Vermont lawmakers appear skeptical about Gov. Jim Douglas’ economic stimulus package — doubtful about its details and doubtful they can enact his ideas in the last couple of weeks of the legislative session.
Douglas says he thinks the Democrats who control the Legislature could pass the proposals he issued on Saturday during an appearance at the Vermont Home and Garden Show.
Douglas is proposing a range of steps including $80 million in borrowing through issuing bonds for road and bridge work in the next five years, more bonding to help first-time home buyers, a weekend-long sales tax holiday and others.
Some lawmakers wonder where the $2.8 million in up-front costs for the proposals will come from in a tight budget year, and question the timing of Douglas’ proposals.