Free Press to legislators on Douglas' stimulus package: 'accept it or come up with something better'

Vermont Republicans are circulating a Burlington Free Press editorial that is lending support to the economic stimulus package put forth by Republican Gov. Jim Douglas.

With just two weeks left in the legislative session, the editorial is urging lawmakers to “do something to help Vermonters get through our current economic crisis, and do it before going home for the year.”

Douglas outlined a 15-point plan Saturday that aims to stimulate Vermont’s economy by adding $2.8 million to the state budget. The Free Press didn’t come out supporting specific details of the plan, saying only that Douglas “hits some of the right buttons.”

Even still, the editorial cites Douglas’ proposal as “the only plan so far,” and charges weary legislators “to accept it or come up with something better.”

Since Douglas announced late last week that a plan was in the works, Democratic lawmakers have been up in arms. “We've just been blind-sided," Sen. Susan Bartlett, D-Lamoille, told the Burlington Free Press after news broke of the Governor’s behind-the-scenes efforts.

Without partisan reference, the editorial targeted the plan’s opponents. “If opponents disapprove of this plan, it is their responsibility to offer up ideas that work rather than turning promptly to the tired rejoinder of ‘this was sprung on us at the last moment.’”

Previously on PolitickerVT.com

· Dems, GOPers exchange barbs on Douglas economic plan

· Dems take on Douglas over stimulus plan