Governor Jim Douglas and Lt. Governor Brian Dubie today joined House Speaker Shap Smith and Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin to announce a proposal to save $37.8 million in the fiscal year 2011 general fund budget and an estimated $72 million in fiscal year 2012. This proposal will relieve $36 million in property tax pressure in the next two fiscal years. Importantly, it will also enable state government to better deliver services to Vermonters.
This proposal is the culmination of the work of Representatives Mike Obuchowski and Donna Sweaney, Senator Diane Snelling, Administration Secretary Neale Lunderville, Finance Commissioner Jim Reardon and the Public Strategies Group consultants throughout the fall.
This is an important first step to addressing our significant budget challenges, Governor Douglas said. There will be many more tough challenges ahead to make our state budget affordable and sustainable, but I m pleased that we ve worked together on this proposal to get the session off to a good start.
"I am pleased with the collaboration between the legislature and administration through the efforts of the steering team and PSG," said Speaker Smith. "Through this process we have identified challenges that will guide our state to a delivery system that will provide better services for Vermonters."
"This collaboration is not just about saving money, it is about finding ways to do more with less and better delivering services to Vermonters," said Senator Shumlin. "Vermonters are best served when we work across party lines and branches of government and I am pleased that we have begun this important session in a spirit of cooperation."
Vermonters expect their representatives in Montpelier to work together to confront our fiscal challenges, Lt. Governor Dubie remarked. The reform initiative we ve announced today is the product of collaboration. It will help us achieve savings by moving the focus away from systems and processes, and refocusing on the people we serve and on the results we get. It s an innovative approach for getting our economy back on track.
These reforms are aimed at making government more efficient and effective, while focusing on outcomes, as legislators and the administration work to address a $150 million shortfall. Unlike the traditional process, state agencies, school districts, local governments and other recipients of state funds will be given the flexibility and tools to redesign systems to meet specific budget challenges.
For more information visit: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/JFO/Challenges%20for%20Change%20-%20PSG%20Rep...
Source: Governor's office. 1.5.2010.
Governor, legislative leaders announce $38 million budget savings plan
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