S.O.S.-VT (Save Our State - VT)

Editorial on Override vote worth sharing

2009-06-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090603/OPINION01/906030307

Rutland Herald Editorial

Taking charge

Published: June 3, 2009

The Legislature took the bold but necessary step on Tuesday of overriding the governor's veto of the state budget.

It was bold because full responsibility for the state's finances and programs now rests on the shoulders of the Legislature. It was necessary because Gov. James Douglas had failed in his responsibility to propose a balanced and reasonable budget that shared fairly the burden of today's economic troubles. The House overrode his veto by the narrowest of margins, 100-50. The Senate followed by a vote of 23-5.

No governor of Vermont has ever vetoed a budget, and no Legislature has ever overridden a budget veto. This is new territory. But the economic collapse presented lawmakers with an unprecedented challenge — plummeting revenues combined with continuing demand on state services. In response, they put together a package of budget cuts and tax increases that struck a better balance than the budget proposed by Douglas.

Both packages contained tax increases. Douglas's proposed tax increases were potentially more burdensome for middle-class Vermonters because they relied on increases in the property tax. His budget cuts were far more damaging.

Having passed a budget, the Legislature's work is far from over. As Republican critics of the budget complained, deficits loom in the coming years, and the state faces a continuing recession that will make it difficult to meet obligations in the near future. For example, Douglas had suggested shifting the teachers' retirement fund to the Education Fund, a move that the Legislature wisely rejected. Still, the demands of the state employee and teacher retirement funds represent a serious financial challenge, and the Legislature will have to exert the leadership necessary to address it. The unemployment insurance fund presents the state with another similar challenge.

The vote to override was one of the most serious rebukes suffered by a sitting governor in recent memory. And yet in many ways Douglas brought it on himself. On the first day of the new session, it became clear that Douglas's budget was far removed from reality, founded as it was on an effort to shift a major portion of state spending to property taxpayers and to assert unprecedented state control over local school budgets.

In the past Douglas has been an adept negotiator and a cagey politician, keeping public support on his side while he parried the demands of a Democratic Legislature. But this year his political skills seemed to desert him. Observers wondered why he remained so rigid on the topic of taxes, failing to follow the example of his one-time mentor, Gov. Richard Snelling, who responded to the 1991 recession with a bipartisan package of tax hikes and budget cuts.

Douglas acceded grudgingly to some of the tax hikes proposed by the Legislature — on tobacco and alcohol — but his refusal to nudge income taxes higher on the wealthy failed to take into account a political atmosphere where asking the wealthy to do their share is no longer unacceptable. Stacked against the draconian cuts that his budget would have imposed in numerous crucial programs, the Legislature's modest increase in taxes for the wealthy did not seem so damaging, especially when combined with an income tax cut for the middle class.

The combined leadership of House Speaker Shap Smith and Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin succeeded this year in promoting a package of budget and tax alternatives that exhibited vision and fairness, even against Douglas's opposition. Douglas's single-minded focus on lower taxes narrowed his vision so severely that he refused to see the harm from budget cuts that went too far. Vermonters can be hurt in many ways, and taxes are only one of them. Failure to fund essential programs in health care, agriculture, education, food safety, and environmental protection also harms Vermonters.

It will be many months before the political implications of the override vote can be assessed; it is clear that Douglas has been weakened. More important is the challenge facing policymakers in both the executive and legislative branches in guiding the state through a perilous economy. After the shock waves of the override subside, one hopes the two branches can find a way back toward a constructive working relationship. The challenges before us are too great to allow ill will to undermine positive action.

Advocates React to Governor Douglas' Latest Budget Proposal

2009-05-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Ken Libertoff, Director Vermont Association for Mental Health VAMH1@aol.com
“Further cuts in Agency of Human Service programs not only "cut to the bone" but attack the very heart of our social service system for children, teens, adults and Vermont elders. It would devastate those who are vulnerable and those who need and deserve support during very hard times.”

Deb Ingram, Director Vermont Interfaith Action debbie@viavt.org
“As people of faith, the members and clergy of Vermont Interfaith Action continue to be dismayed at the values expressed in Governor Douglas' budget proposals. To cut services to the most vulnerable in our communities while actually lowering taxes for the wealthiest Vermonters is an unconscionable affront to the adage we hold dear: that we are all our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We view the state budget as a moral document and could not object more strongly to the lack of morality we see in these proposals.”

