Director Kristina Althoff is patently inaccurate. Ms. Althoff reports that “Vermont Tubbs is just another example of Douglas' failed leadership and his inability to deliver results. Even worse in this case is the fact that the governor wasted half a million taxpayer dollars less than three months ago to supposedly keep this company and its jobs in Vermont.”
 

"My message is simple. The heating season will soon be here. Vermonters are in danger of going cold. And believe me, some are scared.

Everywhere I go, everyone I talk to is worried about how they will pay to heat their homes this winter. In  the last few days I have talked with senior citizens, small business people, nursing home staff and working families who want to know what we are doing to help them.  

The concern goes beyond low-income Vermonters. Middle class working families are wondering how they will pay for heat. Some are using home equity loans or maxing out credit cards. Local fuel dealers are being squeezed along with them. The local people who deliver the fuel and drop off the bill are squeezed between their suppliers who want to be paid quickly and local customers who cannot pay on time - if at all.  Consumers and local fuel dealers will be squeezed by big oil. Both need our support.

Talking about it for weeks and weeks just doesn't cut it. We need to act quickly. We need to have a plan in place to support consumers and local fuel dealers before Labor Day.  

Here is my challenge to the Governor and Legislators:

1. Commit Rainy Day Funds Now. Commit today to using state Rainy Day Funds to provide low-income fuel assistance as needed. This is money Vermonters set aside for emergencies. This is an emergency. Our congressional delegation is working hard and I expect some increased funding for low income heating assistance (LIHEAP). If Congress comes through we may not have to use our funds, but let's assure Vermonters they will not go cold.
2. Commit Support for Local Fuel Dealers Now. Put in place the structure needed to help local fuel dealers access increased lines of credit to acquire fuel for the winter. The credit should be available to dealers at low or no cost. We should bring together banks, VEDA (Vermont Economic Development Agency) and others and put the plan together now. Develop the structure and parameters through which fuel dealers can access credit when they need it. The most crucial need may not come until January. The commitment and structure should be in place by Labor Day. The sooner we provide some stability to the situation the sooner dealers and consumers can make plan for the winter. 

 
Here is my challenge to the fuel dealers and policymakers:

Once we have a plan for this winter, lets work together to avoid crisis in the future. We need to establish a strategy and funding mechanism to help Vermonters save heating fuel, use it efficiently and save money. We must jumpstart efforts to establish the all-fuels efficiency utility as we did with electricity through Efficiency Vermont. Fuel dealers must be at the table to make it happen.

A shifting global economy, speculative greed and diminishing oil supplies are battering Vermont along with rest of the nation. But if we work together we can become self-sufficient and protect our families, our communities and our local businesses. Believe me, we can do better."

# # #  

 With today's announcement of the closing of Vermont Tubbs, and the resulting loss of 90 more Vermont jobs, Vermont Democratic Coordinated Campaign Director Kristina Althoff blasted Governor Jim Douglas' failed leadership and economic record.

"Jim Douglas has had six years in the state's top office to deliver results.  In spite of his repeated promises, this governor has failed to deliver the well-paying jobs Vermont needs to move forward," Althoff said.  "Vermont Tubbs is just another example of Douglas' failed leadership and his inability to deliver results.  Even worse in this case is the fact that the governor wasted half a million taxpayer dollars less than three months ago to supposedly keep this company and its jobs in Vermont.  The state has stagnated under Jim Douglas' failed leadership and it is time for a change."

On April 15 of this year, Douglas announced his administration had awarded Vermont Tubbs a $500,000 grant. At the time, the governor said, "This grant to the town of Brandon will be loaned to Vermont Tubbs and will allow them to continue their turnaround. This is an investment in a company and jobs that are critical to Rutland County" (Douglas Press Release, 4/15/2008).

Costello Announces for Lt. Governor

Thomas Costello, a Brattleboro lawyer, announced today that he is running for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. A formal announcement will take place on July 21. 

