Peter Shumlin for GovernorPeter’s Blog

Mr. Shumlin goes to Washington, testifies on the Vermont way

selene — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:59:55 +0000

vtdigger.org – April 15, 2011

by Anne Galloway

It was a study in contrast: Two governors, from opposite ends of the political spectrum — Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, a Democrat, and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican — testified to a congressional committee on Thursday about their respective state budget deficits and the very different ways in which they are resolving the shortfalls. Both governors are serving their first terms in office and were elected in November 2010.

Watch the C-SPAN video here.

Governor pitches in to fill potholes

selene — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:43:59 +0000

WCAX- April 6, 2011

Middlesex, Vermont – It’s rough ride around Vermont. Potholes are everywhere. This is the worst season in the past few years.

“It’s jaggedy and can throw your car around if you have a lightweight car. So it’s kind of dangerous and needs to be repaved and fixed,” said Al Jones of Waterbury.

A message the governor got. He traded the suit for an orange vest and got hands on fixing the problem.

Shumlin calls for rail investment in Northeast

selene — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:14:55 +0000

By Chris Garofolo, Reformer Staff

Brattleboro Reformer – Tuesday April 5, 2011

BRATTLEBORO — Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin has joined other governors in the Northeast urging the federal government to increase the high-speed rail investment in the region.

In a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday, eight governors of Northeastern states requested an increase in the size of the nation’s most extensive high-speed intercity passenger rail network. The letter signifies a collective support for updated rail infrastructure projects around the region, including advocacy from the mid-Atlantic states of Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Executive officers submitted the paperwork to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in response to the Federal Railroad Administration’s March 11 notice of availablity of grants as a way to further support the applications for the funding.

Grants will build new local housing

selene — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:52:31 +0000

By Neal Goswami

Bennington Banner – Monday April 4, 2011

BENNINGTON — Housing grants awarded by the state will serve several projects in Bennington County and add additional affordable housing. Gov. Peter Shumlin announced $2.4 million in Vermont Community Development Program grants in Rutland Monday, including $650,000 to the town of Bennington, the Regional Affordable Housing Corp. of Bennington and Housing Vermont to construct 14 new rental units and renovate 12 units of existing housing.

“The Vermont Community Development Program helps Vermonters by developing affordable housing, creating jobs, making town halls and community centers accessible, and providing services to those in need,” Shumlin said. “Our ability to help municipalities meet the unique needs of their communities, which is the hallmark of the grant program’s success, would be severely diminished if those in Washington have their way.”

Q & A with Governor Peter Shumlin

selene — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 23:48:51 +0000

Manchester Journal – April 1, 2011
MANCHESTER – Two weeks ago, before heading off to the Bennington County Courthouse to take part in the town’s launch of its 250th anniversary celebration., Gov. Peter Shumlin stopped by our newsroom for an interview. The following are excerpts from that discussion.
JOURNAL: What’s been your biggest surprise since taking over as Governor?
SHUMLIN: The thing that surprises me the most is how slowly things move. In business, when we make an executive decision, it moves quickly. In government, it moves slowly, and that’s a constant frustration for me.
The biggest challenge we face as a state in my judgment isn’t the unemployment – although that’s a serious problem – the biggest challenge is that Vermonters are on average making the same amount of money as they were 10 years ago. We don’t have a lot off time to create jobs and raise the incomes of those who have jobs. We have to get our fiscal house in order without raising broad-based taxes, but then we have a huge opportunity to grow jobs by moving quickly on the infrastructure investments that will raise our economic prospects. They are: (1) broadband and cell phone service to every last mile – I’ve committed to getting it done by 2013… we won’t compete until we get it done. Second, we won’t compete until we get healthcare costs under control. We’re paying more and more for less and less coverage. This is not sustainable. Third, workforce training – Businesses can’t find qualified workers. We can be the education state.
It’s a big agenda; it’s not what other governors are trying to do.

PPNNE Action Fund endorses Peter Shumlin for Governor

alex — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:57:41 +0000

Last week, Peter Shumlin proudly accepted an endorsement from Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s (PPNNE) Action Fund.
Steve Trombley, CEO of the PPNNE Action Fund stated, “The next governor of Vermont will make critical decisions about women’s access to reproductive health care services as health care reform is implemented in Vermont.” Trombley continued, “That’s why PPNNE’s Action Fund is working hard to make sure that women and men in Vermont know that Peter Shumlin will stand up for choice and will protect women’s health.” Vermont has had a pro-choice governor for nearly 40 years and this will change if Brian Dubie is elected. Trombley further reiterated the difference between the candidates stating that when asked about this issue and whether or not the law needs to be changed Dubie has said, ”‘As a pro-life lieutenant governor, yes, I do.”

Peter Shumlin is 100% pro choice and will always protect a woman’s right to choose. Dubie likes to say that this is a federal issue and it doesn’t matter. He couldn’t be more wrong. Anti-choice advocates are waging this battle at the state level. In fact, in the past year alone, 18 states have passed legislation restricting a woman’s right to choose. So yes, it does matter.