Ed Paquin, Director Vermont Protection and Advocacy epaquin@vtpa.org
“It doesn’t appear to me the governor is bringing to the table anything new that hasn’t already been given serious consideration. The budget process has already been long and difficult and the legislature seems to have tried to strike a construct balance between dealing with fiscal imperatives and the very real human needs of Vermonters. I think the legislature has done its job, and the governor should do his job and sign the budget. “

Chris Curtis, Vermont Legal Aid ccurtis@vtlegalaid.org
"This budget kicks Vermont workers when they are down, and picks the pockets of the poor. Meanwhile, the Governor is giving a big tax cut to the richest of the rich," said Curtis. "It’s about as ‘fair and balanced’ as the Bill O’Reilly show."

Barbara Postman, Voices for Vermont’s Children bpostman@voicesforvtkids.org
“The governor’s plan would undermine decades of work building a future for our children and families and for all of us. By the administration’s own acknowledgment this budget will set the stage for years to come. We are deciding whether our children will face more hardship or a better chance to live healthy, secure and productive lives. We can do what has to be done if we all work together.”

Dolly Fleming, Community of Vermont Elders dolly@vermontelders.org
“The state budget should reflect our collective values of promoting and protecting the dignity, security and well being of Vermonters. Supports and services need to be strengthened and prioritized, not victims of further erosion.”

Karen Schwartz, VT Developmental Disabilities Council karen.schwartz@ahs.state.vt.us
“Agency of Human Service programs and services are the safety valves that support Vermonters to stay in our homes and communities. Deep cuts have already been made and children, people with disabilities and elders cannot bear the additional budget cuts proposed. “

Joseph Gainza, Vermont Chapter, American Friends Service Committee jgainza@afsc.org
“It seems the governor is still under the thrall of the failed ideology which the continuing economic crisis has discredited. By failing to invest in the people of Vermont he is insuring that the crisis will be more widespread, hurt more and last longer. Rather than calling on the Vermont community to work together, this budget may increase divisions in our state.”

Susan Baker, VPIRG sbaker@vpirg.org
“The same human service programs that the administration disparages as being too generous have already been slashed multiple times in the last year. If these programs started out as a flourishing sugar maple, I’m afraid there won’t be much more than a toothpick left once the governor is done cutting.”

Peter Sterling, Vermont Campaign for Health Care Security peter@healthcaresecurityvt.org
The Governor’s latest budget is a poorly repackaged version of his earlier proposal to cut programs that help low and middle income Vermonters, lower taxes for those who are already very wealthy and hurt public education by transferring expenses from the general fund onto the back of people’s property taxes in the Education Fund.”

Max Barrows, Green Mountain Self Advocates (802) 505-1518
“The governor’s budget will hit people with disabilities twice as hard. We understand we are facing tough times but why are we the ones that have to sacrifice so much. A loss of services puts us at greater risk of isolation and harm.

Angelo Dorta, President Vermont NEA
“Gov. Douglas’ rejection of a carefully constructed budget that shows significant areas of compromise is part of a tiresome pattern. If Gov. Douglas doesn’t completely get his own way, he simply says ‘not enough’ and threatens to veto and go home. This is unacceptable.”

"businesses against tax hikes" claim inability to pay, but give heavily to Republicans

2009-04-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

It's hard to take the so-called representatives of small businesses seriously when the spokespersons speaking against a tiny income tax increase (about 50 cents per month to the average Vermont taxpayer) are giving hundreds and thousands of dollars to Jim Douglas and the Republican Party.

A cursory search of the Secretary of State campaign finance disclosure reports showed:

Bart Frisbie gave at least $3,250 in contributions to the Governor alone.

Blair Enman and/or Enman Engineering gave at least $200 to Gov. Douglas

Rene Laberge gave at least $200 to Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie.

Shawn Shouldice Banfield (the lobbyist/organizer behind the news conference) personally gave at least $400 to Lt. Gov. Dubie.

Amanda Ibey's PAC, HOME PAC gave $300 to "Friends of the Republican Party" and at least $1000 to Gov. Douglas

William Driscoll's group, Associated Industries of Vermont gave at least $1000 to Friends of the Republican Party

Nobody would ever suggest that these folks don't have a right to contribute to whoever they wish. But, it is disingenuous at best to suggest they cannot afford a very modest income tax increase when these folks are literally giving away hundreds and thousands of dollars to their conservative friends at the highest levels of state government. Something doesn't add up.

