Welcome to the Official Website for Vermont Governor Jim Douglas!
Featured Priority
Governor's Summit on Pathways to Economic Stability
Governor's Calendar
9:30-10:00 a.m. Legislative Open Door, Ceremonial Office, State House, Montpelier
3:30 p.m. UVM Extension Service and Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station Program and Reception, State House Cafeteria, State House, Montpelier
6:30 p.m. Vermont Home Builders and Remodelers Association General Membership Banquet, Catamount Country Club, Williston
9:00-9:30 a.m. Legislative Open Door, Ceremonial Office, State House, Montpelier
3:00 p.m. Bi-State Primary Care Association Reception, State House Cafeteria, State House, Montpelier
5:00 p.m. National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Legislative Reception, Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, Montpelier
9:00-9:30 a.m. Legislative Open Door, Ceremonial Office, State House, Montpelier
1:00-1:45 p.m. Press Conference, Ceremonial Office, State House, Montpelier
7:00 p.m. Vermont Arts Council 2010 Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, Cedar Creek Room, State House, Montpelier
RECENT NEWS
Governor Douglas Appointed By the President to Co-Chair Council of Governors
Governors will work with federal officials on issues related to the use of military reserve forces in domestic emergencies
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas has been appointed by President Obama to co-chair the Council of Governors, a bipartisan group of 10 governors who will work closely with the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security, as well as other defense and national security officials to advise on matters related to the National Guard and civil support missions.
“It is a great honor to be asked by the President to co-chair the Council,” said Governor Douglas. “Ensuring that the state and federal governments are coordinated in response to domestic military operations and disasters is critical to the safety and security of our Vermont residents, and citizens across the country.” Read More
Governor Douglas Urges Congress to Allow State Greater Medicaid Flexibility
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas, along with NGA Vice-Chair Governor Joe Manchin (D-WV), sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to extend the federal Medicaid match (FMAP) for two additional quarters, while modifying the maintenance of effort requirements under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
"Governors and state legislators across the country are working hard to fill budget gaps and invest in a robust economic recovery," Governor Douglas said. "While additional federal assistance will help in the short term, my colleagues and I are seeking greater flexibility to invest in strategic efforts to make state budgets sustainable for the future."
The recession has created enormous fiscal challenges for states. Between fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2011, states will have faced a cumulative $256 billion in budget gaps. This year alone, Vermont is addressing a $150 million gap in the State General Fund budget. Read More
Governor Douglas Discusses Energy Issues with President Obama at the White House
Governor highlights Vermont’s lessons and achievements
Washington D.C. – Governor Jim Douglas today met with 10 other Governors, Cabinet members and high ranking Administration officials to discuss energy policy with President Obama and Vice President Biden. The President and Governor Douglas agreed that a non-ideological, bipartisan approach is necessary to confront the nation’s energy challenges and investments in biofuels, biomass, hydroelectric, nuclear and other clean forms of power, as well as investments for efficiency will be critical to the America’s energy future.
“I appreciate the opportunity to talk with the President on these important issues,” the Governor said. “As Washington debates our national energy policy, Vermont’s lessons and achievements must be part of that dialogue. From in-state efficiency measures to our regional partnerships, like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Vermont is confronting the challenges of energy independence and climate change on many fronts.” Read More
Gubernatorial Appointments Made in October, November and December
Montpelier Vt.—Governor Jim Douglas today released the list of appointments made in October, November and December, 2009. Read More
Governor Douglas Applauds Highway Safety Efforts
Vermont recognized for seat belt usage and low alcohol impaired fatality rate
Montpelier, Vt. – For the third year in a row Vermont achieved its goal of sustaining a seat belt usage rate of above 85 percent. And as a result of the State’s impaired driving countermeasures, Vermont attained the lowest alcohol-impaired fatality rate in the country in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA).
“We’ve worked hard to make our roads and highways safer through outreach and education,” said Governor Douglas. “These results are thanks to our hardworking public safety professionals, as well as to Vermonters who are adopting safe driving practices every day.” Read More