Press Releases
The following are recent press releases issued by the Office of the Governor.
Governor Urges Vermonters to Buy Local for July 4th Celebrations and Other Summer Events
Montpelier, Vt. -- Governor Jim Douglas is urging Vermonters to take advantage of Vermont’s many locally grown and produced agricultural products over the summer months.
Governor Douglas said he hopes that as Vermonters prepare for Independence Day gatherings, and other summer events, they will look for and buy locally grown and produced agricultural products.
To further encourage Vermonters to buy local, Douglas released a public service announcement that he hopes radio stations will air throughout the season.
“If Vermonters shifted just 10 percent of their food spending to buying local we could add about $130 million to the Vermont economy,” the Governor said. “The best way for each of us to participate is to look for and buy locally grown agricultural products at stores, farmer's markets, farm stands, and restaurants.”
Official Statement of the Governor on IBM’s Announcement
My primary concern today is for the Vermonters who have lost their jobs, and the impact this will have upon their families. I have instructed my staff to work closely with the Vermont Department of Labor (DOL). DOL is fully prepared to offer all of its services to those who seek assistance. From employment searches, counseling, re-training and unemployment coverage, we are going to help in every way we can.
Layoffs punctuate the importance of doing all we can in Montpelier to make Vermont a welcoming and supportive place to do business. My administration respects the role that every employer plays in ensuring the economic security and prosperity of our families. I will continue to do everything I can to help them prosper in Vermont, to fight for innovative policies that promote economic growth and job creation and to resist proposals that erect barriers to job creation.
Layoffs also underscore the need to continue to further diversify our economy, encourage innovation and empower employers to create more and better paying jobs. It should be a wake up call to other state officials in Montpelier who think it’s in anyway acceptable to advance policies without regard for the point of view of the employers propelling our economy forward.
To those at IBM who have lost jobs, and other Vermonters who have experienced the same challenge, we will continue to help you with all the tools we have available.
These are difficult times, and Vermonters are struggling, yet I am optimistic that our vision of positive change—our commitment to building a stronger, more innovative and more prosperous economy—and our voice of reason will keep us on the path to prosperity.
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Governor Urges Congress to Plug Hole in Nation’s Highway Trust Fund
MONTPELIER – Governor Jim Douglas today asked Congress to act as soon as possible to address an impending funding shortfall in the nation’s Highway Trust Fund. If the shortfall is not addressed, Vermont likely would have to cancel numerous transportation projects that employ more than 1,600 Vermonters.
In a letter written on behalf of the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG), Governor Douglas, who is the coalition’s chairman, said if Congress does not act soon to fill the more than $3 billion trust fund shortfall that is predicted in Fiscal Year 2009, states risk losing about one third of their promised federal aid.
According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Vermont stands to lose more than $47 million should Congress not act to restore the Highway Trust Fund.
“If not addressed in a timely manner by the Congress, this shortfall will have a significant impact upon the investment not only Vermont, but all other states can make to help rebuild the nation’s already stressed highways, roads and bridges,” Douglas said.
Gov’s e-State Initiative Advances -- Governor and Comcast Announce Additional High-Speed Service
MONTPELIER, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas and Comcast today announced a plan to extend the company’s network by another 300 miles in 2009 in communities previously not served by wire line providers offering high-speed cable internet, television and phone service.
The proposal, which has to be approved by the Public Service Board, will extend service to all of North Hero, Grand Isle, South Hero, Woodford, and Brookline, in addition to making important expansions of service to unserved portions of Westford and West Rutland.
Governor Douglas said this project is another step toward the goals of his e-State Initiative—a cornerstone of Douglas’ efforts to build a stronger, more innovative economy. “The e-state initiative is about achieving truly universal access to affordable broadband internet and cell phone technology and building a telecommunications infrastructure where no one is left behind,” the Governor said.
To spearhead this effort, Douglas proposed—and the Legislature approved—creation of a Vermont Telecommunications Authority that is working with private-sector partners like Comcast to build a “next generation infrastructure” that supports universal broadband and cellular coverage. The State is backing $40 million of bonding by the Authority, which could leverage hundreds of million of dollars more in private investment. “We’re building new infrastructure that is encouraging growth across every sector of our economy,” Douglas said. “Vermonters know the innovation enabled by our e-state initiative will ensure that our economy grows stronger and our communities closer.” Read More
Official Remarks of the Governor -- Announcing the Vermont Fuel and Food Partnership
Thank you President Handy for your hospitality—I’m delighted to be at Vermont Technical College to announce an important, wide-ranging, collaborative effort to help Vermont’s families address the rising cost of fuel.