When most people understand they could save hundreds of jobs, preserve essential services and institutions, avoid a massive cost-shift onto their local community (and avoid a worsening of the recession for that matter) by contributing a dollar here and there, they overwhelmingly support a small tax increase, or a tax increase on those with the greatest ability to pay.

S.O.S.-EZ Event a Big Success!

2009-04-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Save Our State coalition had a great turnout on April 15, 2009 - "Tax Day" - unveiling its plan to eliminate the need for more budget cuts by increasing income taxes a small amount.

According to the Joint Fiscal Office, doubling the current House plan would cost the per capita Vermont tax payer (those making $27,000 according to the U.S. Census) about one dollar per month - less than the cost of a cup of coffee!

Most of the needeed revenue would be based on ability to pay, so the rich would pay more in order to save these vital programs.

Everyone pitched in to ensure a successful event. Special thanks to Tiffany Silliman for organizing all the details and making sure the event came off without a hitch.

Here is just some of the media coverage that resulted from our efforts:

Free Press: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090416/NEWS03/90416002/1095

Times Argus (on passage of Ways and Means tax increase plan): http://www.timesargus.com/article/20090416/NEWS01/904160360/1002/NEWS01

Times Argus on SOS/tea party coverage: http://www.timesargus.com/article/20090416/NEWS01/904160368/1002/NEWS01

WCAX: http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=10190825 (print story online); go here for
webcast (video): http://www.wcax.com/Global/category.asp?C=139464&nav=menu183_5

Associated Press coverage:

Vermont: Brattleboro Reformer (squib… there is an expanded version of the story, and I'm hoping that will run in the print editions of many of the smaller dailies around VT): http://www.reformer.com/news/ci_12154145

Rutland Herald: http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090415/THISJUSTIN/904150286/

Here's the expanded AP story in some of the national papers:
http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/nation/bring-on-the-taxes-vermont-counterprotesters-say-548288.html

Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/15/AR2009041502665.html?nav=rss_politics

Squib in the Boston Herald (avoid the scary picture and scroll down to the end): http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_04_16_‘Tea_parties__boiling_over_taxes:_Thousands_gather_in_Hub/srvc=news&position=also

VPR and WDEV had coverage last night and this morning (just reading from the AP story): http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/84713/

It's also getting out there on the blogs:

Vermont News Guy, Jon Margolis had this analysis:
http://www.vermontnewsguy.com/protest-left-and-right/

http://www.mydd.com/story/2009/4/15/201455/177

http://www.blognetnews.com/vermont/feed.php?channel=11&iid=8291&y=2009&m=04&d=13

April 15, 2009: Hurry Up, File Your S.O.S.-EZ on Tax Filing Day!

2009-04-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Friends,

April 15th (tax-filing deadline) is an opportunity to show that many Vermonters are willing to pay a little more in taxes to preserve essential programs.

The Save Our State coalition has created an "SOS-EZ" mock tax form ("the 'EZ' way to 'Save Our State' - the form approximates the look of an actual 1040EZ form).

In addition to providing a place for the taxpayer to declare her/his support for a modest tax increase, we will list many of the programs that have been put at risk by the Administration.

We're inviting YOU, and anyone else you think will participate to gather at 10am at the Tax Department "help" window at 133 State Street (2nd Floor) to present our forms to the state on April 15th at 10am. This event will send a message to the legislature and the Governor that:

* Vermonters are willing to pay more to preserve essential programs

* The "EZ" way to Save Our State costs less and raises more than the cuts and increases (on state employees and property tax payers) than the Governor's plan, and saves essential programs for low-income and working Vermonters at a time when they need services the most.

* The Administration wants to raise taxes on property taxpayers (Education proposal), and on only certain families (state employees, non-profit sector).

* We say "we're all in this together" and support broad tax policies that share and minimize the pain (median per capita income is app. $27,000); We could double what the Ways and Means committee has put forth (thereby eliminating any need for cuts) and the average surcharge for that taxpayer would still only be about $14 (or a little more than a dollar per month) according to Joint Fiscal.

