VPR News
VPR News
Shumlin considering his political future
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Senate President Peter Shumlin says he’ll decide his political future in the next few weeks. Shumlin is considering two options: seeking re-election to the state Senate or running for lieutenant governor.VPR News
Senate faces budget woes
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Vermont’s Senate Appropriations committee faces some major challenges in the next two weeks. Because the state economy is slowing down, the committee must cut at least $25 million from their budget for next year.VPR News
Under new legislation, Vt would close one of its prisons
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Vermont will close one of its prisons and help more prisoners deal with drug addiction under legislation approved by the Senate today. The bill passed with bipartisan support. Backers hope it will help slow the rapid growth in corrections spending.VPR News
Senate approves ‘most important education bill’ of the session
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The Senate has given its final approval to legislation that supporters call the most important education bill of the session. The bill eliminates the State Board of Education and allows the governor to directly appoint the commissioner of education.VPR News
Senate Judiciary Committee votes to reduce marijuana penalties
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The Senate Judiciary committee has voted to reduce penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana. But the panel rejected an effort to decriminalize the offense.VPR News
Shumlin supports Douglas tax idea, but wants to redirect money
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Senate President Peter Shumlin says he supports Governor Jim Douglas’s plan to eliminate the state exemption on capital gains. But Shumlin says he has a very different plan for how to spend the millions of dollars the state will receive from the proposal. Shumlin’s plan could result in a gubernatorial veto.VPR News
Democrats agree with many of Douglas’ priorities, but oppose lottery lease
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Democrats in the Statehouse found much common ground in Governor Jim Douglas’s new initiatives. Members of the majority party in Montpelier said they also want to expand health care, lower property taxes, and add more housing in Vermont. But the Democrats also reiterated their opposition to leasing the state lottery.VPR News