Mr. Costello recognizes the many gifts Vermont and Vermonters have made to him and to his family.  He believes that Vermont is now facing a most challenging of times.  The financial, health care, criminal justice, education, energy, and environmental issues are daunting.  Through collaboration and consensus Vermonters will find meaningful solutions. As Lieutenant Governor, Costello will contribute in a positive manner and provide the leadership to make a difference for the future of Vermonters. 

Mr. Costello has a wealth of experience as a Vermont leader and lawyer whose dedication and influence has a statewide impact.  He has practiced law and tried lawsuits throughout the State and has represented individual Vermonters and Vermont businesses for more than thirty (30) years.  He served as Brattleboro’s Town Counsel and was elected five (5) times as a state legislator, first representing Rutland and later Brattleboro.  He demonstrated leadership in the Vermont House as Chair of the Special Committee to Investigate the Conduct of the Vermont State Police and as Chair of the Judiciary and later the General, Housing and Military Affairs Committees.  He has served as a Trustee of the Vermont State Colleges.  Mr. Costello served as a Marine in the Vietnam Conflict and was awarded a purple heart and a bronze star. 

Mr. Costello has said: “By rolling up our sleeves and working hard, using our God-given skills and can-do attitude, together we can make Vermont a better, safer and more productive place for us and for our children. We must take care of each other and preserve the tradition that is Vermont and deliver those values and opportunities to our children”. 

“This is a time for Vermont’s leaders to do their ‘full duty’.  Together we will work our way through the present challenges.  We must put name calling, bickering and finger pointing behind us and find together the right path to our future.  We must move forward together.”

Mr. Costello was raised in Rutland and is a member of a family with a record of service to its State and its country.  Mr. Costello brings with him to the office of Lieutenant Governor a genuine love and understanding of Vermont traditions, values and potential.

SPEAKER SYMINGTON CALLS FOR DEBATES IN ALL COUNTIES

(Burlington) Vermont House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington called on Governor Jim Douglas today to agree to a series of debates this Fall in each of Vermont’s fourteen counties.

“As Independence Day approaches and we’re reminded of the tremendous blessing of democracy, there is no better way to celebrate than to commit ourselves to a full, reasonable discussion of the issues facing Vermonters,” said Symington, the Democratic nominee for Governor. “I believe that every Vermonter should have a chance to attend a debate and see the candidates in person,” she added.

In order to best serve the goal of providing voters with meaningful information, Symington is proposing a departure from the traditional debate format that imposes short time limits and prevents interaction between candidates.

“I think we’ve all seen that this approach results in a “parallel press conference” more than it does a true debate. That is why I’m proposing an innovative format that allows candidates to decide how long they wish to speak on a given topic, and permits participants to question each other,” said Symington.

This alternate format, known as “cumulative time debate” has been used successfully by the League of Women Voters in several states, Each candidate will be given an equal block of time to use as they see fit over the course of the debate. Neutral parties will provide time updates to each candidate and the moderator/panel so that everyone knows how much time is left. Candidates will be allowed to ask each other questions at any time. The role of the moderator is limited to introducing topics/questions, alerting candidates to large time imbalances, and intervening to restore order if candidates are interrupting each other. (please see next page for a full description of the format). Questions can come from the moderator/panel or from the audience or both.

“The debate format we’re accustomed to seeing was largely designed by incumbent candidates to prevent a real exchange of views. In order to provide Vermonters with the substantive discussion they need to make an informed choice, we need to leave old approach behind,” Symington added.

###

Symington Calls for Debates - new format
June 30, 2008

CUMULATIVE TIME DEBATE FORMAT*

This format is designed to enable candidates to freely elaborate on their approaches to a variety of issues, unimpeded by the strict time constraints of a more traditional debate format. League chapters have found this format promotes interchange between candidates, allows them to hold each other to account, and keeps the voters' interest while enabling them to see the difference between the candidates.

