Peter Shumlin in 2011 gubernatorial press release

On Civil Rights: Repeal DOMA; treat all of our citizens equally

It disrespects states' decisions to treat all of our citizens equally, and even requires our states' governments to actively discriminate against our own lawfully-married citizens.

We've shown that respecting and supporting all families makes our state and our communities stronger. I have no doubt that getting rid of DOMA will likewise make our nation stronger.

On Education: Vermont could be Education State if we focus on science

My priorities include: Focus on the sciences, engineering, technology and mathematics. Support and expand partnerships in the state's business sector and economy. Maintaining and innovating the essential infrastructure in agriculture. Support the transition to a health care system that contains costs, takes the burden off employers and strengthens health care delivery to keep Vermonters healthy.

On Immigration: Bias-free policing: no stops for improper documentation

The revised policy will provide clarity for State Police. But, the local policy does not address the more serious issue--that the federal government has not developed a sensible and fair immigration policy on the national level.

On Health Care: We need a single payer system for all

The jump in premiums is significantly higher than any increase in wages Americans are experiencing in this struggling economy and a burden on businesses at a time when we want to get people back to work. The need for Vermont's first-in-the-nation effort to create a single payer system that guarantees quality health care coverage while holding down the cost of care for individuals, families and employers has never been clearer.

On Tax Reform: Eliminate loopholes, pass progressive taxes

On Energy & Oil: Energy projects statewide: reduce consumption & create jobs

These funds have gone directly to communities to save taxpayers money, reduce energy consumption and create jobs. We have used our federal stimulus award to create long-term energy savings for Vermonters and to speed our transition to a clean energy future.

On Environment: Advance the redevelopment of brownfields

A brownfield is as property with the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant, complicating the expansion or redevelopment of the site.

On Welfare & Poverty: End childhood hunger, establish local control

Currently the federal government sends states surplus food for school an other nutrition programs. We will ask for direct funding, possibly through vouchers. This plan puts schools and the state in charge of the food being offered and served to our children. The Federal system is out of touch with child nutrition needs.

On Energy & Oil: Supports carbon cap & green jobs

The federal EPA should recognize the success of RGGI, design any national greenhouse gas regulations consistent with its innovative approach, and allow state participation in RGGI to serve as an alternative method to meet any new federal regulatory requirements.

There is an opportunity to make RGGI more effective in capping greenhouse gas emissions by lowering the cap level.