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.
Federal economic stimulus spending has created or retained almost 2,000
jobs in Vermont.
That’s
according to a report released today by Tom Evslin, who is Vermont’s chief recovery officer.
The
goal of the federal stimulus grant, which could amount to more than $50 million, is to find ways
to boost student achievement levels, measure teacher effectiveness and expand
technology learning opportunities in the schools.
The panel would be made up of one person each from the Vermont House,
the state Senate and the governor’s administration, and would provide
quarterly reports available to the public on how the stimulus money is being
used.
A new law inspired by the rape and murder of a girl in Randolph last summer won preliminary approval in the state Senate just a few minutes ago; Gov. Jim Douglas outlines his budget proposals in a couple of hours;