Messages |
 Topics |
Attachments
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
Topics - Carolyn Branagan
Pages: 1 ... 5 6 [7] 8 9 ... 15
91
« on: October 15, 2010, 12:25:58 PM »
Why not honor a veteran with your vote this November 2? The Honor A Vet With Your Vote program provides personalized buttons to voters who wish to cast their vote in honor of a particular veteran. I got a button in honor of my father John Whitney who is now 84 years old. When he was just 17, he left high school before graduation and enlisted in the US navy during World War 2. Why don’t you honor someone important to you? You may order buttons by contacting Olivia Gay at olivia.gay@sec.state.vt.us.
This is a great opportunity for voters in Franklin County to recognize those who have proudly served this country and worked to keep our democracy strong!
It is easy to participate and free! For more information about this program contact Olivia Gay at 802-828-1296 or contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
92
« on: October 11, 2010, 11:38:55 AM »
I am pleased the National Federation of Independent Business/VT, the voice of small business, has endorsed my campaign for re-election to the Vermont House of Representatives.
Vermont ranks near the bottom of all states when it comes to its long-term economic outlook because of its tax and regulatory policies. The small business sector in our state makes up more than 96% of all employers, and creates more than half of the state’s new jobs. These small businesses are struggling to survive because of the recession and because of the weight of too many taxes and regulations. We simply cannot afford any more new costly rules, mandates or higher taxes.
If re-elected I will continue to work to limit the demands made on our small businesses and to reduce all Vermonter's taxes. It’s nice to know NFIB/VT noticed my work.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
93
« on: September 29, 2010, 06:58:15 AM »
Now that we are in the midst of the campaign, we're hearing a lot about what did and did not happen with changes to Vermont tax law in the final days of the last legislative session. Most of the changes were contained in the Miscellaneous Tax bill and here's a summary of what really happened. I know, I was there. Capital gains Starting January 1, 2011, taxpayers can choose to exempt either (a) the first $5,000 of federal adjusted net capital gain, or (b) 40% of capital gain from assets held more than three years. These assets include business real estate, farm real estate, farm business equipment, other farm capital assets and standing timber. This 40% option cannot be applied to the taxpayer's residence or second home (or third, fourth, etc. home), non-farm business equipment, nor any financial instrument that's traded like stocks, bonds, derivatives, commodities, futures etc. Education Funding *The property tax adjustment calculation for the income sensitivity program will not decrease tax on the value of a housesite in excess of $500,000. That means if your housesite property (your house and 2 acres) is worth more than half a million dollars, you won't get income sensitivity help paying property tax on the value over $500,000 regardless of your actual income. *The $10 per-acre adjustment amount for up to 5 additional acres for taxpayers with household income under $90,000 has been deleted. This benefit was hardly ever used. *The education property tax rates for fiscal year 2011 are the same as last year. Neither the homestead property tax nor the non-resident property tax are increasing. Rates are remaining $0.86 for homestead property and $1.35 for nonresidential property. If your local tax rate is higher than that, it's because of local spending decisions and/or the Common Level of Appraisal. *The homestead declaration you filed in 2010 will remain in effect until some kind of change affects the homestead eligibility. No more annual filing for the homestead declaration. Estate Tax For years the Vermont Estate Tax exclusion amount was the same as the federal amount. That changed in 2009 when the Vermont legislature retroactively changed the exclusion amount. Starting in 2011, the Vermont exclusion amount is increased from $2.0 million to $2.75 million. So that means the first $2.75 million of an estate will be exempt from taxation. Right now there is no federal estate tax at all for someone who dies in 2010 and the feds are saying they won't make any change until after the election. Starting in 2011 the federal exclusion will be $1 million unless Congress votes to change it. Tobacco Taxes This change defines a cigar and amends the amount of roll-your-own tobacco that constitutes a cigarette for tax purposes. The tax on snuff and smokeless tobacco are equalized with the tax on cigarettes. Cigar tax is: If wholesale price is between $1.09 and $9.99, tax is $2.00; If wholesale price is greater than $10.00, tax is $4.00 and is the wholesale price is $1.08 or less, tax is 92% of wholesale price. Hydroelectric Facilities This change freezes the grand list values of hydroelectric facilities for 2 years at no less than the April 1, 2009 value. This change has a huge impact on the Grand List for communities with a hydroelectric dam: Milton, Vergennes, Fairfax and others. Election season is always pretty wild. Keep a cool head. Contact me if you want more info cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us Rep. Carolyn Branagan Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia Vermont House of Representatives
94
« on: September 28, 2010, 11:30:54 AM »
Be sure to attend the grand opening of the Franklin County Republican Office on Saturday October 2 from 10am until 2pm. It is located at the corner of Main Street and Kingman Street, next to As the Crow Flies. Light refreshments will be served.