Today, we are taking meaningful, additional steps to help Vermont respond to the national recession that has caused our state such marked economic anxiety. Every Vermont family is facing the realities of soaring gas prices, rising food costs and the threat of home heating oil reaching unaffordable levels in the coming winter.
Solving these problems will require an effort that goes beyond government alone.
We're fortunate to live in a state where there is a strong network of community-based organizations and programs to help Vermonters when times get tough. Our partners like the Area Agencies on Aging, Community Action Agencies, Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Fuel Dealers Association, Vermont Economic Development Authority, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, and the Vermont Foodbank, among many others, are very important and very valuable allies in our efforts to protect the most vulnerable and build a stronger, more innovative economy.
Vermonters care about each other. In communities across our state, organizations and individuals are stepping up to help Vermonters in need, in creative and effective ways. The state Seasonal Fuel Assistance Office is working with the Vermont Sustainable Heating Initiative (VSHI) – led by students at Mt. Abraham and Montpelier High Schools – to help low-income individuals convert from fuel oil to wood pellet furnaces.
The Fuel Assistance Office recently received a call from the Union Bank requesting information for a fuel awareness day they will be holding, to help educate Vermonters about how to prepare for the upcoming fuel season.
And right here at Vermont Technical College—the home of innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy programs—there is a community garden where employee volunteers sow, plant, weed and harvest. Once a week community members are able to purchase fresh organic produce from the garden at very affordable prices. The local food shelf receives regular donations of fresh vegetables from the project as well.
Great things are happening, but not all Vermonters know about these efforts.
We need to bring together all of this creative energy, compassion and information – we need to marshal all of our resources – to ensure that we make the most of every dollar, help reaches those who need it most and, most importantly, that no Vermonter is left in the cold.
To bring everyone together—and to harness all available resources--I have established a cabinet-level task force chaired by Lt. Governor Brian Dubie and Secretary Neale Lunderville. And I have directed them to focus every effort and every resource Vermont can bring to bear to help manage the effects of higher energy costs on Vermont families.
Governor Signs Health Care Bills Into Law -- Highlights Wellness Efforts at Richmond Business
Richmond, Vt. – Today, Governor Jim Douglas visited Milton CAT, a business with an award-winning worksite wellness program, to sign two health care bills into law. The Governor was joined by legislators, advocates, insurance representatives and others as he signed H. 887 and S. 283.
H. 887 and S. 283 build on the groundbreaking reforms included in Health Care Affordability Acts of 2006, including the new Catamount Health Plans and Governor Douglas’ forward-thinking Blueprint for Health, which is helping Vermont lead the nation in efforts to change our health care system to one focused on preventing illness and complications, rather than reacting to health emergencies. Governor Douglas will highlighted innovative wellness programs, such as Milton CAT’s, that are following the Blueprint model.
“I first heard about Milton CAT’s efforts last year when we presented them with a Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Worksite Wellness Gold Award,” said Governor Douglas. “These awards honor people and programs that help contain health care costs and promote healthy behavior and disease prevention. When we were thinking about a location for the bill signings today – bills that continue to move Vermont down the path toward controlling the growth in health care costs and encouraging wellness initiatives – we thought this would be a perfect fit.”
Official Statement of Governor Jim Douglas on U.S. Senate Debate of Energy and Fuel Price Legislation
I’m pleased Congress is beginning to consider action that could potentially provide Vermonters with relief from skyrocketing oil and gasoline prices. While I will continue to take every step available to state government to hold down the price of fuel – like continuing to oppose proposals to increase the gas tax – ultimately Vermonters know that federal action is necessary to address this growing energy crisis.
I applaud our congressional delegation’s work to move the debate in the right direction. I also encourage all members of Congress and the Bush administration to make this fundamental economic issue their top priority.
The cost of gas and worries about the upcoming heating season are topmost on Vermonters’ minds. That’s why these issues must be addressed immediately and effectively by elected officials in Washington D.C."
Governor Douglas Signs Vermont Yankee Comprehensive Assessment Bill
Montpelier, Vermont – The legislation requiring the inspection of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant was signed into law yesterday by Governor Jim Douglas. The bill, S 364, provides guidelines for the steps to be taken in the evaluation of the operating systems within the nuclear plant in Vernon, Vermont.
“The safe and reliable operation of Vermont Yankee remains a top priority,” said Governor Douglas. “While there is an existing NRC process that examines the safety of nuclear facilities, participation by Vermont in this inspection will significantly enhance the process and provide us an opportunity to make certain that safety is paramount.”
