Democrats Fail to Override the Governor's Vetoes

July 11, 2007

On a steamy summer day, hundreds of activists swarmed the statehouse, hoping to persuade lawmakers to override the Governor's veto of an energy bill.

"I'm excited about the turnout," said Carol Butterfield from Barre, "It's wonderful I wish there were 100,000 people here.

"The bill would set up a new program to help Vermonters use less heating oil, by giving them money to weatherize their homes. Supporters say using less oil, will help fight global warming.

The closely watched vote, turned out not to be that close at all. The 49 Republicans stuck together and 11 Democrats went against their leadership. Along with one independent, the vote was 86 - 61, far short of the 2/3 needed.

"Disappointing," said activist Natalia Fajardo from Montpelier, "We weren't sure what was going to happen. We had worked really hard to make this pass."

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