Vermont League of Conservation Voters (VT LCV) endorses Peter Shumlin for Governor

alex — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:45:35 +0000

Peter Shumlin is proud to receive the Vermont League of Conservation Voters (VT LCV) endorsement for Governor today. The VT LCV recognizes that Peter has been an active leader on environmental issues and credits him with passing comprehensive clean energy legislation, making climate change a state priority and leading the Senate this past February to the historical 26-4 vote to retire Vermont Yankee as scheduled.

Todd Bailey, the Vermont League of Conservation Voters’ Executive Director stated, “At this critical time in Vermont’s history we need a governor who shares [our] values, knows how to get tough things done, and will ensure that the Green Mountain State is a national leader in creating good paying jobs for Vermonters in the emerging green economy.”

Bailey further stated, “Senator Shumlin’s opponent needed two tries before he would acknowledge that climate change is a reality.” Bailey continued, “If Brian Dubie is not 100% certain on these globally significant issues, which have a tremendous impact on Vermont, how can Vermonters be confident that he is in line with their desire to maintain Vermont’s quality of life?”

Peter Receives Endorsement of Teachers, AFL-CIO and United Professions!

alex — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:35:17 +0000

In the last week, Peter Shumlin has proudly received the endorsement of the Vermont National Education
Association (NEA), the Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO and the United Professions of Vermont!

The Vermont NEA President Martha Allen made the announcement stating, “Peter’s commitment to maintain and grow
our public schools stands in sharp contrast to those who would tear them down and strip them of resources. Peter, much more so than his opponent, understands that public schools are not the enemy – they are the most reliable tool we have to grow our economy.”

Acting President of the AFL-Cio, Jill Charbbonneau stated, “Peter Shumlin is our choice for Governor because of his vigorous efforts to put Vermonters back to work. Peter has a strong track record on working for universal health care, creating good paying jobs in Vermont and supporting Vermont workers and their families.”

And Jennifer Henry, Fletcher Allen Nurse and President of the United Professions of Vermont highlighted her Union’s support for Peter because of his work and vision on health care and higher education. Henry spoke at a press conference, praising Peter’s plan to implement a single payer health are system and contrasting it with Brian’s lack of a plan to address Vermont’s escalating health care costs. “Brian Dubie was recently asked what he paid for his health insurance and he didn’t know,” said Henry. “Perhaps this is why he thinks that just nibbling around the edges is good enough. Brian Dubie’s lack of a plan to address Vermonters’ skyrocketing health care costs is irresponsible and out of touch.”

Peter is honored and humbled to receive the endorsements of these important unions. Peter has a long record of fighting for working Vermonters and will continue his commitment to rebuilding Vermont’s middle class as governor.

Peter receives endorsement of Vermont Trooper’s Association

admin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:32:00 +0000

Peter Shumlin today received the endorsement of the Vermont State Troopers. The endorsement marks the first time the VTA has endorsed a Democrat for Governor since endorsing Howard Dean in 2000.

Peter has consistently been a staunch supporter of the Trooper’s efforts to keep Vermonters safe. The Trooper’s endorsement reflects their trust in Peter and the fact that he will continue to make the safety of Vermonters his top priority.

“The nearly 300 men and women of the Vermont Troopers’ Association whole-heartedly endorse Peter Shumlin to be the next Governor of Vermont,” said Mike O’Neil, President of the VTA. “Peter understands the vital role Troopers play in Vermont, standing on the front lines of the battle to keep Vermonters and their families safe.”

The Contrast: Part One

alex — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:00:24 +0000

There are many differences between Brian Dubie and Peter Shumlin. Our new ad, which you can see here, highlights their different stance on taxes. Peter Shumlin is a small business owner who wants to build our economy from the ground up. Peter plans to give tax breaks to the hard working middle class who need it the most and support our small businesses. Brian Dubie, on the other hand, is a self described “George Bush Republican” who plans to give tax giveaways to the wealthiest 1,400 Vermonters and cut regulations for large, out of state corporations.

The Plans:

Peter Shumlin will continue his work to reduce taxes for the middle class and support our small businesses. As governor, Peter will get health care off the backs of our employers, make credit more readily available to small business owners and get government spending under control.

Brian Dubie intends to cut the top marginal rate, resulting in tax cuts for the 1,400 wealthiest Vermonters and slash regulations for large out of state corporations. It is these types of George W. Bush policies that led us into the mess we are in today: skyrocketing deficits, rampant joblessness and bankrupt families.

The Records:

In 2009, the Douglas/Dubie Administration proposed the largest property tax increase in Vermont’s history in order to balance the budget. In response, Peter Shumlin and Speaker Shap Smith asked the wealthiest to pay a little more – responsibly balancing the budget and reducing income taxes for the hardworking middle class by $6 million.

After listening to the small business owners up and down the Connecticut River, Peter led the effort to eliminate the sales tax on clothing and shoes. When Peter was no longer in the Senate, the Douglas/Dubie Administration increased the sales tax from 5% to 6%.