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Now Rep. O’Donnell of Vernon and Rep. Flory of Pittsford are suggesting that we tax our non-profits in order to pay for V-Pharm. Perhaps they believe that Vermonters don’t see through their attempt to pin non-profits against those who are the very beneficiaries of their services. This is so uncreative. It is not one or the other – medicaid benefits or the salaries of non-profit managers.

Why is it that the same people who oppose any increase in income tax want to tax the our non-profit executives only? Isn’t this a disguised clear call for the raising of revenue?  Why should it only be a few non-profit employees who make that sacrifice? Wouldn’t a state-wide raising of revenue based on income (such as an income tax surcharge on people earning more than a certain amount)  be an even broader-based shared sacrifice?  

Has anyone noticed that the list that Rep O’Connell distributed last week of non-profit salaries (which was inaccurate on many levels) listed everyone who spoke up last week about the Gov’ budget proposal.

It is unbelievable that we now live in a state where those who speak out will be silenced and where we target tax those who manage some of the most effective organizations in Vermont that work on behalf of the citizens and not against them.  

( – promoted by odum)

Here we go again… last week the Governor proposed a budget eliminating permanently affordable housing development efforts and completely eliminating conservation investments that boost our working land economy.

The Governor proposes a 70% reduction to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Budget on top of a series of cuts over the past seven years that had already meant a more than $30 million loss.

Let’s not kid ourselves. This is a direct attack on the programs that house Vermont’s workforce, provide the means to save family farms, protect recreation and sensitive natural areas and stimulate the economy.

The governor warned against the drastic wholesale elimination of programs and then proceeded to do just that. He said that it was obvious that we should eliminate our conservation program during difficult economic times.

Every day it seems we are hearing about additional losses of good jobs for Vermonters. In these times we need to look what helps Vermont’s economy grow!

Conservation and affordable housing supporters held a press conference yesterday to respond to the Governor and his proposal. This press conference also marked the official kick-off of Conservation Can’t Wait, our conservation public awareness campaign that includes a new, short video featuring business leaders who explain why conservation is critical for Vermont.

At the Vermont Land Trust website vlt.org you will also see testimonials from those people who have benefited from conservation.

Vermonters strongly believe in protecting our working landscape and yet there has been a gradual erosion or maybe an all out attempt to dismantle the successful conservation program in Vermont. We need to get more creative in Montpelier and figure out how to hold on to our state’s most effective programs while also protecting Vermont most vulnerable citizens! This is possible.