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Topics - Carolyn Branagan
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46
« on: September 23, 2011, 12:33:22 PM »
I had a good guy from Fairfax or Fletcher, but I lost his address. It's almost time to burn wood.
47
« on: September 02, 2011, 09:22:09 AM »
You have to read this message I just got from my neighbor Kate Ballard. Her son Kody plays foot ball at BFA Fairfax. Son Grady did to before he graduated. Both boys spend a lot of time at my house during sugaring.
Here's the message:
'I also wanted to make you aware of something that I think is pretty special that is happening in the Fairfax community this weekend. Kody’s first football game of the season is against Woodstock tomorrow in Fairfax. As you know, Woodstock is also an area that suffered extreme damage during Irene…school is operating with power, but no water. Much of their athletic equipment was swept away as well as personal damage experienced by many in the area. The Fairfax coaching/staff and parents have rallied to organize a family-style BBQ for after the game in support of Woodstock players and families. Many donations for the dinner have come in from throughout the Fairfax community. All admissions to the game and monetary donations that have been coming in will be donated to the Woodstock athletic director to be used to purchase athletic equipment that was lost during the flooding. This has all been pulled together in the last couple of days. The Woodstock athletic director is aware and appreciative of the BBQ but don’t think he realizes that monetary contributions will be made. Pretty proud of the small Fairfax community with a big heart. Being the rep of both Georgia and Fairfax, I thought you’d like to know. Game time is 1 pm! Of course we need to beat Woodstock in the game and then we can BBQ in fellowship!'
So...........this sounds just like the Fairfax I have come to know in the last 10 years. Thanks so much to all of you! Go Fairfax!
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
48
« on: September 02, 2011, 07:54:39 AM »
Yesterday I drove over to Cambridge with a few things for the food drive to help those in Bennington County who have suffered loss from the hurricane. I left my items at the market in the center of town, it's the one with the gas pumps right by the turn down to Pleasant Valley.The lady behind the counter was really glad to see me. There weren't many things in the box.
I realize we have not had much notice, but if you have time, why not pick up a few things and take them over? Damage from Irene was significant. and our fellow Vermonters are in rough shape.
Items collected will be leaving by truck on Saturday morning early, so today is the last day to take things over. I donated some boxes of baby diapers and a case of baby formula, but all kinds of things are needed. Non-perishable foods are the best.....stuff like peanut butter, canned vegetables, crackers,Trailmix, cereal etc. Bottled water is very much needed.
There will be another food drive leaving from St. Albans next week, and I'll forward more info on that one later. Thanks.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
49
« on: September 02, 2011, 06:46:36 AM »
Vermonters in southern and central sections of the state are still struggling to recover from damage done by Hurricane Irene. Another conference call occurred yesterday between the administration and legislators to share information. Many other phone calls and e-mails were exchanged. Here are the high points of what I received yesterday:
*Vermonters who call 211 need to follow up by filling out forms. This was new information to me yesterday and apparently is very important. Ask the folks at 211 about where to get the proper forms.
*Before and after pictures are critical. Take photos before any repair work is done, so the damage can be identified.
*Keep receipts too.
*Municipalities shouldn't have problem getting money from banks in anticipation of FEMA money. If there are problems, I want to know about it. Be sure to contact me right off, or contact your state legislator. Contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
*The Administration is holding daily press updates because things are changing so fast.
*Waterbury had lots of paper damage but computer servers are getting up and running.
*State assistance checks should be delivered on schedule.
*There is discussion on the wisdom of even trying to get the state hospital back up and running.
There was severe damage to that facility and pouring money into it doesn't seem wise. But what do we do for placement of these patients? I could write an entire letter on this issue.
*The roads in southern and central sections of the state are very dangerous and the state is short on orange cones so if you are driving for business reasons, please be careful. Do not drive to sight see.
*This is the google address for road closings : http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&authuser=0&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=207918639007223745572.0004abbcfd13f9b62a59d
I hope the media will cover the flash flooding that happened Thursday in Clarendon, Ascutney, Rawsonville and surrounding areas. I got messages all night on this. There were two VTRANS workers that had to be rescued and another road collapsed in Clarendon. These guys are so brave it astounds me. Apparently they are OK.
That's enough for today. I'll be in touch. Contact me if needed: cbranagan@leg.state,vt.us
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
50
« on: September 01, 2011, 06:15:19 AM »
There are two food drives going on to help central and southern sections of the state damaged by the hurricane.