* Contrast that amount with what the Administration wants: radically higher property taxes, and penalties on families in the non-profit sector of up to $3,000, or state employees' families of up to $1,500 (plus increased health care costs), plus painful cuts to vital services, and the answer is clear: We must raise taxes to balance our budget.

What: SOS-EZ Tax Day Event

Why: To Support Raising Taxes in Vermont To Save Essential Programs

When: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 10:00 AM

Where: Tax Dept. Help Window (133 State Street, 2nd Floor)

Who: Save Our State Coalition

"This is no tea party, but then again this budget mess is no picnic, either!"

Vermonters: No Cuts; Raise Taxes... "Save Our State"!

2009-03-31T06:02:00.000-07:00

Vermonters turned out at sites all over the state to protest budget cuts and call on legislators and the Governor to raise taxes to pay for social services and essential programs for seniors, children, and low-income and working Vermonters.

Here is an excerpt from the Rutland Herald (Photo by Cassandra Hotaling, Rutland Herald):

In Rutland, a small group of volunteers from the Vermont Workers' Center, one of the members of the coalition, gathered with signs, a megaphone and talking points, eager to tout an alternative budget proposal centered on "human rights and needs."

The three-pronged plan comprises three bills already before the Legislature and aims to maintain services, raise revenue through increasing taxes for the top income brackets and implement universal health care, according to Erika Simard, a health-care organizer with the Vermont Workers' Center.

"It seems like a more equitable alternative than cutting jobs, children's services and programs that are necessary for low-income Vermonters," she said Monday afternoon, as she held aloft a sign emblazoned with hand-drawn green mountains and the words "Save our state."

Here's more from James Haslam at the Vermont Worker's Center:

Few more quick updates on the rallies.

Burlington - about 70 participants, three tv stations came by (WPTZ, WCAX and Fox 44)

St. Albans - Spirited honk & wave

Montpelier - 25 people

Rutland - Honk & wave, great story about it in the Rutland Herald. Click HERE to read the whole story.

There are photos in the Bennington Banner. Click HERE to view.

Great coverage from the Middlebury event HERE from WPTZ.

Way to go, team!

THIS MONDAY: COME RALLY NEAR YOU!

2009-03-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

Bennington: 4 Corners intersection of Route 7&9, 4:00 p.m.
Tracy, tracyd@vcil.org

Montpelier: Pavilion Building, 109 State St, 5:00pm
Traven, traven_L@earthlink.net

Burlington: Church and Main 5:30pm
Kate, kate@workerscenter.org
Colin Robinson livablewage@pjcvt.org

Brattleboro Pliny Park in downtown Brattleboro from 5:30pm
Richard Davis vcch@sover.net

Randolph Main St in front of Northfield Savings Bank 5pm
Sylvie Desautels sylvied@live.com

Middlebury Traffic Island @ Middlebury Inn 12 Noon
Ellen Oxfeld oxfeld@middlebury.edu
Matthew Ennis mennis8@gmail.com

Rutland West Street TBA, 5:30pm
Erika, erika@workerscenter.org

Johnson 131 W Main St, (near the Grand Union) 5pm
Tiffany Silliman, sillimant@gmail.com

St Johnsbury in front of the Athenaeum 5pm.
Matt McGrath, matt@workerscenter.org

White River Junction Intersection of Routes 5 & 14 5pm
Joyce Dion, joyce.dion@yahoo.com

If you don't see your town on this list and would like to make sure it happens and be the contact person, please e-mail: saveourstatevt@gmail.com

More proposed cuts--THIS IS WHY WE RALLY!

2009-03-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Below is the proposed list of $40.8 million in additional budget cuts the Democratic leadership of the legislature is considering should lawmakers decide against raising revenues to close the budget gap.

• Eliminate pharmacy assistance for low-income elderly (VPHARM): Save $3.7 million.

• Reduce funding for long-term care by 4 percent: Save $2.36 million.

• Eliminate mentoring and student assistance professionals in schools: Save $1 million.

• Reduce benefits to elderly, blind and disabled: Save $1.2 million.

• Suspend Next Generation scholarship program: Save $7.3 million.

• Eliminate bonuses to child care providers: Save $5 million.

• Close prison in St. Johnsbury and reduce community supervision:
Save $1 million.

• Reduce funds for Lake Champlain cleanup: Save $1.5 million.

• Mothball all state fish hatcheries: Save $1.12 million.

