Later today, Gov. Jim Douglas will deliver his 2008 budget address. He has already suggested that this has been the most difficult of the six budgets he has prepared since becoming governor in 2003.
When Douglas first took office, the state and nation were emerging from an economic downturn. In his premier budget address, the governor outlined the principles that guided the decisions in his spending plan. They are likely the same principles he has used in 2008. Here’s what he said:
- First, government must live within its means because every dollar we spend beyond our capacity to pay is a dollar that must be repaid by our children.
- Second, government will fulfill its commitment to the neediest Vermonters because a society is judged by how it treats the most vulnerable.
- Third, we should not dip even further into the pockets of struggling taxpayers.
- Fourth, sacrifice must be shared broadly so that no one is asked to carry an undue burden.
- Finally, the most direct route back to prosperity is to invest in Vermonters' education, skills and aspirations.
He concluded by saying, "My budget lives up to these principles and any budget that arrives on my desk for signature must as well."
Expect the same message from Douglas today. He obviously will promise no new taxes. He will propose money for job training and telecommunications -- investments designed to help reverse any economic downturn.
The question is who will feel the pain as the budget belt tightens elsewhere? We'll see soon, assuming it is obvious.
-- Nancy Remsen
