The New Year is a time for looking forward. Here at Shumlin for Governor we’re feeling a sense of growing momentum. Since announcing my candidacy for Governor we have seen an outpouring of support from Vermonters who agree that it’s time to take our state in a new direction. We have launched an interactive website, made more than 270 friends on Facebook and entered the brave new world of Twitter. This is a key moment in Vermont’s history, and I’m increasingly optimistic about our prospects for 2010 and beyond. Will you join me this year as I campaign for Vermont’s future?
The past legislative session came with some challenges due to the statewide economic crisis. We still made important strides, standing up to the Douglas administration to pass a budget that trimmed programs where possible while reinvesting in programs and services that Vermonters need now more than ever. We stood by our longstanding commitment to civil rights for all Vermonters by overriding the governor’s veto of the Marriage Equality Act. This ensures that in the future ALL our citizens will be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of sexual and gender orientation.
Finally, thanks to the generosity of many of you, we launched Operation Holiday Homecoming, a resoundingly successful effort to bring our National Guard troops home for the holidays.
The New Year is sure to bring more challenges. I’m certain Vermont will rise to the occasion, but I need your active help. During the upcoming legislative session we’ll continue to confront the effects of the severe economic crisis our state faces. Creating jobs is a must. For this reason one of our first acts will be to convene a jobs summit. We’ll hear from employers around the state about creative ways to increase job growth and make Vermont a green jobs leader in a recovering national economy. Using what we learn at the summit, we’ll craft an economic development bill that I’m optimistic will result in dramatically expanded opportunities for all Vermonters.
There are other pressing issues as well. In light of the uncertain results of the health care reform effort in Washington, we must work to expand coverage to all Vermonters. As the 40th anniversary of Act 250 approaches, we need to be cognizant of how much that law has helped keep Vermont green. Our state’s unique natural environment is one of our most precious assets. It’s imperative that we uphold the standards set by past leaders – and that we stand up to those who would weaken those standards for the sake of ideology or short-term economic gain.
I’m excited about the year ahead. It’s time we elect a governor who will put our state on a new path. Vermont deserves a future where all citizens are allowed to flourish in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, where innovation and creativity lead to a sustainable prosperity, and where our most precious assets are protected and carefully stewarded for the generations to come.
Green manufacturing jobs is what it’s all about. It’s a relief to hear your message whenever you’re on the radio. I’m a native Vermonter and it’s so important to protect the environment but we do need jobs. I’ve seen too many Vermonters kicked off their land because they can’t afford to pay their taxes. So sad to see families loosing ancestral homes, and it’s happening all over the state. There won’t be many Vermonters left in the state if something doesn’t change soon.