MONTPELIER – Gov. Peter Shumlin has worked hard to claim the mantle of fiscal conservatism in his first year in office. But House Republicans are trying to reclaim that turf, outlining a legislative agenda Wednesday that revolves around financial issues.
Rep. Don Turner, the House Minority Leader, disputed the notion that Shumlin and other Democrats have been penny pinchers.
Based on his “inside information” Turner is expecting Shumlin on Thursday to present a state budget with a more than 5 percent increase.
“Vermont has not cut spending, and the budget is not sustainable, and we will not support an increase in spending at those rates going forward,” said Turner.
House Republicans, vastly outnumbered in Montpelier by Democrats, laid out their agenda for the session during a chilly press conference Wednesday on the Statehouse steps.
Their priorities revolve around financial issues – related to Irene recovery, education, transportation, health care – and making sure state government is efficient with taxpayer dollars.
They plan to introduce bills in the next few weeks to achieve their goals. Among other ideas, Republicans hope to use Vermont Housing and Conservation Board funds for an Irene recovery fund; demand answers to key health care reform questions that have been put off until after the 2012 election; push for a sales tax holiday on the anniversary of Irene; and relax regulations so state-funded projects are cheaper.
Turner also used the press conference to take a shot at the nonpartisan Joint Fiscal Office, saying he thinks it isn't nonpartisan at all and actually favors Democrats. Turner said he has tried to get a JFO staffer dedicated to his caucus so the minority party can adequately pursue complex financial issues. That hasn’t happened yet, he said.
“There is no way in today's government climate in Vermont that I can represent my constituents or these people behind me can represent theirs if we don't have the support from the Joint Fiscal Office or the (legislative) council that the majority does,” said Turner.
Having a JFO member assigned to his caucus wouldn't violate the non-partisanship goal of the office, Turner said.
“They don't necessarily have to be partisan, but they have to be dedicated to our caucus so that we can start with an idea and work it through the whole process with someone who understands what the end result is intended to be,” said Turner.
-- Thatcher Moats
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