Please be sure to introduce yourself to me. I'll be there the whole time.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
95
« on: September 21, 2010, 01:56:37 PM »
Yesterday my friend Lynn Dickinson was attacked by a German Shepherd dog while campaigning door to door. Lynn is the state representative for the legislative district Franklin-2 Fletcher/Fairfield/St.AlbansTown. It's a two member district just like ours, and the other representative is Dick Howrigan. Anyway, Lynn was talking to the lady of the house when the dog pushed his way through the door, jumped on her, knocked her down and bit her on the abdomen breaking the skin. Lynn went to the hospital where she was examined and the doctor told her she needed to have rabies shots administered since the dog hadn't received his rabies shots that were due in 2009. The shots were pretty painful, especially since her abdomen had been bruised. I spoke with Lynn this morning.........she's home and in good spirits, but plans to take it easy today.
Please make sure your animals are up to date on all their shots. You could save someone some painful treatments.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1 Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
96
« on: September 21, 2010, 01:35:39 PM »
It was mighty cold this morning outside by the entrance ramp for exit 18. I was standing there holding a political sign and waving at the traffic. According to the Agency of Transportation, about 3000 cars use the entrance/exit ramp at exit 18 each morning, many from our legislative district of Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia. I saw many people from our district on their way to work and school.
Of course folks from outside the district use it as well. This morning Ed from Fletcher (our friendly plummer) drove by, smiled and waved back at me. Made my day!
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
97
« on: September 19, 2010, 07:53:08 AM »
Here is a list of coming events in Franklin County:
Tuesday, Sept. 21 Governor and Lt. Governor candidates debate
Knights of Columbus, Rt. 7 St. Albans
4:30 Lt. Gov. debate followed by gubernatorial debate
Friday Sept 24 Fund raiser at the Abbey in Sheldon for Brian Dubie 7pm
Monday, Sept. 27th Jason Gibbs, Secretary of State Candidate
5:30 -7 pm at the Abbey Restaurant
Fundraiser $25/individual $40 /Couple (or give what you can)
PLEASE support Jason, a super candidate
Tuesday, Sept. 28 Senator Randy Brock will be a guest on Sound Off Cable TV program
Channel 15 at 7 p.m. live, call-in show with host Linda Kirker
Thursday, Sept. 30th Franklin/Grand Isle Senate Candidate Forum
City Hall, St. Albans
7 p.m.
Followed by a public question and answer period
Sponsored by American Conservative Women in Action, Franklin County Chapter
Saturday, Oct. 2nd Open House at Franklin County GOP Headquarters
54 Main Street, St. Albans ( Corner of Kingman and Main Streets)
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Light refreshments provided by Carolyn
Meet the candidates, pick up signs and literature, volunteer
Tues., Oct. 5th Representative Brian Savage will be a guest on the Sound Off TV program, channel 15,
7 p.m. live, call-in show
submtted by Carolyn Branagan
98
« on: August 31, 2010, 10:53:58 AM »
I was pleased to read the Jobs Policy proposed by Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Dubie. He’s right on. Dubie’s proposals will go a long way to give our state the structure needed to climb out of its fiscal woes.
The benefit in cutting taxes in a recession is Economics 101.When the tax burden is lowered there is more resource available for business, industry and private taxpayers to re-invest in the growing economy. There’s no doubt that holding government spending in check and relaxing governmental regulations will encourage job and business growth.
