Press Releases
Gov. Peter Shumlin issued a statement following the deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma
May 21, 2013 - Gov. Peter Shumlin issued the following statement:
“My heart goes out to the friends, families and neighbors of those lost in the series of devastating tornadoes that have roared over Oklahoma this week. We are contacting emergency officials with Gov. Fallin’s office to offer Vermont’s assistance in clean up and recovery. Tropical Storm Irene gave us a first-hand look at the devastation and loss that follow in the wake of serious storms, and just as Vermont appreciated the help from other states at that time, we now stand ready to assist Oklahoma.”
Gov. Shumlin: New Wireless Service in Bethel Available
May 17, 2013 - MONTPELIER - Gov. Peter Shumlin announced today that an innovative collaboration to address much needed wireless service is fully operational in Bethel. Working together, the State of Vermont, the Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA), the Town of Bethel, AT&T and FairPoint helped solve a challenge facing GW Plastics, a leading manufacturer of plastic injection molded products. The lack of cell coverage was presenting challenges, and Brenan Riehl, President and CEO of GW Plastics, needed to find a solution.
Gov. Peter Shumlin issued the following statement on the decline in Vermont’s unemployment rate
May 17, 2013 - MONTPELIER - Gov. Shumlin issued the following statement:
“It is great news that Vermont’s unemployment rate has dropped yet again, and we continue to have the third lowest rate in the nation. The unemployment rate traditionally fluctuates, but this steady decline reflects what I’m hearing from employers as I travel the state – that they are looking for skilled workers to fill their job openings. Vermont’s 4 percent unemployment rate, 3.5 points lower than the national rate, makes clear that Vermont is a great place to live and work.”
Gov. Shumlin names new Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health
May 16, 2013 - MONTPELIER - Gov. Peter Shumlin announced today that Paul Dupre of Barre, Executive Director of Washington County Mental Health Services, Inc. (WCMHS), will become the new state Commissioner of Mental Health. Dupre has worked closely with the Department of Mental Health, the Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services, consumers, families and advocates in developing and implementing a recovery philosophy in community settings. He replaces Acting Commissioner Mary Moulton, who will return to her previous position at WCMHS.
Gov. Shumlin announces program to reduce travel and parking demands for state workers
May 15, 2013 - RICHMOND - Gov. Peter Shumlin, state transportation officials and legislators today announced a plan to reduce travel and parking demand among state workers, and expand parking at the popular Richmond Park and Ride bus stop off Interstate 89.
Gov. Shumlin signs into law Equal Pay legislation to eliminate pay inequity and create family-friend workplaces
May 14, 2013 - BURLINGTON - Joined by former Gov. Madeleine Kunin and advocates for women’s equality issues, Gov. Peter Shumlin today signed into law changes designed to ameliorate pay inequity for women and create more family-friendly workplaces.
Gov. Shumlin and Secretary Miller Announce Grants to Replace Municipal Buildings Destroyed by Irene
Gov. Peter Shumlin today announced $1.8 million in grants from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to help three communities replace municipal buildings damaged by flood waters. The funding comes from $21.6 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery funds ACCD received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help the state recover from Tropical Storm Irene and the spring floods of 2011.
Gov. Peter Shumlin issued this statement following legislative passage of the marijuana decriminalization bill
May 13, 2013 - MONTPELIER - Gov. Shumlin issued the following statement:
“I applaud the Legislature’s action to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Vermonters support sensible drug policies. This legislation allows our courts and law enforcement to focus their limited resources more effectively to fight highly addictive opiates such as heroin and prescription drugs that are tearing apart families and communities.”
Gov. Peter Shumlin issued the following statement after legislative approval today of the Flexible Pathways bill
May 13, 2013 - MONTPELIER - Gov. Shumlin issued the following statement:
“I applaud the Legislature for its work on the Flexible Pathways education bill. As I said in my inaugural address at the beginning of this legislative session, in order to compete in the 21st century economy, we need to take Vermont's very good education system and make it the best in the nation. We need to do a much better job of closing the achievement gap and moving low-income students beyond high school and into good paying careers. The Flexible Pathways bill is an important step toward these goals. It will help ensure that our education system is tailored to each student’s individual needs, expand access to internships, and spend existing dollars better by giving all high school students the opportunity to get college credits."
Gov. Peter Shumlin issued a statement following Senate passage of the amended end-of-life choices bill
May 8, 2013 - MONTPELIER - “I understand the deep convictions held by Vermonters on all sides of this extraordinarily personal issue. But I also know how important it is for those who face terminal illness and tremendous pain to have this choice, in conjunction with their physicians and loved ones, in the final days of their lives. I am grateful for the Legislature's continued hard work on this difficult issue.”