Each candidate, when speaking, is timed by a neutral party and each cumulative time is kept. Periodically, generally whenever one candidate stops speaking and another begins, all the timekeepers simultaneously hold up their signs indicating the amount of time used by each candidate. The moderator and the candidates see how their time usage compares, and the candidates can self-moderate to balance any significant discrepancies in time usage. In addition, from time to time the moderator informs candidates if sizable discrepancies appear to be developing so that candidates who are behind may avail themselves of the opportunity to use more time. This format encourages a candidate to respond as briefly as desired on a topic deemed less important or on which there is no disagreement and to use the allotted time to discuss more fully subjects considered more important.

Candidates are encouraged to rebut and sur-rebut, responding to their differences as they perceive them, understanding that the "clock is running." In this format candidates have the opportunity to hold each other to account rather than having this role assumed by the moderator and/or panelists. The moderator simply reminds the candidates of the clock and moves to another question when the topic appears exhausted. Candidates are not allowed to "save up" time during the questioning and use it to make a speech at the end.
Each round of discussion is initiated by the moderator/one of the members of the panel. The same question is addressed to each candidate before direct debate between/among candidates is invited. Candidates take turns being first to respond to the question.
Each candidate has two minutes for a closing statement. The order of speaking is determined by lot prior to the debate. The winner chooses his/her position in the order of the closing statements. The same order is used to begin the questioning.

* (as described by the League of Women Voters of Connecticut)

New York Democratic Governor David Paterson and a bipartisan commission tasked with finding ways to lower New York's high property taxes are advancing a tax-cap almost identical to Governor Douglas' plan.

Like Governor Douglas, Governor Paterson recognizes that, "This trend [rising property taxes] is disrupting our quality of life because it is straining family budgets, separating grandchildren from grandparents, and discouraging the entrepreneurship that creates innovation and jobs." (http://email.politicker.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=dab5417443ea4ddb92ef65b22a907e14&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.state.ny.us%2fgovernor%2fpress%2fpress_0606083.html)

STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER SYMINGTON ON “STATE OF THE LAKE” REPORT

Today’s report is strike three for the Douglas administration on Lake clean-up this year. The independent audit requested by the Legislature, the EPA letter uncovered earlier this month and now this report from the Basin program all confirm that the Douglas strategy is failing. The Basin report was developed in part by staff at the Agency of Natural Resources, so the Governor cannot take a “shoot the messenger” approach as he did reacting to the EPA’s conclusions.

After 5 years of Clean and Clear, Jim Douglas has still not established specific benchmarks to evaluate if the $85 million being spent is getting results, even though the audit and a bill I insisted we pass this year both call for it to be done.

As Governor, I am not going to spend $85 million on a program without knowing what we’re getting for the money. You don’t have to have an MBA and a career in fiscal management, as I do, to realize these systems should be in place. It’s plain common sense, and the Governor needs to explain to Vermonters why he has failed to get it done.

une 25, 2008 Press Statement:

Our current governor is taking credit for work done by citizens and others and staking out positions that serve short-term political goals but are not in keeping with his record. A lifelong politician, our Governor recently portrayed himself as the voice of change. As if that was not enough of an image make over, he now wants VT to see him as the initiator of a grassroots movement.

The most recent example is found in “Vermont Harvest” a publication of the Vermont Department of Agriculture, produced and distributed at taxpayer expense we presume, where the Secretary of Agriculture states that the “Buy Local movement” was “initiated” by Governor Douglas in 2003.

This is ridiculous. The idea that Jim Douglas started the buy local movement ranks right up there with the idea that Al Gore invented the Internet.

It is simply not true. For many years I served on the board of the Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) helping to organize committees, conferences, workshops, farmers markets and other activities that helped build the Buy Local movement. This was 20 and 30 years ago, and believe me Jim Douglas was not there. This was the work of farmers and citizens, not politicians.

