The state has given Barre authority to establish a special tax district that's designed to help the city pay for public works that will attract economic development.

The city of St. Albans was just approved by the state for the latest tax increment financing district. Other communities are interested in districts of their own, but state law limits how many there can be. So Gov. Peter Shumlin wants the Legislature to add more of them.

The state is at odds with a couple of cities and towns over revenue generated by a special kind of tax program known as tax increment financing, or TIF. 

A Tax Increment Financing District is a complicated financial tool that helps towns invest in their infrastructure and promote economic development. But recent state audits of TIF districts reveal disagreement on the regulations that govern them.

Vermont's State Auditor says the City of Burlington has mismanaged a complicated financial tool designed to help spur economic growth, and that the City should reimburse the state education fund.

Having a part-time citizen legislature - rather than a full time professional one - is one of the hallmarks of Vermont politics and culture. We look at the pros and cons of having citizen lawmakers - and how it affects the atmosphere at the Statehouse.