On video: Smith says, ‘It’s not productive for us to say anything is dead on arrival’
Shumlin: “We don’t want to transfer Montpelier’s fiscal problems onto the backs of taxpayers.”
Cillo: Health care costs are eating up 15 percent of state’s budget
Cillo says that the General Fund obligation for health care is now about 15 percent a year.
Can Correct Care Solutions offer Vt. inmates more health services for $2 million less?
In the wake of Ashley Ellis’ death, questions remain about prison health care provided by for-profit companies.
Video: Emergency Board delays decision to raise business incentive cap
The existing cap on incentives is $10 million; the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development recommends raising the limit to $25 million.
Public Strategies Group message to lawmakers: Outcome-based services = results + savings
The reforms are conceptual, but the notion that the state needs to rethink the way it functions is a given, according to GOP and Democratic leaders.
Vermont’s deficit: How bad is it? Vtdigger.org brings you video + analysis
Stephen Klein, chief fiscal officer of the Joint Fiscal Office, told lawmakers they need to cut about 20 percent of state spending by 2012.
McClaughry video: Lawmakers must redefine government
John McClaughry says the proposal from Public Strategies Group is “superficial.”
On the record: Illuzzi floats bill to restore VSH Canteen
“The Canteen is as therapeutic as anything that you can offer at that institution.”
Budget changes reveal pressures on state services
The state is seeing an increase of about $5 million in additional, ongoing program expenditures this year as a result of the economic downturn.
Brooks proposes elimination of town planning grant program
Brooks says he chose to “zero” out the $408,700 state funds for town planning in order to protect his agency from more cuts.
