Parents, advocates say autism insurance mandate falls short
A new bill, championed by Progressive Sen. Anthony Pollina would lift the age cap for mandatory private insurance coverage.
Pollina: Vermont must confront growing inequality
Most of us know economic inequality in America is greater now than at any time since the Great Depression. The wealthiest 1 percent of Americans take home a quarter of the nation’s income and control 40 percent of the wealth while, in 2011, median family income actually fell to where it was in 1997.
Pollina: “Genuine Progress Indicator” would better measure state’s economic growth
Pollina says we need to measure more than just what we make and consume. “We can’t just measure economic activity; we need to know if it is fair and sustainable. We should include the cost of poverty and pollution and give value to good things like safe communities and vacation time.
Pollina: Fogel’s severance package outrageous, unjustified
In the middle of all this belt tightening, and sacrifice, UVM, a supposedly public institution, getting taxpayer dollars, is rewarding someone who is leaving over $34,000 each month for 17 months to do nothing.
Pollina: Taxes and budget will stress the middle class – again
I expected Vermonters to do better. But now most of your policymakers claim the wealthy, especially entrepreneurs, will leave if asked to pay their fair share.
Senate kerfuffle leads to impasse on tax bill
Senate discipline broke down last night. Instead of voting out a final version of the miscellaneous tax bill out and reading through the health care bill as planned, members engaged in a floor fight and went home early.
Doctors: Provider taxes, cuts will undermine quality health care
Pollina, a longtime progressive advocate, said the legislative leadership isn’t considering alternatives.
“They’ve got certain doors they’re not looking behind,” he said.
Digger Tidbits + video: JFO warns single payer costs could outpace revenues; McCormack supports tax-the-rich bill; Mothers ask for ban of toxic chemicals
Single-payer system would likely save money in the first few years, but over time costs would likely outstrip revenues, according to JFO.
Story + video: Progs push Dems to raise taxes on wealthy
If two Progressives in the Legislature have their way, income-earners who are in the top tax brackets will have an opportunity make a personal contribution to the budget-gap reduction effort.
Pollina: Benefits for ordinary Americans dwarfed by tax cuts for rich
Who would have thought a year ago that the same “Bush” tax cuts that helped drive up our deficit and lead us into major recession would be transformed into the Obama tax cuts; different name, same strategy, same tragedy and same outcome.