• Close historic sites and eliminate funding for cultural
organizations: Save $1.8 million.

• Close motor vehicle offices two days a week: Save $4.5 million.

• Mothball rest areas and information centers: Save $4 million.

• Close courts 12 more days a year: Save $1 million.

• Bill towns for state police coverage: Save $3 million.

• Suspend armory maintenance: Save $1 million.

• Reduce liquor control enforcement by 50 percent: Save $1 million.

This information is from the Senate Appropriations Committee

Vermonters to Legislators: Raise Our Taxes!

2009-03-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee convened two public hearings (one in the afternoon, and one in the early evening) to invite the public to identify potential revenue sources for its consideration as the legislature considers a way out of our budget mess.

Vermonters overwhelmingly turned out in favor of raising taxes - many suggesting that if we are truly "in this together" the fairest way to do so would be through an increase in the income tax. Other suggested sales tax application on white collar services: legal services, architecture, tax preparation, etc. Or, "sin" tax increases on cigarettes, beer and wine, or junk food and soda.

The message to legislators was clear: Raise taxes now to avoid additional harmful budget cuts to the most vulnerable.

WPTZ and Fox both covered the public hearings. Here is an excerpt and link to the Channel 5 story (Fox has not posted theirs yet):

Legislators say Vermont's budget deficit could reach nearly $1 billion over the next four years and lawmakers in Montpelier are trying to find ways to cover the shortfall. On Tuesday, people testified at the Statehouse in front of the House Ways and Means Committee. Some urged lawmakers not to cut any more state services or jobs and suggested higher taxes on gas and cigarettes to raise revenues.

"We cannot, cannot afford to pick the pockets of the poor to get us out of this budget fix," said Christopher Curtis of Vermont Legal Aid.

Some people even took aim at Gov. Jim Douglas.

"The person that's not here is the governor and I wonder how the heck he can explain how this makes any sense and how he sleeps at night," said Arthur Hamlin, a state employee.

http://www.wptz.com/news/18954320/detail.html

Next Rally: March 30th, Save the date

2009-03-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

On Monday March 30th we will again be joining together across the state to to send the message to the Governor and Legislators no more cuts to important programs find new revenue to fund these programs.

March 30th is KEY because the House of Representatives is expected to vote on its version of the budget that week.

On Feb 2nd over 500 people across the state came out across the state and it has a tremendous impact, This is a critical time to send and clear and strong message to the Governor and Legislators that we can NOT have any more cuts to programs and services.

Governor Douglas is still proposing to close the budget shortfall for FY 2009/10 without using new taxes but instead through program cuts that will primarily affect children, the elderly, low and middle income Vermonters. Currently the House of Representatives is debating their version of the FY 2009/10 budget.*(see below for details)
Legislative leadership has announced its plan to close the budget shortfall, which includes both raising revenue and some cuts to existing programs. Yet most of these programs have already been cut & we can’t cut any more. Let’s help support them in doing the right thing and propose NO MORE CUTS to vital programs & services.**(see below for details)

SEND LEGISLATORS BACK TO MONTPELER with a clear message:
VERMONTERS SAY: “NO MORE CUTS , FIND REVENUE”
THERE ARE GOOD IDEAS FOR HOW WE FIND REVENUE & PREVENT THESE CUTS

Now is the time to come together again!

Please e-mail: SaveOurStateVT@gmail.com or call 802-363-7886 for more information, if you have ideas on how to spread the word and if you would like to organize a rally in your town.

Towns where we rallied last time: Burlington, Montpelier, Brattleboro, Newport, Middlebury, Rutland, St. Albans, Bennington, St. Johnsbury, Morrisville, White River Junction, Northfield, Hardwick and Randolph.

There is a budget gap of $227 Million in FY 2009/10

*The plan unveiled by the Senate and House Democratic leadership calls for using $156 million in federal stimulus money, $28 million in program and payroll cuts, one time revenue of $10 million (unknown where it is coming from) and $33 million in new revenue which includes:
· $24 million in new revenue, including a temporary surcharge on the income tax
· $5 million in redirected Education Funding (i.e. a property tax increase)
· $4 million in Catamount Health match waiver from the Federal Government

The House is expected to vote on its version of the 2009-10 budget the first week of April.