Cambridge drive: A food drive is being held by our neighboring community of Cambridge for hurricane stricken Bennington County. Most Cambridge area businesses have boxes ready for perishable, non-perishable goods, and household items. Bottled water is needed. The need is "insatiable" at this point in Bennington and throughout southern Vermont. Goods will be collected from businesses in Cambridge Friday evening. Let's fill the DumpTruck that Jack Corse has graciously donated for the trip. The truck will leave from 60 Main Street Cambridge at 6am Saturday morning.This food drive has been organized by Rep. Adam Howard of Cambridge.
St.Albans drive: A food drive is being organized by Rep. Dustin Degree of St.Albans City. Boxes for this collection are located at Handy Toyota on Main Street and at BFA in St. Albans. More info on this drive will be available soon, but you can leave food and cleaning supplies at either of these locations today.
For more information contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
51
« on: August 31, 2011, 07:53:57 PM »
I've been asked to let you know that a food drive is being organized by our neighboring community of Cambridge for hurricane stricken Bennington County. Most Cambridge area businesses now have boxes ready for your parishable, non-parishable goods, and household items. Bottled water is needed. The need is "insatiable" at this point in Bennington and throughout southern Vermont. Goods will be collected from businesses in Cambridge Friday evening. Let's fill the DumpTruck that Jack Corse has graciously donated for the trip. The truck will leave from 60 Main Street Cambridge at 6am Saturday morning.This food drive has been organized by local officials on both ends, Cambridge and Bennington.
I know this is short notice. For those who many want to contribute next week, an additional collection is being organized in St. Albans. I'll be sure to share information on that one as soon as I have it. For more information contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
52
« on: August 31, 2011, 06:27:52 AM »
Whew, it's been a busy past few days.
Fortunately neither of the towns in our legislative district have enough hurricane related damage to speak of. Of course towns in southern and central sections of the state are in a much different status. However if you have some damage it is important to report it, because the monetary total of damage throughout the state will help in Vermont's ability to acquire federal disaster aid.
I've visited with both town offices and road crews in Fairfax and Georgia. They all assure me we are in good shape, but if you think you have damage that they might not know about, call them or get in touch with me. You'll need to report your damage to the state by calling 211.
To find out about road closures call 511.
Gary's report is excellent. When you have time be sure to read it. It was the information legislators received on Monday. My reports are summaries for each day.
Contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us
More rain forecasted for the end of the week.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
53
« on: August 31, 2011, 06:12:37 AM »
Lots of storm related information is being shared between state legislators and Public Safety. Here is what came to me on Tuesday:
*Vermonters who have property damage should report it to the state by calling 211. This is extremely important because an accurate statewide inventory is critical to Vermont acquiring recovery aid.
* If repairs are made by a property owner, take before and after pictures.
* Individuals should call 211 to report any hurricane damage.
* Businesses should call the Agency of Commerce at 802-828-3211.
* Farmers should report damage to the county USDA Farm Service Agency or the county Conservation Services Office.
* Farmers ought to contact their crop insurance carrier for loss related to the hurricane.
* The Vermont Emergency Management website is located at http://vem.vermont.gov
* Central and southern areas of the state are experiencing the problem of fuel, gasoline and propane tanks floating in water or being displaced. This obviously is causing great concern. Contact the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association at 802-223-7750.
* For the latest information on road closures call 511 or go to http://www.511vt.com
As always, you can contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us I will do whatever I can to help you.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
54
« on: August 31, 2011, 06:11:41 AM »
Here in the north country we were lucky. There was little damage from the hurricane, except in Montgomery, where some roads are in rough shape. Neither of the communities I represent have any damage to submit for the FEMA funds. Schools are open today.
In the southern and central parts of the state however, folks were not so fortunate. On Monday morning the Speaker of the House Shap Smith arranged a conference call for legislators to hear first hand from Public Safety officials regarding the status of plans for response and recovery. President Obama's declaration of an emergency here in Vermont will allow federal funds to be released for immediate emergency related efforts. This will help pay for removal of debris, engineering support for VTrans, preparing Red Cross meals and other life support. Costs will be shared 75% federal and 25% state. The Vermont Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management are still in response mode. Governor Shumlin will be asking the President for public and individual assistance through a major disaster declaration. This declaration would provide our communities most effected with repair and replacement of bridges and substantial grant and loan assistance.
Vermont businesses and municipalities should call 211 to report property damage, though most of these calls will certainly be made from central and southern sections.
The latest information is available at http://vem.vermotn.gov/. Information on roads and bridges is available at http://www.511vt.com/ or by calling 511.
