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Governor's Calendar
8:30 a.m. Secondary School Transformation Conference: A New Way, Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee
11:30-12:15 p.m. Press Conference, Pavilion Building, 5th Floor, Montpelier
No Public Events Scheduled
No Public Events Scheduled
RECENT NEWS
USDA DESIGNATES ALL COUNTIES FOR DISASTER RELIEF
COLCHESTER, VT, Oct. 27, 2008 – Harvey Smith, State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Vermont today announced that all counties in the State have been designated as natural disaster areas because of severe weather events, including excessive rain, flooding, flash flooding, high winds, hail, lightning, tornadoes that occurred in June through August 2008.
"I'm pleased that USDA can offer assistance to farmers and ranchers who have struggled with severe weather conditions," said Smith. "This agriculture disaster designation will enable eligible producers to apply for low-interest emergency loans from USDA to help cover their losses."
Vermont Governor Jim Douglas echoed Smith’s sentiments.
"I am pleased that the USDA has responded to our request for assistance. Excessive rains, flooding and high winds this growing season have made it a more challenging year for farmers in Vermont and this assistance is needed and very much appreciated," said Governor Douglas. "Helping our farmers recover from the hardships caused by extreme weather will help to preserve Vermont's important agricultural economy."
Governor Calls on Congress to Pass Economic Recovery Package That Includes Additional Funding for Medicaid, Infrastructure Investment
The National Governors Association (NGA) today sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to temporarily enhance the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for at least two years and invest federal funds in ready-to-go infrastructure projects as part of a national recovery package.
The letter, signed by NGA Chair Pennsylvania Gov. Ed. Rendell and NGA Vice Chair Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas, says that “the slowing economy is resulting in growing unemployment, increased demand for state services and significant declines in state revenues.” Including these priorities in a recovery strategy allows governors to “continue service for those with the greatest need” and create high paying jobs through infrastructure projects.
State of Vermont Fuel Assistance Program Expands -- Program will provide help to more Vermont Elders, People with Disabilities
Montpelier, Vermont – Today the Administration and Legislature announced the expansion of the state’s Seasonal Fuel Assistance Program to cover 3,652 more households, including 1,050 more households of the state’s elders and disabled. This is the latest step taken in a joint effort by the Legislature and Administration to deal with the rising costs of home heating fuel and other living expenses brought on by the recent global economic problems.
“The expansion of the seasonal fuel assistance program is one of many steps we’ve taken to keep the promise that no Vermonter will go cold this winter,” said Administration Secretary Neale Lunderville. “Our elders and disabled represent the state’s most vulnerable population, and we continue to find new ways to ensure they will be warm this winter,” Lunderville said.
Governor Announces Fuel Assistance Program Expansion
Montpelier, Vermont – Today the Administration and Legislature announced the expansion of the state’s Seasonal Fuel Assistance Program to cover 3,652 more households, including 1,050 more households of the state’s elders and disabled. This is the latest step taken in a joint effort by the Legislature and Administration to deal with the rising costs of home heating fuel and other living expenses brought on by the recent global economic problems.
Governor Douglas Announces Software Development Initiative
Economic Development Plan Will Grow Software, IT Sector Jobs
WINOOSKI – Governor Jim Douglas on Tuesday announced an economic development plan to create more jobs in the software development and information technology sectors.
At a press conference at the Champlain Mill in Winooski, the Governor rolled out a package of incentives and programs that will help stimulate growth in these critical high tech industries.
“These incentives will help establish the Champlain Mill – and Vermont – as a center for software development,” Governor Douglas said. “The combination of Winooski’s downtown re-development, Champlain College’s students, and the college’s commitment to this industry will create a critical mass for firms that will create good jobs and power our economy into the future.” Read More