Governor Douglas had sent a letter to NRC officials earlier this year in which he clearly requested additional resources and attention for the plant’s inspection. Since then, state administration officials have worked extensively to make sure the legislation signed today did not conflict with federal law.
Public Service Commissioner David O’Brien said the legislation adds significant value to the Vermont Yankee evaluation. “While the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s procedure for plant inspections is approached similarly across the nation, the cooling tower collapse and temporary shutdown in 2007 gave the Governor concern about the continued operation of the plant,” said O’Brien. “He (the Governor) made it very clear that he wanted a systematic review of Vermont Yankee to determine the status of the facility,” said O’Brien.
The legislation signed into law today incorporates feedback from the administration, legislators, community leaders and a host of stakeholders. “It is comprehensive in every sense of the word. We are confident that upon the completion of this process we will have a very accurate understanding of the plant’s safety reliability, “ said O’Brien.
Governor Douglas Highlights Economic Value of New Neighborhoods -- Visits First Development to Seek Benefits of New Housing Incentives
ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. — At the site of a proposed housing project that could be the first new neighborhood created under the recently passed housing bill, Governor Jim Douglas praised a local developer and local officials for efforts to create housing for working Vermonters.
Douglas said the proposed 24-unit housing development proposed by Dousevicz, Inc. off West Street in Essex Junction — dubbed Village Square — would make an ideal candidate to apply for Vermont Neighborhood status, thereby qualifying for expedited permitting.
"Building homes working families can afford, while creating construction jobs, is a key part of my Economic Growth Initiative," Governor Douglas said. "This projects seems to be a great example of allowing more housing to be built less expensively in locations where development makes the most sense and a strong local permitting process is in place.”
Under the provisions of the housing bill passed by the Legislature and signed into law last week, towns can designate new neighborhoods that are within or next to already developed downtowns, villages, or designated growth centers in towns that already have planning, zoning, and subdivision regulations, as well as infrastructure like sewer and roads.
Developer Brad Dousevicz said that with 24 units on just less than 5 acres, including 6 units in duplexes, Village Square will help concentrate development and provide housing working families can afford.
"We are within easy walking distance of the Hiawatha Elementary, Summit Street and Fleming Schools, and the Five Corners village center," Dousevicz said. "These houses will make it easy for families to leave their cars at home and walk. That’s smart growth."
Governor Douglas Signs Sales Tax Holidays into Law
Colchester, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas this morning signed into law two sales tax holidays intended to give Vermont’s economy a boost and Vermonters a much-needed summer bonus. The tax holidays are part of the 15-point Economic Growth Initiative Governor Douglas pushed through the Legislature this year.
The first sales tax holiday – which the Governor has dubbed “Sales Tax Independence Days” – takes place on July 12th and 13th. All non-business purchases of property up to $2,000 will be exempt from state sales tax except automobiles and vehicles. The second tax holiday is from July 14th through 18th, and it applies specifically to Energy Star-rated appliances costing $2,000 or less.
“These sales tax holidays are really a win-win-win,” Governor Douglas said. “We boost Vermont’s economy, provide a measure of relief to hard-pressed residents, and encourage investment in long-term energy conservation.”
The Governor—who signed the bill on the air with WVMT talk show personalities Charlie and Ernie—was joined by a representative of the Vermont Retail Association, Representative Mark Larsen (D-Burlington), who chaired the special legislative committee that considered the Governor’s Economic Growth Initiative, and Senator Dick Mazza (D-Grand Isle).
In a state known as the greenest in the country, encouraging Vermonters to spend money buying a new dishwasher or clothes drier might seem counterintuitive. But encouraging people to buy “green” appliances will save electricity, their electricity bills and help stimulate Vermont’s economy.
Efficiency Vermont funds programs to help consumers and businesses reduce their energy usage by investing in equipment or other measures that can cut electric use. One of those programs is a rebate program that provides consumers with vouchers that can be redeemed for cash rebates on Energy-Star rated appliances.
“Not only do we get a short-term benefit, but all Vermonters share in the savings generated by lowering electric demand,” Governor Douglas said. “The energy star sales tax holiday can also be combined with existing Efficiency Vermont rebate programs to further encourage Vermonters and others to purchase these appliances and reduce their electricity bills.”
By replacing an older, inefficient clothes washer or air conditioner with a newer model that uses much less electricity, we reduce overall electric demand in Vermont. That benefits everyone. And Efficient Vermont has been an enthusiastic partner on the Sales
Tax Holiday and will be promoting the additional rebates they will make available.
The state will be cooperating with retailers to help promote the sales tax holidays in-state and beyond the borders.