Also feel free to contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us I'll try to help you however I can.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
55
« on: August 28, 2011, 07:19:22 PM »
We're pretty lucky here in the northcountry, but southern Vermont is not so fortunate. Severe damage in Grafton Village, many roads and bridges washed out including at least one covered bridge in Woodstock. A woman is presumed drowned after being washed away in Wilmington. Montpelier will see a lot of damage tonight when the river crests at 17 feet.
I have not heard of the Georgia fire/rescue folks being called out at all today. What about Fairfax? We've had all the rain and there may be more incidents of flooding overnight and tomorrow. Stay in touch so others can know what's going on.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
56
« on: August 10, 2011, 09:43:57 AM »
State law allows a reduction of $10,000 on the assessment of homestead property owned by military Veterans who are at least 50% disabled. The reduction can be as much as $40,000 if voted by the town and readers will remember that several Franklin County towns recently approved this additional reduction as a small way of expressing thanks to our military veterans. The benefit shows up on the property tax bill as a reduction in homestead education tax due
In the past, the property tax adjustment for these disabled veterans was calculated after the vets' exemption was applied to the tax bill. The 2011 legislature made changes that now call for the property tax adjustment to be calculated before the vets' exemption is applied resulting in a greater benefit for disabled veterans: less homestead property tax due.
The program changes in two ways:
First, for claims filed by April 15, 2011 eligible veterans will receive a larger property tax adjustment. Veterans do not have to do anything to get this larger adjustment, the tax department is manually adjusting the payments.
Second, beginning in 2012, verification for eligibility for this program will be handled by the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs.
There were several reasons for the change. For the past few years veterans have had a hard time getting verification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs can assist veterans in obtaining this verification better than the towns. There has been inconsistency in how this benefit was implemented from town to town because town office officials are just not familiar with veteran benefits. When disabled veterans interact with the Office of Veterans Affairs on a regular basis, they are more likely to receive other benefits for which they are eligible.
Some folks have expressed concern about the state having information about their federal benefits, especially since some veterans do not report their federal disability compensation on their state income tax return. Although it is not taxed, VA benefits are considered when determining eligibility for income sensitivity. The Vermont Department of Taxes already has a listing of who receives the exemption. Changing the verifier from the town to the Office of Veterans Affairs won’t result in the Tax Department receiving additional information.
This additional benefit will not come to the veteran in a check, it will show as a reduction in the education tax due. The application process for the property tax adjustment will not change, only the application process for the vets exemption.
For more information contact Clayton Clark,Veteran Services Director, Office of Veterans Affairs,118 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05620-4401, (802) 828-3379.
As always, you can also contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us. I'll do whatever I can to help you.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Fairfax/Georgia
57
« on: July 22, 2011, 08:14:46 AM »
On Thursday the Joint Fiscal Committee met with several members of the administration and economists to discuss end of fiscal year 2011 revenues and expenditures. As revenue estimates and actual results were reviewed the conversation broadened to the factors that have an impact on our state's economy. Vermont is not alone in the world. What happens economically on a national and global scale reaches quickly into our state and colors all we do.
As you know, the state FY2011 budget year ended with approximately $38 million more in revenue than estimated. That's a lot of money, but the truth is this incoming revenue is only slightly more than last year, 2.5% more. We're just about even with the amount of revenue collected back in 2008.
So, we got a little more revenue than predicted, but the economy is worse. Here's how:
* The price of oil worldwide is way up. We are all so dependent on petroleum products that increases in the price are like a huge tax that digs way into taxpayers' expendable income.
*The federal stimulus money is drying up and the intended effect of kickstarting the economy did not happen. As some predicted, the funds merely postponed the negative effects of the recession. We are seeing those effects now.
*The Japanese earthquake and tsunami injured the American auto industry. Parts and new cars take a very long time now to get to us from Japan and the impact on the American auto industry is felt nationwide.
*The European debt crisis never seems to end. Now Italy and Spain are lining up for a bailout while Germany is quickly growing tired of giving them all handouts.
*In Washington the ongoing game of chicken between those in 'power' and those who want to be still doesn't a resolution. At least there's an end date of August 2. Don't worry, there won't be a default, but just what the solution will look like is a big unknown.
The continued slow recovery at the national level shows up most in continued unemployment. Job growth nationally is nearly at a standstill with a national unemployment rate of 9.1% and in Vermont 5.4%. Compared to national numbers for unemployment Vermont looks pretty good, but Vermonters like to work and those who are unemployed are frustrated. Also the housing market is very slow. Housing starts are a key factor in measuring the health of the economy and while we look better than national numbers, we're still way behind 2008. For a longtime Vermont housing values continued to increase while nationally housing value went down. Now it looks like housing value in our state will level out for a while and may not increase until sometime after 2014. This will show on the grandlists. Vermont budget builders are expecting a recovery from this current recession sometime in 2013 or 2014.
