The following clips are from Gov. Jim Douglas’ press conference at the Statehouse on Thursday. The governor started with a passionate speech about his objections to the Legislature’s passage of a tax bill that includes new land use, property transfer, tobacco and heating oil taxes. He approves, however of the “asset test” and the “millionaire cap” that would eliminate property tax income sensitivity loopholes for Vermonters of means. He also spoke for about 10 minutes about his negotiations with the Democratic leadership on figuring out a way to shore up the bankrupt unemployment fund. Douglas remains adamant that though businesses need to pay more in unemployment taxes, beneficiaries of compensation must make sacrifices, too.