**Douglas proposes using $137 million in federal stimulus money, a transfer of $40 million in teachers retirement funding to the General Fund, $34 million in budget cuts and $17 million in payroll cuts. It is unknown exactly why Douglas is projecting only using $137 million in stimulus monies and not the full amount of $156 million which the Democrats are using.

Make Your Voice Heard!

2009-02-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

Governor Douglas is proposing sweeping cuts to almost all human services programs to close a $92 million budget shortfall while insisting that no new revenue or taxes be implemented to offset these cuts. There will be a public hearing on Governor Douglas proposed 2009/10 budget on March 17th from 2:45-4:30 and 6:30-8pm at the Vermont Statehouse.

This hearing is a chance for Vermonters to tell the legislature NO to budget cuts that would hurt Vermonters and YES to finding new revenue to fund important programs.

See the lists below for details of proposed cuts and $224 million in possible new revenue sources to stop these cuts

Examples of Proposed Cuts in Governor Douglas’ 2009/10 and 2008/09 Budgets

Eliminate VPHARM providing prescription drugs to low income seniors and people with disabilities.

Cut Early Education Grants providing additional educational services to 3 and 4 year old Vermont kids at risk of school failure.

Proposed reduction or termination of Reach Up/Reach Ahead benefits and delay or elimination of a food benefit program for low-income families and their children.

Increase VHAP and Dr Dynasaur monthly premiums which provides health care to low income adults and kids

Cut the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program which funds programs for low income families providing clothing allowances, job training, and homeless shelters.

Cut Choices for Care so Vermonters who need long term care in their homes have lost hours of assistance for such necessities like cleaning and grocery shopping.

Cut Community Rehabilitation & Treatment, Vermont’s long term care program for people with serious and persistent mental illness. Now people with mental health issues will face loss of staff support, access to employment, peer support and therapy.

Cuts to Conservation and Affordable Housing Funding programs, Community Mental Health Services and eliminating the Building Bright Futures Program

New Revenue Source (Amount Raised Per Year)

1% tax on income over $500,000 ($8-12 million)

1% tax on income over $1,000,000 (about $5 million)

VT Economic Progress Council tax breaks to businesses(Up to $10 million)

$1 tax on cigarette sales ($8.9 million in year 1)

1 cent/gallon additional gas tax ($3.3 million)

1 cent increase on Alcohol, Rooms and Meals tax ($13.5 million)

Apply corporate income tax to banks ($5 million)

Close capital gains tax loophole (Annual range is $15-$60 million)

Annual Sales Tax Revenue if Current 6% Sales Tax Was Applied to:

Legal services: $15.8 million

Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, & payroll services: $6.7 million

Architectural, engineering, & related services: $17.7 million

Computer systems design & related services: $11.4 million

Management, scientific, & technical consulting services: $12.8 million

Scientific research & development services: $2.8 million

Advertising & related services: $2.5 million

Publishing industries (except Internet): $15.5 million

Internet service providers, web search portals, & data processing: $12.4 million

TOTAL ESTIMATED ANNUAL NEW REVENUE: $224 Million

Danziger: Who's the Security Threat?

2009-02-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

Jeff Danziger captured it perfectly. While hundreds of Vermont citizens joined together to "Save Our State" outside the Statehouse last week (and were subjected to unusually rigorous searches), it's the Governor and his sharp scissors making all the harmful cuts that poses a real threat to our security. Click here for full-sized image.

Faces in the Crowd: "Save Our State" Rally

2009-02-13T06:03:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the faces of the hundreds of Vermonters who are standing up and saying:

Federal Stimulus First; Raise New Revenues; No More Budget Cuts! "Save Our State!"

Vermonters Send Strong Message to Governor, Legislature: Federal Stimulus First, New Revenue Now, No More Cuts!

2009-02-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

Vermonters turned out in droves over the lunch hour to send a powerful message to the Governor and lawmakers in Montpelier. Amid cheers and chants of "Save Our State" participants protested budget cuts and rallied for another way. VPR's Bob Kinzel reported the story and talked to some of the participants:

We do need to make tough decisions and the budget should be balanced. But the budget should serve and reflect our values, not decimate them. Simply cutting the budget is an escape from our responsibilities toward one another. Focusing those cuts in human services and supports is not only morally bankrupt, it's economically foolhardy.''
[Dolly Fleming, Coalition of Vermont Elders]

"We have seen the cutting and the ripping of our safety net for vulnerable Vermonters. And when you tear at that safety net, you rip the heart out of our very system of care for vulnerable Vermonters. And that's what's happening right now.''
[Ken Libertoff, Vermont Association for Mental Health]
WCAX also covered the story here. Channel 5 and Fox 44 also covered the event.

