State of Vermont Archives: on Budget & Economy
Bernie Sanders:
Restructure debt so Puerto Rico can rebuild
Right now in Puerto Rico, the government is struggling with an unsustainable amount of debt. Rather than restructuring that debt in a way that protects the people of Puerto Rico, a small group of hedge fund billionaires are demanding extreme austerity
policies that would decimate public services, including the firing of teachers and the closing of schools. It is unacceptable that these Wall Street investors will reap huge profits off the suffering and misery of the Puerto Rican people.
These creditors must be forced to negotiate a debt repayment plan that is fair to both sides--the people of Puerto Rico deserve nothing less.When people are suffering and hurting [in the aftermath of 2017's Hurricane Maria], you don't continue to
squeeze them. We cannot allow Puerto Rico's budget to be balanced on the backs of the most vulnerable people--working families, veterans, the elderly, children and the poor. It is not only morally wrong, it is also economically unsustainable."
Source: 2018 Vermont Senate campaign website BernieSanders.com
Nov 1, 2018
Bruce Lisman:
Bring government spending in line with revenue
Through a balanced approach we can bring government spending in line with revenue. We can focus our efforts on measurable outcomes, responsible spending, and ensure resources are available for those who need a helping hand.
Together we will create a multi-faceted, coordinated platform for economic development. With a clear mission and quantifiable goals, we will restore Vermont's economic growth and vibrance, creating opportunity for all Vermonters.
Source: 2016 gubernatorial campaign website, LismanForVermont.com
Mar 6, 2016
David Zuckerman:
Prioritize spending on the most needy
Zuckerman contrasted his willingness to prioritize spending on the most needy, tap the state's reserves, and possibly raise revenue to pay for needed services, against the Scott administration asking department heads to hold the line on spending.
Zuckerman said he would prioritize programs and services for low-income families if elected. He said he would direct state agencies to focus on initiatives putting Vermonters to work--notably, in housing, weatherization and renewable energy.
Source: Brattelboro Reformer on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Oct 27, 2020
Gerald Malloy:
Reduce the size of Federal Government, spend within budget
Finally tackle the $30 Trillion debt. Reduce the size of Federal Government, spend within budget, stop the bleeding.
Over the last 15 years since 2007 Congress has allowed the National Debt to increase by over 300%--that's failure.
Source: 2022 Vermont Senate campaign website DeployMalloy.com
Aug 16, 2022
Gerald Malloy:
Save America from becoming dependent on stimulus
Army veteran and business consultant Malloy describes himself as a conservative Republican. "Our nation is in trouble and I will fight to turn our country around. I support parent's rights and I will fight against unconstitutional acts.
This is about saving America from becoming a welfare nation dependent on stimulus as government chips away at our rights. That's not what this veteran has served for. I will serve all Vermonters as a Republican for a better future for Vermont."
Source: WAMC on 2022 Vermont Senate race
Aug 2, 2022
Jim Douglas:
$17M ARRA investment to expand Vermont employment
Governor Douglas today announced a bold new economic plan to build SmartVermont--by laying the foundation for a 21st century economy. The proposals will invest $17.1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) State Fiscal Stabilization
Funds to leverage nearly $160 million in direct support to new and exciting companies looking to grow and expand in the Green Mountain State as well as much needed support for existing Vermont employers. The Governor's plan also calls for additional
investment in our tourism economy as well as much needed support for agriculture.Said Governor Douglas, "By investing ARRA funds wisely to grow our economy, we will position our state to charge out of this recession ready to provide a world-class
education to the e-generation of students and build strong companies that can compete in a competitive global economy."
Governor Douglas reinforced the need for Vermont to focus flexible ARRA funds to build on his Economic Growth Plan.
Source: 2009 gubernatorial press release. "SmartVermont"
Mar 26, 2009
John MacGovern:
Budget deficit is a moral issue as well as economic issue
He says the federal budget deficit has the country teetering on the brink of a "fiscal cliff" and that it will cripple the United States unless it is reduced.
The situation is more than an economic issue, he said. "It's a moral issue as well. Our irresponsible national government is saddling our grandchildren with the responsibility for paying what we are irresponsibly borrowing to spend today."
Source: Wall Street Journal on 2018 Vermont Senate race
Nov 1, 2012
John MacGovern:
Our most serious problem is skyrocketing national debt
As Vermont families continue to struggle with tough economic times, we need to send a strong and clear message to Washington that it can't be business as usual anymore. In short, we can't spend our way to prosperity; and we certainly can't do it by
making our families shoulder the burden of Washington's reckless spending.We need effective leadership that can bring real results to the hardworking families of Vermont. Our nation's most serious problem is the skyrocketing national debt.
