Economists say layoffs will continue

The state’s unemployment rate held steady last month, but economists say the worst is yet to come. And the unemployment numbers released late last week don’t reflect several major lay offs in Rutland County.
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Wall Street turmoil will affect state investments

The financial turmoil on Wall Street is reverberating across Vermont’s state retirement funds. State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding says the market slump has caused a decline in the investment portfolios overseen by his office. But Spaulding says the downturn has not affected the benefits paid out to retirees. VPR’s John Dillon reports.

Morning Newscast: April 28, 2008

Here are the top stories at 7:30 a.m.: Governor Jim Douglas’s economic proposal is aimed at boosting construction and making it easier for people to buy homes. But as lawmakers study the plan before the end of the legislative session, there are questions about how much economic growth will actually result.  Fire officials in Burlington say a suspicious fire has destroyed a 130-year-old barn at the Intervale Center…

Group urges to spend stimulus money locally

Federal policymakers are hoping that consumers cut short the national recession by quickly spending their economic stimulus checks. A local group says the money can have an even bigger impact if Vermonters spend it at local businesses, farms or by donating it to area nonprofits.

Economic forecast expected this week

State officials are expected to get an update on Vermont’s economic forecast this week, and the news may not be good. Governor Jim Douglas and legislators are already at work trying to pare $25 million in cuts from the 2009 state budget.