By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org A revised revenue forecast for fiscal year 2016 puts the state back in the black. State economists say the general fund tax receipts will grow by 3 percent in the coming year, or by $40 million. […]
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T.J. Donovan running for attorney general
By Anne Galloway, www.VTDigger.org Democrat T.J. Donovan will run for Vermont attorney general in the 2016 election, regardless of what incumbent Bill Sorrell decides. The Chittenden County state’s attorney told Seven Days on Sunday that he has decided to make […]
Lawmakers adjourn tough, unprecedented session
New taxes and spending cuts explained By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org “It’s finally over,” said Rep. Brian Savage, R-Swanton, summing up the way many lawmakers felt about the legislative session, which adjourned a little after 11 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Legislators […]
April’s record revenue boost won’t change grim budget outlook
By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org Personal income tax receipts for April were the highest ever, according to the Vermont Agency of Administration. With two months left in the fiscal year, Vermont is $26.5 million (2.28 percent) above target, according to state […]
State officials explore alternative to Vt. Health Connect
By Anne Galloway, www.VTDigger.org Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott led a mini fact-finding mission on Monday to learn more about components of the Connecticut health care exchange that could help Vermont save money. The cost of fixing the dysfunctional Vermont Health […]
Rent-to-own industry exploiting poor in Vermont
By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org Advocates say low-income people are enticed by low weekly and monthly lease rates offered by two national chain rent-to-own stores doing business in Vermont, Rent-A-Center and Aaron’s. Advocates charge the national retailers with circumventing current regulations […]
Legislative votes for governor, Thursday
By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org On Thursday, Jan. 8, lawmakers will cast secret ballots to elect the new governor. Neither Scott Milne, the Republican candidate, nor incumbent governor Shumlin received more than 50 percent of the vote on Election Day, and […]
Vermont minimum wage increased January 1
By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org The minimum wage in Vermont went up by 42 cents from $8.73 per hour to $9.15 per hour on Jan. 1. The rate is set to increase again in 2016 to $9.60 an hour, to $10 […]
Report recommends fundamental changes to education spending
By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org A report released on Friday proposes three changes to Vermont’s property tax system. The changes include: a “renovation” plan that would lead to reductions in school spending; a “variable income tax” proposal that would replace a […]
Statewide property tax increase pegged at 2 cents
By Anne Galloway, VTDigger.org The Shumlin administration has recommended a 2 cent increase in the statewide property tax rates for residential and commercial property for fiscal year 2016. Last year, property tax rates increased by 4.5 cents for homestead and […]