Our national debt has now surpassed the value of our $15 trillion economy. $5 trillion of that debt has been added in just four years of Obama's budgets. We desperately need to rein in out-of-control spending and get our
country back toward solvency.
The solution to this massive and crippling problem will require serious and courageous reforms of Social Security, and other entitlement programs.
Source: Vermont 2012 Senate campaign website JohnMacGovern.com
Oct 22, 2012
Lawrence Zupan:
Build an opportunity economy, with growth for generations
Join our campaign to build an Opportunity Economy for Vermont and America--an economy with equal opportunity for everyone and the growth needed to build a strong foundation for generations to come.
Lawrence Zupan is a lifetime observer of what works and what doesn't work in the political and governmental realm, informed by his business and educational background as an MBA. He negotiated trade contracts with the Chinese before it was fashionable.
Source: 2018 Vermont Senate campaign website ZupanForSenate.org
Oct 9, 2018
Peter Shumlin:
Get back to fiscal responsibility, post-stimulus
What we face in this budget year is the reality that the stimulus funds allocated by the federal government to cushion the blow of the worst recession in American history are now gone. We all knew that this day would come. It is now our responsibility to
make difficult choices, and to find a balance between compassion for our most vulnerable citizens and the imperative to put our state on solid fiscal footing. In addition to reducing spending, my budget maximizes federal dollars available to our state.
Source: 2011 Vermont State of the State Address
Jan 25, 2011
Phil Scott:
We're spending beyond our means; but cuts instead of taxes
I was encouraged to hear the Governor acknowledge the fact that we are, and have been, spending beyond our means. There was a lot of information in the speech, and it will take some time to gather the facts before delving into too many specific details.
For example, during the speech I was having difficulty adding up the cuts proposed versus the additional taxes levied.There were a number of areas within the speech where I do have concerns, one being that, while
I agree we have a structural problem with the Medicaid cost shift, I'm hesitant to fund the 'fix' through a payroll tax. Opening the door to even a small increase will, in my opinion, lead us to further tax growth. Once that seed is planted, we have a te
over-fertilize, and I fear there will be further proposals to increase taxes on Vermonters and small Vermont businesses, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Source: Response to 2015 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 15, 2015
Phil Scott:
I won't sign a budget that exceeds reasonable limits
Lt. Gov. Phil Scott called for a collaborative approach to improving affordability for families. "I will neither propose nor will I sign a budget that exceeds these very reasonable limits. Working families need a break," said Scott, R-Vermont. "What
we're really doing is creating an environment that is helpful to them and a state government that is by their side and not on their back."Republican Bruce Lisman presented what he calls a multiyear approach to recast state government. "I'd manage
the damn budget. Set spending at 2-3 percent per year to reset our finances and no new taxes. And find 2 percent efficiencies with a brilliant, motivated management team. Recharge our government by bringing real managers into it,
those people we find not because we know them but because they're talented," Lisman said.
Both Republicans have said the state's health exchange has hurt the business climate in the state.
Source: WCAX coverage of 2016 Vermont gubernatorial debates
Dec 16, 2015
Phil Scott:
We don't need more taxes; we need more taxpayers
These trends not only mean fewer in our workforce and schools, but fewer customers at businesses, ratepayers for utilities, fewer available for our volunteer fire departments and others who support the needs of our communities. On the campaign trail, a
Burlington business owner told me, "We don't need more taxes--we need more taxpayers." So, this session, let's focus on strengthening those assets to keep and attract more working families, with an eye on reversing our population trends.
Last term, we worked together to create more housing Vermonters can afford. My budget will propose a package focused on growing the housing supply by revitalizing properties and investing in existing neighborhoods. It's not enough. We must do
a better job telling our story and use it to aggressively recruit new Vermonters. Last year we launched a program offering incentives to remote workers who moved here. My budget will again propose a package that targets those likely to move.
Source: 2020 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 9, 2020
Phil Scott:
We must recognize housing policy is workforce policy
Workers we have can't afford to move up and the workers we want can't afford to move in. We must recognize housing policy is workforce policy. If you will work with me in budget adjustment to allocate $80 million more, we can show we are fully committed
to this cause. And in the budget I will present in two weeks, you can expect to see another $100 million - because it's time get serious about putting the benefits of a good home and a good investment within the reach of every Vermonter.