There is good news. Our governor is refreshingly prudent in his plans for the extra money that came in at the end of fiscal year 2011. He wants to set it aside to make up for federal cuts to Human Services, especially cuts on services to our most vulnerable elderly. And he wants to add to the statutory reserve money, bringing it ultimately up to 8% instead of the 5% we have used for years. I strongly support both these plans.
Feel free to contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us for more information. I want to hear from you.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
58
« on: July 14, 2011, 08:49:38 AM »
Breaking news: It looks like the fiscal year 2011 closed with more revenue coming in than we estimated. Numbers are still being refined, but there is about $36 million more in revenue than estimated.
Fairfax readers will remember that for this analysis we generally look at the three largest funds: the Transportation Fund, the Education Fund and the General Fund. These three funds are blended together to get a picture of how the economy in our state is functioning.
It is early because the fiscal year just ended on June 30 and these figures will continue to be refined, but so far the Transportation Fund is below estimated revenue by $200,000. By looking inside the Transportation Fund we see that the Gasoline Tax was way down, but Purchase and Use Tax was up and made up for some of the shortfall. The Education Fund is up $600,000 because of Sales and Use Tax and Purchase and Use Tax. The General Fund is the most impressive mainly because of really strong Personal Income Tax and Corporate Income Tax revenues.
So as I exhale my sigh of relief, I'm trying to figure out what this means. Obviously people are starting to make money again because that shows in the increase in Personal Income Taxes and Corporate Income Taxes. People are spending some of their increased income because we can see it in increased Sales and Use taxes and Purchase and Use.
Is the recession over? Maybe, but keep it under your hat. Rooms and Meals taxes and Liquor taxes are not what they should be. It seems people are spending money on what they need, but no one is splurging. Certainly we can say that the revenue figures for fiscal 2011 were much better than I or anyone ever thought they'd be.
I'll report on new developments as needed. Contact me at cbranagan@leg.state.vt.us. I want to hear from you.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
59
« on: May 24, 2011, 05:27:33 PM »
This past weekend the University of Vermont Trustees held their regular May meeting. Outside, the weather improved all weekend while families, students and University personnel prepared for graduation, but inside around the Board table the atmosphere was heavy. It was the most difficult meeting by far of any in my tenure.
One of the reasons was the proposed 5.8% increase in tuition. The recession has hit the families of UVM students hard. Because family incomes have declined, many more of our students require financial aid. I have really struggled with this budget. While I understand the need for more financial aid, continued large tuition increases are not sustainable. Before the vote I amended the motion to require the fiscal people to bring to the Board at our October meeting a plan to slow growth in tuition. I feel this is essential in order to make sure a university education is affordable for all students who seek it. I was delighted when my motion was approved unanimously
The 5.8% increase breaks down like this: 4% will go to the increase need for financial aid; .8% makes up for loss of a one time appropriation; and 1% helps offset increased expenditures. UVM Salaries are budgeted at 0% increase.
I look forward to the October plan.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
60
« on: May 24, 2011, 05:25:53 PM »
Apples are not oranges. And, as legislators assigned to money committees quickly learn, apples aren't always apples. The economic impacts and spending decisions are more complex than a simple analysis of growth rates.
The Vermont state budget changes from year to year depending on the needs of its citizens and the fiscal situation faced by the state and nation. When building the Vermont state budget, input is needed from many sources, and the final product is different from year to year.
The total state funds growth rate has been 1.8% on average between FY08 and FY12. State funds total about $2 billion for this coming fiscal year. The total budget including federal money and education funds is $4.68 billion for FY12. Higher multi year averages for all funds appear because federal funds have risen as percentage of the total from 30.7% in FY08 to a high of 36.2% in FY11 down to 34.2% in FY12. There is no doubt that year over year, between FY11 and FY12 the budget has come down. The one year negative growth rate of -3.6% for the total budget is mostly due to the loss of ARRA federal funds but also due to an overall reduction in state funds and a reduction in net education fund spending.
Over the last four years, the state has cut budgets for agencies, eliminated 10 percent of the state workforce, asked state workers to take retirement and pay concessions, asked teachers to contribute an additional $15.3 million a year toward their retirements and cut $14 million from the nonprofit designated agencies that provide mental health services and programs for the developmentally disabled.
It is extremely challenging to understand this complex process and the interrelationship of funding sources, some of which the legislature has more control over than others, but all of which impact the state. What we as legislators are looking for is as much factual information as possible to help in balancing the inflows and outflows that make up our state budget.