In fact, in 2003 (as he supposedly started the Buy Local “movement,”) Douglas signed onto a Bush administration free trade policy agreeing not to give preference to local businesses when making state buying decisions. His administration opposes legislation that would require state institutions to buy local and when it comes to state buying he defines buying local as buying from local distributors who may or my not be delivering local products. And while he runs radio ads telling Vermonters “buy local its just that simple,” a visit to state institutions will find hamburgers from the Midwest and milk from Massachusetts.

Recently, the Governor also claimed credit for expanding the use of debit and food stamp cards at farmers markets. He said “at my direction” the state would be expanding the program from 3 to 15 markets. The reality is this effort has been organized for years by Vermont NOFA and largely funded with federal money.

He also has been taken to task for claiming credit for increased weatherization funding when his budget had no increase in funding for the program at all. It was funded through efforts of advocates and legislators.

We want citizens to be active and have a “can do” attitude. A leader should work with and empower citizens so they take action and make change happen. Our current Governor does the opposite. Taking credit for the hard work of citizens undermines citizen action, energy and achievement.

After 6 years in office the Governor should stick to talking about his own accomplishments - broken bridges, lost jobs, rising health care costs and more. He should not be using taxpayer dollars to claim credit for the hard work of average citizens.

We deserve better.

# # #

Pollina Statement on Firings at IBM
 
"The firings at IBM are especially painful because IBM workers are not organized and because my opponent has not helped Vermont prepare for shifts in the global and local economy.
 
An organized workforce would have been better prepared to protect their jobs and negotiate with management. Rumors of the job cuts circulated among workers for weeks, but management denied them until today. Organized workers could at least respond from a position of strength.
 
As usual, the current governor is reacting to crisis rather than preparing for and avoiding problems. Whether its jobs, energy or infrastructure problems this governor does not act, he reacts.
 
While the Governor will send in a rapid response team after the fact, he should have acted before the crisis. He should have helped IBM workers organize and he should now hold IBM accountable for the way in which the firings were handled. I would like to know when the Governor and State Government were first informed of the layoffs.
 
It is clear that Jim does not equal jobs. Private sector job growth has been flat, most of the fastest growing jobs in Vermont are low paying jobs, and the administration has not been willing to put people to work fixing infrastructure.  I have proposed a jobs program to put Vermonters to work fixing bridges and roads, building affordable homes and retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient. While it would not replace the IBM jobs it would create good jobs for Vermonters at a time when they are sorely needed.
 
The mass firings at IBM remind us that Vermont workers are being squeezed between a weakening economy and global corporations that care more about their own bottom line than about Vermont.
 
No amount of taxpayer subsidies will guarantee IBM jobs in Vermont. Like other global corporations they react to the global economy. While we appreciate IBM jobs, we live in a changing economy and we need to change along with it. With the American economy growing weaker and cheap labor available in China, companies like IBM will continue to throw Americans out of work to protect their profits.
 
As governor I will invest in local Vermont businesses that aren't going to get up and leave when the economy gets tough."
# # #
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Contact: Michael Carrese

June 12, 2008       (802) 651-7141 or 760-8832

STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER SYMINGTON ON IBM JOB CUTS:

IBM’s announcement is the third time this week we’ve learned of real and potential job losses in Vermont.  Unemployment is at a 14-year high, we’ve lost 2,800 manufacturing jobs since Jim Douglas took office, and we have the slowest rate of job growth in New England. It’s clear that he has failed to live up to his promises on job creation.

Despite the facts, Jim Douglas says we’re “heading in the right direction” and he spoke last week of Vermont’s “growing prosperity.” It shows a lack of awareness and sensitivity to say things are going well when Vermonters are losing their jobs, and those still employed are very worried about the weak economy.  After six years of big promises and poor results, it’s time for a change in leadership. 

