All money committees are extremely busy, including my committee, Ways and Means. Since the $40million shortfall was announced on Tuesday, efforts have been ongoing to make FY2009 budgeted expenditures meet revenue expectations.
On Friday afternoon legislative and administrative leaders met to make decisions on program appropriations to be reduced and/or
eliminated due to the revenue downgrades. Harsh words were exchanged over the Governor's Economic Stimulus package and the role it may play in legislative ability to predict revenue. A level of trust has been eroded. The fireworks continued for most of the brief meeting, but I am pleased to report the closing of the Northwest Correctional Center has been taken off the cut list. Also off the list is the reduction of Prescription Co pays and elimination of state Medicare Part D wrap for Vermont's low income elderly.
I'll continue paying attention to these details as they develop and will report as needed.
Feel free to contact me at
cbranagan@leg.state.vt.usRep. Carolyn Branagan
Vermont House of Representatives
