Jim Douglas has wasted no time getting out a letter asking for support (read that money) following Gaye Symington's announcement that she will challenge him for the state's top job.
Here's his take on the final weeks of the session. Douglas writes:
"Republicans in the Legislature and I accomplished a great deal in the final weeks of the legislative session by refocusing Gaye Symington and her Democratic supermajority on what matters most to Vermonters, and away from the secondary issues that consumed so much of their time."
Democrats would say the "secondary" issues on which they were focused included all the money bills, which had to be adjusted in the final weeks because of a $25 million revenue downgrade.
The accomplishment he's touting is the economic stimulus package he whipped out at a home and garden show. It carried a price tag without a source as they were considering cuts to programs -- which created a bit of tension.
Douglas writes, "Despite push back from Gaye Symington, my Economic Growth Initiative was adopted by the Legislature - providing more than $214 million in economic stimulus. These initiatives will help more Vermonters achieve the dream of owning a home; stimulate job growth while protecting existing businesses and the environment; provide tax relief for consumers; and make responsible investments in our infrastructure."
What was Symington's push back? She didn't like the two-day sale-tax holiday, which will cost taxpayers $2 million to save individual consumers $6 on their $100 purchases. Remember no sales tax is paid on necessities such as food and clothing.
Tom Kavet, the economist who works for the Legislature, advised lawmakers that "there is no credible literature, however, that suggests such holidays result in anything but net revenue losses at the state level and therefore produce no net stimulus to the economy." He went on to say, "This program component may serve other political and social objectives, but it will do nothing on balance for the Vermont economy during a time of recession."
Kavet also disputed Douglas' claim that his total package would result in $214 million in economic stimulus. "Based on available research to date, actual net direct impacts of the proposed programs are likely to be in the range of $40-$60 million, depending on the maximum bonding capacity that may be allowed."
For the record, Douglas' plan wasn't adopted as proposed. Many of the suggestions were revised by a legislative panel.
It's clear from the letter that Douglas plans to put Symington and Pollina in the same basket and suggest that both are far from mainstream. He's reaching out to centrist Democrats with that message. He writes, "If you're a Democrat who supports my vision of a more prosperous and affordable Vermont, please join the Democrats for Douglas team today."
I can hardly wait to see her letters.
-- Nancy Remsen