Jim Douglas for Governor
June 24, 2008
http://www.JimDouglas.org

Ten Ways Speaker Symington Sends
Shivers Through Vermont’s Business Community

1. Icy Roads Ahead: Symington’s Gas Tax 

With $4 per gallon for gasoline and nearly $5 per gallon for diesel, businesses are struggling to fill their tanks. If Symington had her way, folks would be paying more at the pump today.

In 2006 Symington stated that adding 4 cents to the gasoline tax and 6 cents to the diesel tax "makes sense." (Burlington Free Press, 3/17/06) She remained steadfast in her support of the gas tax increase despite understanding, "We recognize that the gas tax is politically difficult when the price of gas is so high…" (Burlington Free Press, 4/29/06)

In 2007 Symington again considered a gasoline tax increase. "Symington and other Democrats say increasing the gas tax is just one of the options that should be considered." (WCAX, 8/14/07)

2. Not Too Cold for Flip-Flips: Symington’s Property Tax Reform Reversal

As Vermonters struggle with greater anxiety about the national economy, Symington wanted to backtrack on common sense reform to curb out-of-control property taxes. After initially supporting a breakthrough two-vote law for school budgets, Symington caved to special influence and flip-flopped the very next session – before the new law had even been tested! 

First, the Flip: When it was initially passed, "House Speaker Gaye Symington, D-Jericho, praised the new law for accomplishing cost containment while maintaining equal access to funding for children throughout the state. She said, too, that the law respects voters’ role in making budget decisions by providing them with information to help them make choices rather than using penalties to force certain outcomes." (Burlington Free Press, Education law praised, 6/12/07). 

Then, the Flop: After special interest pressure, Symington questions Vermonters’ intelligence by suggesting that they are incapable of understanding the law: "‘Confusion is not cost containment. It is fine if Vermonters choose to vote down a school budget based on good information. But if they turn down a school budget due to confusion, Vermont schoolchildren lose out,’ said Speaker of the House Gaye Symington, D-Jericho, in a statement." (Rutland Herald, 2/29/08).

3. Out in the cold: Symington Opposed Common Sense Housing Bill

Symington’s track record of out-of-the-mainstream views is clearly shown through her opposition to the Governor’s New Neighborhood initiative. Local business leaders pleaded with the Symington: "‘It’s getting harder to attract employees and harder to keep them,’ Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce Executive Director George Malek said. ‘…There needs to be a greater incentive to build housing and preferably, to build it near the existing commercial centers.’" Malek continues saying that Symington never even gave the proposal a real chance: "‘The bill in the House –Speaker Gaye Symington – she just shot up one side of it and down the other, which is largely a reflection of what happened in the Natural Resources committee.’" (Times Argus, 4/17/07).

4. Business Leaders Not Getting that Warm Fuzzy Feeling from Democrat Leadership

Over the last two years, Symington and Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin have made going after Vermont Yankee a full-time job. This past session, as Symington and Shumlin were hatching yet another scheme that could have raised electric rates on families and employers, the business community stepped in to respectfully voice their concerns. The press conference got heated when Sen. Shumlin interrupted and called a highly respected, high ranking official from IBM a liar. The exchange went like this: 

"[IBM Government Affairs Manager, John] O'Kane: ‘Money has time value, and you're changing the time.’

Shumlin: ‘We are not asking for the money. You're lying about that. We are not asking for the money. The bill says...’ 

O'Kane: ‘Peter, that is. You just called me a liar.’

Shumlin: ‘I said you're not telling the truth about that, John.’ 

O'Kane: ‘You called me a liar. That is unacceptable. You're the president of the Senate, and you're calling me, a representative of the largest employer...’" (Burlington Free Press, VT BUZZ – 4/22/08)

Talk about throwing cold water in someone’s face! Governor Douglas was quick to issue a statement to IBM apologizing for Sen. Shumlin’s inappropriate behavior. Speaker Symington remained silent on the matter.

