State of Vermont Archives: on Technology
Patrick Leahy:
First senator with a blog; second to have internet homepage
Leahy was the second senator to post an official homepage on the internet and the first to start a blog. Since its creation in 1995, the Leahy Senate website--and his use of his social media sites -- have often won awards as one of the Senate's best.
His interest in technology also led him to co-found the Congressional Internet Caucus, which he co-chairs, and to spearhead efforts to expand broadband access to Vermont.
Source: 2021 Vermont Senate campaign website LeahyForVermont.com
Jun 22, 2021
Patrick Leahy:
Inducted into FOIA "Hall of Fame" for defending law
He was inducted into the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) "Hall of Fame" for his leadership to promote government transparency and defending the law from repeated efforts to weaken it. The bipartisan USA Freedom Act that he authored ended the
NSA bulk monitoring program. His Electronic Consumer Privacy Act (ECPA) reauthorization would require law enforcement agencies to need warrants to access Americans' email. Senator Leahy stood firm to insist on adding sunset provisions to the Patriot Act.
Source: 2021 Vermont Senate campaign website LeahyForVermont.com
Jun 22, 2021
David Zuckerman:
Invest more in broadband, create hubs around the state
Access to broadband internet across the state is another issues facing Vermonters. This problem has been brought to the forefront because of the pandemic. Scott says this an ongoing issues that has lasted for decades and is expensive to fix.
He believes the federal government needs to step in for this problem to be fixed. Zuckerman would like to see Vermont invest more in broadband and he would like to start by creating hubs around the state.
Source: MyChamplainValley on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial debate
Nov 2, 2020
David Zuckerman:
Must increase broadband access in rural Vermont
We must increase broadband access in rural Vermont by starting with community access hubs and expanding to individual residences.
We have seen this before with rural electrification and phone services, which built the economy of the past. Now we must invest to build the rural economy of the future.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com
Apr 3, 2020
Phil Scott:
We must continue to expand access to broadband
We know that broadband is crucial to parts of the state that are currently under-served or, in some cases, not connected at all. I'm sure most realize this isn't the cure-all to our economic challenges, but as we seek to attract more people to live
and work in Vermont, we must continue to expand access. This session, I'll put forward a package of reforms, and my budget will include investments, to do just that.
Source: 2020 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 9, 2020
Phil Scott:
State invests in expanding broadband connectivity
Scott signed an act relating to broadband deployment throughout Vermont, which invests in expanding broadband connectivity throughout the state. "While we know it's not a cure-all to economic challenges, we can all agree reliable broadband is
important for economic growth, education, public safety and overall access to information, services and people around the world," said Governor Scott.
Source: Gubernatorial press release for 2020 Vermont governor race
Jun 20, 2019
Phil Scott:
Alliance with Microsoft for digital skills, computer science
Scott announced the state's plans to enter an alliance with Microsoft to improve access to digital skills programing and computer science education and to promote rural broadband access, with the organizational support of Microsoft technology experts
and partners. "We are grateful for Microsoft's partnership as we work to overcome broadband gaps in rural Vermont and provide more equitable and accessible opportunities for all Vermonters," said Governor Scott.
Source: Gubernatorial press release for 2020 Vermont governor race
Jan 25, 2019
Keith Stern:
Cut spending by $100M and put half into infrastructure
We need new infrastructure to bring in manufacturing jobs or any type of business or industry. I will set an initial target of $100 million in government spending cuts, half will be used towards road and bridge repairs until that is under control.
That doesn't mean we will quit if we reach that target. I will always be looking for every savings possible without affecting essential services.
Source: 2018 VT Gubernatorial campaign website VermontGetsStern.org
Sep 18, 2018
Christine Hallquist:
Grow the economy by connecting all to fiber optic cable
Connect every home and business in Vermont with fiber optic cable utilizing proven rural cooperative models.
