Carolyn Branagan
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« : May 02, 2009, 12:41:08 PM » |
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This is the last week for the legislature and we are down to the nitty gritty. The latest revenue reports showed the need for further reductions in spending in the state budget. Many legislators are thinking that new revenue will solve the fiscal problems faced by our state, but I feel it is impossible to increase taxes enough to raise that much new money. Some cuts have to be made. The time for serious work is here and now.
On Friday afternoon this past week, the majority leadership in the General Assembly made several suggestions of ways to reduce spending for FY2009 and FY2010. These suggestions will get us closer to making ends meet, but another $30 million or so of cuts is still needed to match the budget. I'd like to know your thoughts on these proposed cuts. Here are the cuts as proposed:
Next Generation (scholarships and training for college kids) $4,000,000 Vermont Housing and Conservation (buying up development rights) $3,000,000 Rest Areas (less hours) $500,000 PILOT(payments to towns for tax loss on cemeteries, schools, churches) $1,000,000 Liquor Control $500,000 Legislature $240,000 Nursing Homes (Medicaid) $545,760 Tobacco Reductions $957,800 Hospital reimbursements (Medicaid and other) $1,576,640 Flex Family Funding $75,800 Counter detailing (drug companies and doctors) $100,000 June Grads (50% cut) $291,000 AABD COLA $600,000 Current Use (forest land valued above $3000 per acre would get no additional Current Use benefit) $3,000,000 Total cuts in spending $16,387,000 Input from all of you is needed. Are there better ideas for cuts? Other programs that should be reduced? The intent here is to be as transparent as possible, so that all Franklin County voters understand the choices that have to be made by the legislature. After the legislature makes these choices, we are going to see further downgrades in revenue. The economy is not improving and will not get better for a while. Revenues are continuing to fall because Vermont and the entire nation are experiencing a tremendous downturn. As I’ve written before, this is the most serious fiscal downturn in decades. Take a look at the list above, and if you have suggestions of items that may be cut, or suggestions of programs that should be cut instead of the ones on this list, send me a message. Many members of the legislature are working throughout the weekend because conference committee reports have to be on the floor by Wednesday. But I will check my e-mail frequently. If you have suggestions contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us Be sure to e-mail me, since I can't get Henry's site on the computer at the statehouse. Representative Carolyn Branagan Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia Vermont House of Representatives
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