How is the state budget built?
Late in the summer the Administration starts to build the parameters of the new state fiscal year budget. The parameters are consensus ideas from the administration and/or the legislature. In the past few years, the Joint Fiscal Office, working from the statehouse, has been consulted in developing this framework. This allows the administration and legislators a greater degree of consensus parameters within which debate can occur about budget policy instead of basic assumptions.
A good example of this process is the consensus revenue estimating process. By developing a consensus revenue, a baseline is established in which all parties work. The Governor then makes a decision as to proposed changes to the revenue estimates – up or down - and then he builds a budget around those new revenue assumptions.
Quite a bit of work has been done recently also to develop consensus caseload estimates which are designed to identify costs, for caseloads without changes to underlying policies. Again either the executive branch or the legislative branch can propose to change policy but at least there is agreement on the base assumptions.
Dealing with the recession has been especially difficult. In an effort to provide a realistic picture of the deficit and how it might play out in future years, budget building materials have included agreed upon consensus estimates of out year budget pressures. We compare these pressures to revenues and attempt to identify shortfalls or potential funding gaps. To be as realistic as possible, and make sure we've covered all the bases, I like to see conservative estimates of revenue and generous estimates for need.
Who establishes the budget amount for the new fiscal year?
The Governor, the House and the Senate all establish budget amounts depending on their decisions on what is likely for anticipated revenue and spending needs. Over time there has been an increasing effort to reach consensus on the underlying assumptions that these budgets are built on. The staffs of the Joint Fiscal Office and the Administration have been increasing their efforts to create a consensus platform for the budget deliberations. This happens in revenue estimates, caseload projections and budget pressures
Where do the pressures come from?
Defining growth and savings is tough. Some states use actual budget inflow and outflow figures, while others apply a concept of current services budgeting and go from there.
In Vermont both the Joint Fiscal Office and the administration try to develop an out year budget estimate which is based on a current service or current law approach.
Here are a few examples of how that works:
• If the education fund transfer is to grow by the state and local price index, say $9 million, that becomes part of the next year’s need estimate. So it is an upward pressure.
• If the retirement contribution from teachers' retirement and state employee retirement was increased that amount would be a downward pressure on state funds needed to fully fund these retirement systems.
• Program costs in Medicaid, Catamount and a number of other programs can all be estimated, the upward pressure in these programs is from increased participation and utilization.
• Generally state employee costs increase as a result of negotiated contracts and health care costs. Recently position reductions, and retirement and pay concessions have resulted in lower employee costs.
The Office of Finance and Management within the Governor's administration does a similar but slightly different exercise. They ask departments to identify current service program needs and separate them out from policy change needs. As they build their budget they have to identify available resources and make a determination as to what can be funded. The Administration’s budget can contain a number of decisions including revenue identification, policy changes to reduce budget pressure and choices about level of funding.
Budget building is not an exact science and there are a ton of estimates and assumptions made, no matter who is doing the preparation. The same type of budgeting happens at the federal level. Some legislators have mentioned that the entire federal deficit debate is based on assumptions of future revenues and spending. Ignoring current law and service needs when building out year budgets is recklessly irresponsible. Decisions made today for spending in future years need to be identified just as revenues need to be projected beyond the current year.
What about the future?
We don't know if there will be a need for new taxes in the future. But if so, where those new taxes might come from has already been discussed. A tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, eliminating some tax expenditures, expanding the sales tax to some services, raising the sales tax to 7%, and taxing private water are all ideas that have been discussed in the Ways and Means Committee. Often discussed this past session is adding an income tax surcharge to some of the income of the wealthiest 5 percent of Vermonters. All these suggestions were made in the statehouse this past year. I opposed every one of them.
As promised, Governor Shumlin did not impose any new broad based taxes this session. Raising new revenue next year has not been ruled out. Don't forget that new budget shortfall: it was $70 million last count. Additional pressure on the Vermont state budget would come from Congress and President Barack Obama if cuts are made in human services programs. Later this summer legislative leaders and folks from the administration will go through the state budget line by line , looking for savings and looking for genuine need that cannot be ignored.
This past January, I appreciated Gov. Shumlin's comments that legislators 'would likely improve' the budget. Like his predecessor, Governor Shumlin knew there had to be room for legislative ideas and solutions within the budget development process, and he made room for them. Looking for the common ground is always the best policy.
There's plenty to be found.
Rep. Carolyn Branagan
Franklin-1, Fairfax/Georgia
Vermont House of Representatives
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