Address the property tax issue and take responsibility for separating this from education funding--these two issues should not be pitted against each other.
Source: 2018 VT governor Campaign website ChristineForVermont.com
Sep 1, 2018
Christine Hallquist:
Invest in transportation infrastructure, give access to all
Invest in transportation infrastructure that increases access to services and education for rural Vermonters or those
without access to personal transportation, and does not further long term dependence on fossil fuels.
Source: 2018 VT governor Campaign website ChristineForVermont.com
Sep 1, 2018
Phil Scott:
Reform alternative utility regulation; no executive bonuses
Q: What measures will you support to make sure utility customers have a voice in cases about their utility rates?Phil Scott: My priorities are to make Vermont more affordable & to restore faith in state government. The idea that utilities have been
allowed to pass executive bonuses onto ratepayers is an example of that erosion of trust.
Q: Vermont's two shareholder utility companies have operated under plans that adjust gas and electric rates without the accountability and transparency of a full
rate case.
Phil Scott: I share concerns about alternative regulation. I will commit to examining the benefits and disadvantages of alternative regulation--with the priority of protecting ratepayers. Alternative regulation, when employed properly &
transparently, can allow utilities to move more nimbly and this agility--when used for the benefit of ratepayers--can benefit the state's economy. It appears, however, that alternative regulation policy may need reform.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2016 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2016
Sue Minter:
Utility rate goal: transparent process & affordable rates
Q: What measures will you support to make sure utility customers have a voice in cases about their utility rates?Sue Minter: I'll appoint a PSB [Public Service Board] Chair who will be a fair arbiter and will engage with communities to ensure they
are heard in rule makings and in rate cases. The Department will prioritize transparency as it works with stakeholders and the public to increase community engagement in PSB proceedings. Heightened consideration will be given to the interests of
low-income VTers, residential ratepayers, small businesses, and others that may not be adequately represented in rate cases.
Q: What measures will you take to assure that these plans are fair and reasonable?
Minter: I will have a goal to
reduce rates whenever feasible and that on average we hold utility rate growth at or under the rate of inflation. This will help make energy more affordable and keep prices more stable, which is a benefit for residential customers and businesses.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2016 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2016
Peter Shumlin:
Connect VT: $53M for rural broadband & cell service
Two weeks ago, I launched Connect VT, an ambitious plan to deliver broadband and cell service to every corner of Vermont. To get this essential project done, in addition to using federal funds and private investments, I propose spending $13 million from
our two-year capital budget and fully utilizing the $40 million revenue bond capacity of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority. These investments will expedite the build out of fiber optics lines and wireless networks across our state, to every last
mile by 2013, including the most rural areas that for economic reasons are least likely to attract private providers.We will need to address three regulatory areas that have the potential to derail our progress. These are utility pole regulations for
fiber and telecommunication attachments, consolidated land use and environmental permits for the placement of poles, and long-term telecommunication lease agreements to erect infrastructure on state land and buildings.
Source: 2011 Vermont State of the State Address
Jan 25, 2011
Peter Shumlin:
$106M to improve 65 bridges; plus high speed rail
My budget addresses the deteriorating condition of our roads, highways and bridges. We need to bring our transportation network into the 21st century, and to support this effort I am proposing to spend $106 million on improvements to more than 65 bridges
and culverts, and preventive maintenance work on dozens of other structures.Expanding passenger and freight rail in Vermont is also a top priority. My budget invests in rail upgrades to the western corridor, with the goal of returning passenger servic
to Montreal as soon as possible. These investments bode well for Vermont's rail future.
As some states reject federal money for high-speed rail, I am also committed to working in partnership with my colleagues in New England and the Premier of Quebec
with a vision of a high-speed rail line from New York to Montreal, with a spur to Boston. High speed rail is the transportation of our global future, and it is high time that Vermont gets on board.
Source: 2011 Vermont State of the State Address
Jan 25, 2011
Page last updated: Oct 14, 2021