Nationally, Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas is being recognized as a Republican who supports President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package.
But in Vermont he’s being criticized by some who say he’s not using the federal stimulus money to protect state jobs and programs.
Environmental chemist Tracey Footer who is working in a state lab that’s slated to close says the governor’s actions are the opposite of his words.
Advocates for programs ranging from housing retrofits for people with disabilities to preserving farmland are sounding a similar refrain.
But Douglas says the stimulus money is a temporary bridge designed to get over the tough economic times.
He says state spending is growing faster than Vermonters’ ability to pay for it.