5. Paycheck Shrinkage: Payroll & Income Taxes

In 2005, Symington wanted to take a chunk out of Vermonters’ paychecks to pay for her health care plan. She was open to raising taxes to pay for a single payer government run health care plan. "Her goal is for the Health Care Committee to spend the summer and fall exploring the taxes that would be needed to pay for its system, which the panel presumes would be payroll or income taxes or a combination of them, and to figure out who would be covered and what that coverage would be." (Brattleboro Reformer, 4/4/05)

Later that year, the Legislature under Gaye Symington’s leadership proposed raising taxes for a government run health care plan. "The Legislature proposed a 3 percent payroll tax paid by companies that didn't offer coverage to their employees and a 1 percent income tax on those receiving the proposed primary care benefit." (Brattleboro Reformer, 8/19/05)

6. Warning: Frost Heave Ahead: Symington Opposes Circ Highway and Bennington Bypass 

Despite calls from business leaders in Bennington and Chittenden County, Symington remains opposed to important construction projects that will ease traffic congestion and spur economic growth in those areas.

"The speaker remains opposed to large projects like the Circumferential Highway in Chittenden County and the Bennington Bypass…" (Eagle Times, 9/14/07)

7. Frozen Solid on Sales Tax Holiday

As Vermonters struggle with greater anxiety about the national economy, Symington resisted measures to give Vermonters and local merchants a holiday from the state sales tax. 

Vermont merchant David Perry said, "‘We've had dozens of people in already, looking at appliances and telling us they're waiting for that weekend,’ he said. Bradford is just across the Connecticut River from sales-tax-free New Hampshire, and Perry said Vermont's sales tax had been troublesome to him for a long time." 

Symington doesn’t see it that way. "‘I don't think it is the best use of taxpayer resources,’ she said… ‘I don't think it benefits the Vermonters who are struggling to make ends meet.’" (Burlington Free Press, 5/2/08)

8. Businesses are Snowed In: Symington Opposes Permit Reform

Symington was once again at odds with business leaders and employers with her out-of-the-mainstream opposition to bipartisan and much needed permit reform measures. 

"Several business groups, including the Vermont Ski Areas Association, the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and Greater Burlington Industrial Corp., backed the Douglas plan Thursday, describing it as a way to expedite what has become at times a complicated and lengthy process that has hurt economic development.

‘What we’ve wanted all along is a more timely, predictable permitting process. This will do both,’ said Sheri Larson, director of government relations for the Lake Champlain Chamber and GBIC." (Rutland Herald, 2/7/03)

Symington Voted against permit reform twice. When, in 2003, H.175 passed the house by a vote 78 to 53 on April 11, 2003, Symington voted against the bill. In 2004, Symington once again voted against permit reform when the house voted overwhelmingly to support the final bill, which passed the house 114-24. 

9. Winter Storm Warning in Effect for Trucks and Family Vehicles

Even when members of the business community explain that the gas guzzler tax would harm Vermont businesses, Symington sticks to her government-knows-best philosophy suggesting that Vermonters must be taxed into making good choices for their businesses and their families.

"We [NFIB] opposed the gas guzzler charges because of the negative impact it would have had on our members who rely heavily on trucks and vans to operate their businesses." (NFIB/Vermont State House News, 4/20/007)

"Despite some vehement opposition to pending legislation in the House that would assess a $150 tariff on new vehicles that get poor gas mileage, Symington said improving the environment isn't at odds with individuals' financial well-being.

‘We're trying to help people move away from vehicles that are incredibly inefficient … and provide incentives and nudges to move Vermonters to make good choices…’" (Rutland Herald, 4/11/07)

10. Symington’s Ski Patrol: Husband Lacy to the Rescue

When business leaders got involved in 2006 legislative races, they supported both Democrats and Republicans much like other interest groups. Symington’s husband, Chuck Lacy was angered by their involvement and decided to take action.

"Chuck Lacy, a prominent Vermont businessman who is also the husband of the Democratic speaker of the Vermont House, is waging a campaign against businesses who are waging a campaign against his wife's party.

