Economic Forecast: Tough Choices
Wednesday, 11/19/08 Noon on Vermont Edition
The latest state economic forecast brings more bad news. Revenues are now expected to fall significantly short of even this summer's gloomy predictions, suggesting even more cuts to a budget that's already been patched and slashed by 25 million dollars. Tomorrow on Vermont Edition, Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Bartlett and State Finance Commissioner Jim Reardon take a break from number crunching to talk with us about what's on the table and what's not, as they respond to this week's gloomy economic predictions.(Listen)
Also, in conjunction with this week's special VPR series on family farms, we talk with Lyndon State historian Paul Searls about how farming fared in Vermont during the last century, and about the prospects for small farms in our region's future. (Listen)
Plus, readers of the Hardwick Gazette get their 5-day weather forecast from Tyler Molleur of Greensboro Bend. But what they may not know is that this meteorologist is a 14-year-old freshman at Craftsbury Academy. (Listen)
LISTENERS
COMMENT ON VERMONT'S BUDGET
DILEMMA
From Dan in Westminster
How about changing the gasoline tax to a percentage like every other tax? Sure, that would mean a higher per-gallon tax rate now, but we wouldn't even notice it, with the plunging gas prices. Then, we would have higher revenues now for something that we value --roads. Some states already have gas taxes as a percentage.
From Jim in Enosburg
As a person with a disability that has advanced in the last few years to prevent me from being able to work any longer, I am frightened by the possible outcomes of the state fiscal crisis. I am dependent on a variety of state and federal programs to survive while I wait for my social security disability application to be approved. VHAP, food stamps, LIHEAP, and a variety of other supports are all that allow me to survive -- with no margin for error. While I understand that the state economic situation is serious, I know I am not alone in being frightened about the possible impact that any program cuts would have on those of us who have depend on these programs. I hope that the administration and the lawmakers will find ways to avoid cuts to the programs that literally save many of our lives.
From Mike in Burlington
I'm interested in the idea of the State of Vermont raising money through a Vermonet Credit Card. Anthony Pollina spoke to this during his campaign and I'm wondering if it might be a source of stable interest rates for Vermonters and an income-generating service for the state.
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