Rally to Save Our State!

2009-02-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

2/10

11 am - 1 pm

Statehouse, Montpelier

URGENT! turnout is critical!

Spread the word!

BRING: signs, cell phones, people

Rally Program:

CARDS AND CALLS. In addition to postcards to sign, there will be cell phones at the event to call Representatives and Senators. People will be staffing tables and helping folks with the telephone calling.

MESSAGING. Talking points will be distributed.

ORGANIZING. Volunteers will be circulating with clipboards and pens to get the names and contact information of participants.

SIGN MAKING. Bring signs if you have them or make them on site - Kids Are Priority One will be bringing sign-making materials.

Our Message:

• FEDERAL STIMULUS FIRST!

• RAISE NEW REVENUE

• STOP THE BUDGET CUTS to vital programs like VPHARM, Early Education Grants & Assistance to Needy Families

• Protect children, the poor, the disabled & the elderly

• Preserve state services & jobs, public schools & affordable health care programs

• Lower premiums for VHAP, Catamount Health and Dr. Dynasaur to help the uninsured

• Make sure affordable housing and environmental conservation efforts continue

If you need more information please call Peter Sterling at 279-6840 or Tiffany Silliman at 363-7886

Feb 9th Hearing

2009-02-04T12:56:00.000-08:00

FEB 9th 2009: 4:30pm-7:30pm

Joint Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2010 budget on Vermont Interactive Television by the Appropriations Committees.

HOW THIS WORKS:
• Drive to the site nearest you (see below)
• Once you get to your site you will sign up to speak by the entrance.
• They are taking testimony in the order people sign up and will be switching from site to site to keep things moving.
• All testimony is limited to 2 minutes so be prepared to keep it short and clear (they will cut you off if it goes over). I suggest preparing what you will say and timing it beforehand.
• People can come and go whenever they need to.
It is meant to catch people after work in locations closer to home in order to get Vermonters.
This event is to give Vermonters throughout the state an opportunity to express their views about the State budget for fiscal year 2010. For information about the format of this event, interested parties may call the House Appropriations Committee office at 802/828-5970.

V.I.T.'s web site: www.vitlink.org has addresses, phone numbers and driving directions as well. All V.I.T. sites will be available for the hearing: Bennington, Brattleboro,
Castleton, Johnson, Lyndonville, Middlebury, Montpelier, Newport, Randolph
Center, Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, Waterbury, White River Junction
and Williston.

http://www.vitlink.org/HTML/PublicEventsList.php

S.O.S. Vigils/Rallies a Huge Success; Hundreds Turn Out to Protest Budget Cuts

2009-02-02T19:10:00.001-08:00

Hundreds of concerned Vermonters turned out on cool evening to send a clear message to Vermont Governor, Jim Douglas: No More Budget Cuts!

Use the stimulus package, raise the revenue, but stop balancing the budget on the backs of the poor, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

The message come out loud and clear as community after community from Bennington to White River Junction joined the chorus of voices saying "Enough!"

Even citizens in the Governor's hometown of Middlebury turned out to protest the Governor's proposed budget cuts. Click here for WPTZ's story on the Middlebury rally.

Rough numbers are trickling in. Here's what some organizers are saying (these are estimates, not confirmed counts):

125 people in Burlington
120 Montpelier
100+ Brattleboro
28 St. Johnsbury
25 St. Albans
30 in Rutland
18 Bennington
65 in Middlebury
25 in Northfield
40 in Newport (Newport!!)
35 in White River Junction

Many legislators also turned out in their districts to listen to these dedicated citizens, and to respond to our shared concerns.
Congratulations to all the people who turned out to make this a huge success!

Take Action:

2009-01-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

Sign the Petition!

