In a comparison of how households with an income of $75,000 to $90,000
would fare, it became evident that, although Governor Douglas claims
that he won't raise taxes, many middle-income Valley residents would
see significant property tax increases. Douglas has balanced his budget
in part by moving further obligations to the Education Fund, which
would raise our property taxes more in the future.
Comparing the Douglas budget with the legislative one, 36 households in
Warren would pay an average of $2,170 more. In Waitsfield, the Douglas
plan would affect 67 households with increases over the legislative
budget that would average $962. In Fayston, 45 households would see an
average difference of $1,569. Some middle-income taxpayers in these
towns would pay as much as $6,700 more.
Our legislative representative Adam Greshin voted against the
Legislature's version of the budget, though he has said that he doesn't
like the governor's version either. If legislators and the
administration can't reach an agreement before the proposed veto vote
on June 2, I hope that you would join me in urging Rep. Greshin to
override the governor's veto.
There is no perfect solution in this difficult year. Legislative
leadership has said that none of the choices were easy, but that
Vermonters stick together in tough times. I think that the
Legislature's priorities mirror the interests of far more people in The
Valley than those put forth by the governor.
Carol Hosford
Waitsfield
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