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State Auditor Tom Salmon

State Auditor Tom Salmon discusses some of his ideas for solving the state’s financial challenges, including raising taxes, restructuring state government and expanding gambling in the state.

Lawmakers debate plan to lease state lottery

Some lawmakers are hoping that the Legislature will take a serious look at Governor Douglas’s plan to lease the state lottery. They say it would provide new money to help balance the state budget. But opponents argue that relying on more gambling revenue is a bad idea.

Democratic leaders question lottery proposal

Democratic legislative leaders are concerned about the Douglas Administration’s plan to lease the Vermont Lottery to a private business for 30 years. The Governor says the proposal is a way to provide at least $25 million for immediate property tax relief. But the lawmakers question the social cost of relying more heavily on gambling revenue.