Advocacy groups urge delay in Vt. budget cuts

November 18, 2008
By Daniel Barlow Vermont Press Bureau

MONTPELIER – A coalition of nonprofit groups and advocacy organizations urged Gov. James Douglas and lawmakers Monday to delay any new cuts to the state budget until the Vermont Legislature reconvenes in January.

The warnings came one day before Vermont officials are expected to share new revenue forecasts with lawmakers – a forecast that most anticipate will be gloomy at best, opening up the door for another round of cuts to the state budget.

The advocacy groups that gathered at the Statehouse Monday morning said they worried that further reductions to Vermont's budget would cut into programs that are critical for Vermonters, especially those struggling during this economic recession.

Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, said budget cuts already have hurt the state's chances of riding the green energy wave to increase efficiency and generate new jobs, citing the $1.2 million cut in the state's clean energy fund as an example.

"Before they consider further ways to cut, we should all call on our Legislature and the governor to join together to have a process that is open to all and invites greater participation from the citizens of the state," Burns said.

Todd Bailey, executive director of the Vermont League of Conservation Voters, said it's not fair to new lawmakers and citizens of Vermont to allow the Joint Fiscal Committee and Douglas to make these decisions now.

"On Nov. 4, we elected 180 legislators and they have earned...

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