SENATE PASSES CRITICAL AMENDMENTS TO JOBS BILL
Montpelier, Vt – The Senate today took a critical step towards
passing a jobs bill that will put Vermonters back to work, help our
small businesses and strengthen Vermont’s economy.
In order to avoid a timely conference committee, the Senate passed
28-0, amendments to the House proposal of amendments to S. 288 “An act
relating to the Vermont recovery and reinvestment act of 2010.” The
Senate’s amendment made key provisions to strengthen the legislation.
One of these provisions, co-sponsored by Senator Shumlin, restores the
Vermont Seal of Quality program that the Douglas Administration recently
suspended. Under the Senate legislation, Vermont’s Regional Economic
Development organizations will consider the applications to use the
seal.
“People from across the country have come to associate the Vermont
Seal of Quality with quality, Vermont made brands,” said Senator Peter
Shumlin. “The Seal is an effective and valuable economic development
tool and I am pleased that the Senate has found a way to continue its
use.”
S. 288, known commonly as the jobs bill, will create jobs and
opportunities for struggling Vermonters. The bill uses $8.6 million in
federal stimulus funds to make investments into growing green
businesses, job training and broadband expansion.
“This bill invests in the Vermont businesses that will help lead us
out of the recession and back into prosperity,” said Senator Illuzzi,
Chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee.
The money will be invested as follows:
● $2.85 million for the Vermont Telecommunications Authority to
expand broadband access
● $1 million for the Vermont Jobs Fund.
● $1 million for loans to allow farmers to refinance their debt.
● $1 million for the downtown and village center tax credit
program.
● $950,000 for the Vermont Training Program to provide employment
training.
● $800,000 for loans to businesses harmed by the closure of the Lake
Champlain Bridge
● $850,000 for an entrepreneur’s seed capital fund to provide money
to growing green and agriculture businesses.
● $100,000 for the Vermont Film Commission.
● $50,000 to temporarily restore the Seal of Quality program, which
had been suspended by the Douglas Administration.
The Senate’s proposal of amendment will now be considered by the
House before proceeding to the Governor.
Source: Press Release, Office of the Senate President Peter Shumlin
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