VPR Evening News September 28th 2007

Debating the statewide property tax; Vermont’s two largest power companies say they need to be able to change their rates when their own costs for electricity rise or fall; The federal Department of Homeland Security is creating 300 new jobs in Vermont; A new research initiative that’s focused on Lake Champlain and its tributaries has been awarded a six-point-seven million dollar grant; Members of the U.S. House are asking the FCC to review the proposed sale of Verizon’s telephone land lines in the three states; Enthusiasts of four-legged power gather this weekend at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds; and commentator Frank Bryan on the end of September being a time for reflection.

Debate: Income Tax or Property Tax?

Advocates of changing the way Vermont pays for education say an income tax would be fairer than the statewide property tax. But opponents say the proposal would put too much burden on Vermont’s income tax.

Property Tax or Income tax?

The complexity and frustration over Vermont’s property taxes has prompted some people to wonder if there isn’t a better way to fund schools in the state. Bob Kinzel’s guests are Tax Commissioner Tom Pelham and Rep. Bud Otterman.

Midday Newscast: August 17, 2007

Here are the top stories at the noon hour. It looks like that wasn’t a tornado that hit northwestern Vermont yesterday; Senator Bernie Sanders says it appears there aren’t enough customs and Border Patrol officers along the U.S. Canada border; Governor Jim Douglas says changes to the education property tax system aren’t working.

Symington moves to diffuse property tax controversy

House Speaker Gaye Symington is moving to diffuse a growing controversy surrounding the state’s property tax system. Symington is asking the House Ways and Means committee to determine if personal financial information from a new program should be made available to the public.

Midday Report: August 9, 2007

The state is asking young Vermonters who went away to college, to think about coming home to work; it’s now easier for Vermonters getting food assistance, to shop at farmers’ markets; twice this week the Public Service Board has acted in a manner that’s in conflict with Governor Jim Douglas known positions on energy policy; the Montpelier City Council has scrapped a just-completed property value revision. Dozens of angry residents argued at a meeting last night that there was no rhyme or reason for the values assigned to their properties.