We know we need more workers, and that also means we need to keep the good jobs we have and add more of them. That is why I will propose expanding the Capital Investment Grant program, which we created with $10 million last year, but we received
applications for six times that amount. This program is helping employers, like childcare and senior centers, museums, theaters and agricultural businesses, enhance their facilities and keep good jobs and services here - so let's do more.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature
Jan 5, 2022
Sue Minter:
Government can partner with workforce to grow economy
Former Shumlin Transportation Secretary Sue Minter -- while agreeing on the need to foster business growth-- sees a more active role for government. "Growing an economy, I know, is a lot more than what
government can do, but government must be a strong partner," Minter said. "Growing the economy relies on innovators, investors, the ability to recruit, retain and train an educated workforce."
Source: WCAX coverage of 2016 Vermont gubernatorial debates
Dec 16, 2015
Gerald Malloy:
Address inflation by stopping Congressional overspending
Asked how he would address record inflation plaguing the country, Malloy blamed Congress' trillion-dollar pandemic-era spending packages and offered a simple solution: "Have some fiscal responsibility, stop overspending and destroying the future
for our children."Welch, on the other hand, touted recently enacted legislation to negotiate drug prices and spur semiconductor chip manufacturing domestically.
And he argued the way to get the cost of basic needs down for such expenses as child care and housing was for Congress to make renewed investments in them. "And by the way,
Mr. Malloy, we can pay for that," Welch said. "And you know how we pay for it? By asking the folks who haven't been paying their fair share."
Source: Valley News on 2022 Vermont Senate race
Sep 10, 2022
Peter Welch:
Pay for programs from folks not paying their fair share
Asked how he would address record inflation plaguing the country, Malloy blamed Congress' trillion-dollar pandemic-era spending packages and offered a simple solution: "Have some fiscal responsibility, stop overspending and destroying the future
for our children."Welch, on the other hand, touted recently enacted legislation to negotiate drug prices and spur semiconductor chip manufacturing domestically.
And he argued the way to get the cost of basic needs down for such expenses as child care and housing was for Congress to make renewed investments in them. "And by the way,
Mr. Malloy, we can pay for that," Welch said. "And you know how we pay for it? By asking the folks who haven't been paying their fair share."
Source: Valley News on 2022 Vermont Senate race
Sep 10, 2022
Phil Scott:
Focus on affordability, economic growth & protect vulnerable
Incumbent Republican Gov. Phil Scott and his Democratic challenger, Brenda Siegel, offered dueling solutions to the state's most pressing issues and made their case for your vote. "We have to do things like have a progressive tax structure where the
wealthy pay their fair share," Siegel said.Vermont's problems, Scott contends, are borne out of a declining demographic and the pressure it puts on economic growth. He contends making Vermont affordable starts by taxing less, something he says he's
been focused on for years. "We're already one of the highest taxed states in the country. I don't know how much more people can bear," Scott said.
Ultimately, Scott says a vote for him is a vote for civility in politics and for affordability, economic
growth and protecting vulnerable Vermonters. Siegel argues the status quo is not working for Vermonters and that the state needs new policies on housing, substance use and climate change.
Source: WCAX News on 2022 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Oct 6, 2022
Phil Scott:
Invest ARPA funds in transformative infrastructure projects
Last year we received over $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act. Although some ARPA dollars went to other initiatives last year, I will ask you to follow through on the commitment you made to invest what's left in the transformative and tangible
infrastructure projects I originally proposed. It is imperative we use it to achieve economic equity from region to region, not as a band-aid on something we will have to address again next year.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature
Feb 18, 2022
Phil Scott:
We need to keep our spending within existing revenue
I continue to believe we need to keep our spending within existing revenue. So in full transparency, you can expect my budget will increase by about 3%. I know from experience, many of you view 3% growth as an "austerity" approach. It's important to
know that with this increase, and after meeting our obligations, we have very little money left. If you go higher, we will be spending more than we're taking in, leading to higher taxes and fees, adding to the burden Vermonters are already feeling.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature
Jan 4, 2024
Phil Scott:
We need to keep our spending within existing revenue
I continue to believe we need to keep our spending within existing revenue. So in full transparency, you can expect my budget will increase by about 3%. I know from experience, many of you view 3% growth as an "austerity" approach. It's important to
know that with this increase, and after meeting our obligations, we have very little money left. If you go higher, we will be spending more than we're taking in, leading to higher taxes and fees, adding to the burden Vermonters are already feeling.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature
Jan 4, 2024
Peter Duval:
Dedicated funds within state government should be avoided
Dedicated funds within the state government should be avoided. They create fiefdoms and prevent a rational allocation of government resources. Revenue sources should be evaluated for their policy impact and flow to a single
General Fund. Expenditures should likewise be evaluated amongst all other expenditures. Ineffective or counterproductive activities should be eliminated instead of underfunded.
Source: 2024 VT Governor campaign website PeterForVermont.earth
Jun 11, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026