A petition of Vermonters who support a targeted, temporary tax increase to save the social safety net and support critical programs.

http://www.petitiononline.com/countvt/petition.html

Count Us In

Some say that middle-class Vermonters are already taxed too much, and therefore the budget deficit needs to be made up by asking low-income Vermonters to pay more. We believe that there are many Vermonters ready, willing, and able to handle an increase in State income taxes to keep Vermont strong during hard times. Don't count us out of the equation. Count us in!

http://countmeinvt.wordpress.com/

SOS February 2nd Rally Site Locations & Times

2009-01-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

Burlington: 101 Cherry St (near Church St) 5pm

Montpelier: Pavilion Building 5pm

St Albans: Taylor Park 5pm

Brattleboro: Main St on ths sidewalk in front of the Post Office 5:30

Randolph: Main St on the sidewalk in front of Northfield Savings Bank 5pm

Middlebury: Traffic Island in front of the Middlebury Inn 12 Noon

Rutland: West Street sidewalk in front of the UU Church of Rutland, 5:30pm

Morrisville: On the sidewalk in front of the Lamoille Senior Center, 24 Main St at 4 way stop downtown 5pm

St Johnsbury: in front of the Athenaeum 5pm.

White River Junction: On the sidewalk at the intersection of Routes 5 & 14 5pm

Bennington: On the sidewalk at the intersection of Routes 7 & 9 5pm

Hardwick: Main St, Hardwick on the sidewalk in front of the Food Co-Op, 5pm

Northfield: Village Green 5pm

Newport: Main St on the sidewalk in front of the fish statue 5:30

If you would like to come to a vigil near you or organize one in your own community please fill out the form at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=p9oW02akEms5GYuJ8_TXkZg

Vermonters Protest Governor's Budget Cuts

2009-01-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

Advocates for low-income and working Vermont families, seniors, and the disabled are fighting back against unfair budget cuts. You can, too! Play the clip below to see what advocates are saying, then scroll down below for details on the "Save Our State" rallies across Vermont. Sign up, show up, and get involved!

Together, we can "Save Our State"!

ACTION: Join Feb 2nd Vigils across the state

2009-01-23T13:17:00.000-08:00

The state is trying to close a large budget gap and Governor Douglas says it should be done without raising new revenue but through program cuts that will primarily affect children, the elderly, and low income Vermonters.

Some of many of the programs proposed for cuts or elimination are to:
➢ VPHARM which provides affordable prescription drugs to low income seniors and Vermonters with disabilities.
➢ Early Education Grants that provide additional educational services to 3 and 4 year old Vermont kids at risk of school failure.
➢ Temporary Assistance to Needy Families which funds programs for low income families which provide clothing allowances, job training, and homeless shelters.

Join with hundreds of other Vermonters who will also be attending similar vigils on February 2nd in Brattleboro, Burlington, Morrisville, Montpelier, Rutland, St. Albans, Middlebury, Randolph, Hardwick, Northfield, White River Junction, Newport, Bennington, & St Johnsbury

The Groups and Individuals Supporting S.O.S.- Save Our State Believe

(1) Vermont’s budget shortfalls should not be solved by cutting funding to programs critical to the well being of Vermonters.

(2) Public services that provide basic human needs are essential and should be expanded to cover increased need during this economic crisis.

(3) As is now happening at the federal level, public investment is required to help those suffering in these hard times.

(4) New revenue sources, including tax increases on higher incomes, must be utilized to stop the budget cuts proposed by Governor Douglas.

If you would like to come to a vigil near you or organize one in your own community please fill out the form at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=p9oW02akEms5GYuJ8_TXkZg

or email Tiffany at sillimant@gmail.com for times and details on a vigil near you.

Modest Tax Increases Are Necessary

2009-01-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

Here's an excerpt from an op-ed by Wallace Roberts from the Sunday Times Argus.

******************************

If Vermont is going to get through this recession-induced budget crisis without completely savaging the poor and most vulnerable, we're all going to have to pay some new taxes despite the fact that Gov. James Douglas has said that he will not consider them.

Douglas has said we must cut the fat in the state budget, but he knows there's not a lot of fat there because if there were, it'd be his fault since he's been responsible for creating the first draft of the budget for the past six years. Saying so gives him cover for laying off state workers (thereby depriving the state of their income taxes!) and making cutbacks in human services...

Eighty-one years ago when the country was going through a similar period of great income inequality and excessive influence of money in politics, Associate Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., wrote in a dissenting opinion, "(t)axes are what we pay for civilized society."

When faced with a crisis like a severe recession, a civilized society does not cut services for the poor, working families, and the vulnerable; the rest of us pitch in and shoulder our fair share.