Gov. Douglas and Sen. Shumlin clearly stated opposition to tax increases Tuesday morning, and Speaker Smith offered no contradiction. Smith emphasized his commitment to quality education, implying without saying, that he was not eager to trim educational costs. National Life sponsored the meeting at Capitol Plaza.
The Central Vermont Chamber supports the Senate Economic Development Committee’s proposal (S.290) to rebuild the unemployment trust fund with a combination of increased employer taxes, benefit reforms, and a temporary employee tax. The plan spreads the pain across key stakeholders, said Chamber vice president Mike Woodfield.
See central-vt.com/legis for a summary of S.290.
Every vote makes a difference. Make sure you take time to enjoy the privilege of voting. Employers are encouraged to remind their employees to participate in town meeting as well. Don’t hope the vote goes your way, help it go your way - by voting and by urging others to vote with you.
The regional public safety services committee finalized its preparation Thursday evening for a March 18 presentation to members of councils and selectboards in Barre City, Barre Town, Berlin, Montpelier. The meeting was held in the Chamber conference rooms and webcast via www.ustream.tv/cvchamber
Many legislators who now say that businesses have failed to adequately fund the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund were suggesting a short time ago that the “surplus” in the fund be used to provide workforce training. If required to foot the entire bill for rebuilding the trust fund, some businesses will be forced to trim employment, thereby increasing payments. Restructuring benefits and/or a wage tax must pick up half the shortfall.
More than 50 business and community leaders met to network with each other and 15 area companies that exhibited at Thursday’s mini-expo at the Central Vermont Chamber. Sponsored by CreativeWorkforceSolutions, the event included a brief formal program and door prize drawing. Tatro’s ACES, Vermont Festival of the Arts, Cultural Crossroads, and Vermont Computing were called upon to provide brief infomercials for their businesses.
CreativeWorkforceSolutions is the sponsor of this evening’s Chamber mixer and mini-expo in the Chamber conference rooms. More than a dozen table-top exhibitors will join the mix and mingle crowd to offer more in-depth information on their services. Registration is just $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. Refreshments provided.
H.382 would require even Vermont’s smallest employers to provide paid time off for personal or family sickness, doctor’s appointments, domestic abuse or stalking. Any employee working 30 hours per week is eligible. The mandate would require pay for up to 56 hours per year. Rep. Paul Poirier of Barre is among the sponsors.
Bill posted at www.central-vt.com/legis/H.382.pdf
The mayor’s willingness to pick up the ball - so to speak - and secure investors for the Frost Heaves was critical to keeping the team functional and making Barre its focal point. Despite a bit of conflict with official duties, Lauzon’s effort was important to Barre and the team. He deserves credit stepping up.
The team returns to the Aud for a game Friday night.
Lacillade Lumber in Williamstown is historically significant and locally owned while the Dollar Store in Barre is a relative newcomer and part of some distant management. Different as they are, both closings are painful. Both leave residents with fewer employment opportunities and with less convenient access to goods. Both indicate slower consumer spending and business retrenching. We wish Lacillade continued success in its Williston location.