…But Lacy's impromptu telephone blitz to many of the state's car dealers and other businesses has rankled members of the coalition, who say his tactics are bordering on intimidation." (Rutland Herald,10/5/06)

Symington’s Support for Increased Gas and Diesel Tax and a Surcharge on Home Heating Oil Would Hurt Vermont Families

June 9, 2008 - Attorney General William Sorrell announced today that Green Mountain Nursing Home, a licensed nursing facility located in Colchester, Vermont, has reached a civil settlement with the State. The nursing home has admitted to violating the State’s laws on the reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, and for failing to report an untimely death to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The untimely death of the resident occurred after a series of assaults by another resident. As part of the settlement, the nursing home has agreed to be monitored at its own expense, by an out-of-state independent quality monitor/consultant for a period of at least one year.

Green Mountain Nursing Home has also agreed to make a donation in the amount of $1000, in lieu of fines for the reporting law violations, to the Chittenden County End of Life Care Program and to pay $4,000 in restitution to the Vermont Medicaid Program for lapses in standards. The nursing home has also agreed to conduct, plan, and attend a series of trainings, at its own expense, on issues relating to resident-to-resident violence, identifying and reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and “Do Not Resuscitate Orders.” Senior staff and the owner of the nursing home must also attend training on communicating with family members of vulnerable adults.

Secretary of State Deb Markowitz will conduct a training session in Newport for town clerks and board of civil authority members to prepare them for the upcoming elections on Tuesday, June 10th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Goodrich Library.  Secretary of State Markowitz and Elections Director Kathy DeWolfe have scheduled 10 such workshops around the state before the primary in September.

Local school construction aid passes House, Welch amendment allows funding for investment in renewable energy systems
Thursday, June 5, 2008

Congressman Peter Welch
United States House of Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2008

CONTACT:

Andrew Savage
202.226.8346 (o)

Local school construction aid passes House, Welch amendment allows funding for investment in renewable energy systems

Authorizes an estimated $15 million for Vermont school modernization

Washington, DC — Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) voted for legislation last night to renovate and modernize public schools in Vermont and across the country, authorizing over $15 million for modernizations projects for Vermont schools.

The House-passed 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, H.R. 3021, authorizes $6.4 billion for school renovation and modernization projects for fiscal year 2009.

Welch worked with several northeastern lawmakers to successfully amend the bill to allow funding for investments in renewable energy and heating systems for school buildings. The amendment specifies biomass, wind, solar, and geothermal.

Thirty-five Vermont schools have already converted to woodchip or wood pellet burners.

“Public education and school infrastructure is one of the most important investments we can make,” said Welch. “In the face of our current energy challenges, providing funding for renewable energy and heating systems for our local schools is a win for taxpayers and a win for our environment. Many Vermont schools have successfully saved money and reduced their dependence on fossil fuel by converting to biomass.”

The Vermont Superintendents Association reports that school districts across Vermont are expressing interest in exploring efficiency initiatives and moving away from fossil fuel to biomass.

In the 2006-2007 heating season, at a time when average fuel oil price were just $2.27 per gallon, Vermont school districts saved approximately 59 percent of fuel costs by using wood chip systems, according to a recent study. In addition, approximately one million gallons of oil were saved through wood chip systems conversions.

“School districts across Vermont are eager to pursue renewable energy sources. Providing this federal funding for energy-related improvements will go a long way to supporting worthwhile initiatives in Vermont schools across the state,” said Norm Etkind of the Vermont Superintendents Association School Energy Management Program.

Welch worked with Reps. Carol Shea-Porter, Michael Arcuri, and Paul Hodes on the amendment.

In the recently-passed Farm Bill, Welch sponsored an amendment that creates a Community Wood Energy Program. This program will provide matching funds for state and local governments to convert public buildings, such as schools, libraries, and town halls to wood biomass heating or power systems.

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