What we need in Vermont are more job opportunities, a stable tax system and predictable government spending. This cannot happen without the legislature and administration working together in close communication. Dubie has the right idea. Vermonters will benefit from his plan.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1 Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
99
« on: August 20, 2010, 07:05:23 AM »
This press release went from the Gibbs campaign to all major Vermont papers earlier this week. Consider voting for Jason Gibbs for Sec. of State. He's very down to earth and not afraid of hard work. Here's the press release:
Rep. Branagan will Go With Gibbs for Secretary of State
GEORGIA - Rep. Carolyn Branagan, R-Georgia, today said she is backing Jason G. Gibbs for Secretary of State.
The four-term lawmaker, town moderator and school board chairwoman said she's endorsing Gibbs because the Secretary of State must be a leader who values the strong links between local and state government.
"I am going with Jason; he will provide strong leadership for the Green Mountain State and be able to forge the important partnerships between Vermont town officials and their state government," Branagan said. "Jason is a wonderful leader whose ability to build consensus around important issues will be put to good use as Secretary of State. On top of that, Jason is a true Vermonter."
Gibbs said the Secretary of State is a starting point for responsible leadership for Vermont.
"I am humbled by Rep. Branagan's endorsement. During her time in Montpelier, Rep. Branagan has proven time and again that she is a noble steward for Georgia and Fairfax in the Statehouse. Her commitment to women is laudable and her focus on education is inspirational," Gibbs said.
The Vermont State Government can do better for Vermonters and in a less costly fashion. We need real results that improve outcomes for Vermonters-Gibbs said.
"As Secretary of State, I'll start by simplifying and streamlining the professional licensing, business registration, regulatory functions and other responsibilities of the Secretary of State's office," said Gibbs. "But we can't stop there. This transformation to more entrepreneurial public management must occur all across state government. I will lead by example. This is a hard time for Vermonters and Americans, and it is a time for leaders to stand up and find ways to rethink government to benefit all of our people."
100
« on: August 18, 2010, 07:58:15 AM »
Ninety years ago today women received the right to vote. What a wonderful idea!
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
101
« on: August 11, 2010, 07:22:42 AM »
Warning: if numbers bore you, skip to the last paragraph.
Pennies are still being counted, but the year end figures for fiscal year 2010 look OK. Not great, but OK. At this point it looks like the General Fund will end the year with a balance. From the money in that balance a transfer will be made of $15.11 million to the FY2011 budget. An allocation of $6.9 million will be moved from the General Fund year end balance to the Education Fund to replace special funds needed for special education reimbursement. And the remaining $6.4 million left in the FY2010 General Fund will be used for three information technology projects as stated in section C102 of the FY2011 budget bill. The stabilization reserve amount, also know as 'rainy day funds', required by statute is 5% of the previous year's appropriations, making it $57.3 million.The stabilization reserve for the General Fund is full.
Transportation Fund FY 2010 figures show about $1.2 million left at the end of the year. This money will be carried over for FY2011. The good news for the T.Fund is that people seem to be buying cars again. The Purchase and Use tax came in higher than was estimated last January, growing at 5.6%, higher than any of the last 5 years. The stabilization reserve amount for the Transportation Fund is at its statutory required amount, $10.3 million, that's 5% of the previous year's appropriation.
End of year figures are still changing in the Education Fund, but it looks like the sources are going to be $3.5 million that estimated.This came from lower property tax adjustments: income sensitivity came in $3.7million than expected. So the additional revenue will be used to help fill the stabilization reserve for the Education Fund to $27.6 million, that's 4.6% of the previous year's appropriations.
The bottom line is that fiscal year 2010 ended on June 30 and left us with money unspent.The unused funds from FY2010 will be mostly transferred into the fiscal year budget for 2011and to fill the statutory reserve funds (rainy day funds). Fiscally, the world is looking a little brighter as Vermont is in a slightly better fiscal position than a year ago. Happy New Year.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
102
« on: August 09, 2010, 02:03:30 PM »
You can find the statute relating to the veteran’s property tax exemption located in at 32 VSA 3802(11) in Vermont state law. The exemption is for a veteran or immediate family member who own a house, if any of them are receiving from the military or Veterans' Administration any of the following:
- disability compensation for at least 50 percent disability,
- death compensation,
- dependence and indemnity compensation, or
- pension for disability
The statutory exemption is for the first $10,000 of grand list value of the residence, excluding any part used for business or rental. A town may vote an additional exemption of up to $40,000 by a majority vote at any town meeting or special meeting. A voted increase takes effect in the tax year for which it was voted and remains in effect until amended or repealed by a similar vote.
Because the first $10,000 exemption is by state law, and not by vote of the town, it creates an exemption from both the municipal and the education property tax. If a town votes to increase that amount, then any additional exemption over the first $10,000 creates an exemption only from the municipal tax. Other taxpayers in the town pick up the difference on the municipal tax simply by having to pay more in their own municipal taxes to make up the budgeted amount. But since there is no education property tax exemption related to that extra voted amount, there is no education tax shortfall that the other taxpayers in town have to pick up.
Like Fairfax, several other towns in the state have taken advantage of the law and have voted to raise the amount of exemption. Voters tell me they feel it is a small way they can say thanks for the sacrifice veterans have made in order to keep our nation free.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
103
« on: August 06, 2010, 07:12:16 AM »
I did a little research on the targets last night. Remember these are voluntary targets. I know from many discussions with legislators that there is little desire to make them mandatory. These are only voluntary targets, created largely at the insistence of the administration for the Challenges for Change.
Total Ed Spending targets
Fairfax 8,264,088 137,376
Fletcher 2,596,361 28,105
Georgia 10,321,868 132,068
These amounts are suggestions by the Vt. Dept. of Education that districts reduce spending. School districts statewide were asked to cut anywhere between .05%-3% totally $23 million. The supervisory union is Fairfax, Fletcher and Georgia while the legislative district is Fairfax and Georgia. Our district, especially the legislative district (Georgia/Fairfax) has a long history of frugal spending and has always been under the statewide average. Gary and I repeat this in Montpelier every chance we get. I am very proud of the work of our school boards and will work against making these targets mandatory.I have always felt that the decision as to how much to spend on schools should be a local one. The state should not be telling local voters how much to spend on their own schools.
I don't know yet the impact of the new federal plan to give Vermont $19 million for teachers, but it may eliminate this request for reduction. It would be for one year only.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
104
« on: June 01, 2010, 02:05:21 PM »
I am happy to announce that I have filed a petition for re-election as state representative from our home district, Franklin-1. Representing the towns of Fairfax and Georgia in the Vermont House of Representatives is a great job and I work hard at it every day.
Many positives were achieved in the last session, but to be honest, I was often frustrated by the lack of attention given to issues with which Vermonters are most concerned. Taxes are still too high. Government is still too big. There will be more coming from me on the issues facing our state, as we get closer to the election.
I have kept the interests of my constituents foremost in mind while working in Montpelier and I genuinely enjoy being a state legislator serving the communities of Fairfax and Georgia. I look forward to the upcoming campaign and I'd like to see as many of you as possible.
In the meantime, contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
105
« on: May 25, 2010, 11:33:48 AM »
While enjoying the first official summer weekend, Vermonters should pause a moment and reflect. What is the meaning of Memorial Day? It provides us an opportunity to honor the sacrifices that make our freedom possible. Some have sacrificed greatly so that all of us can have a country of freedom and opportunity. President Abraham Lincoln wrote in his 1864 letter to a mother who lost five sons during the Civil War:
Dear Madam, I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
The sacrifice needed for freedom is also made by the families who remain at home. Mothers know dearly the cost of life. Vermont families have given greatly in all our nation’s wars. The characteristics of independence, loyalty and the refusal to leave a job undone are clearly embedded in the Vermont character and have made our Yankee Vermont soldiers among the best defenders of freedom for generations. Many have not returned home.
It is important for every Vermonter this weekend to reflect on what it means to live in freedom. Many of our neighbors will be celebrating this weekend with a loved one overseas serving under the flag of our nation. May we never forget those who have fought for our freedom, and may we celebrate the lives of those who are willing to make sure America remains the land of the free and the home of the brave. And please remember the many silent sacrifices of those Vermont families who wait at home for the safe return of their soldier.
Carolyn Branagan
2010 Vermont Mother of the Year
Pages: 1 ... 5 6 [7] 8 9 ... 15
|
Show Posts
