Vermont House Republican Caucus

Vermont's Challenges = Our Priorities

Reducing the Cost of Home Heating The cost of heating Vermonters’ homes has never been greater than it is now.  To provide immediate relief this winter, we propose to end the legislative session a month earlier than we did last year.  By agreeing to this now, we would realize $1M in savings that could provide additional funding for LIHEAP (the Low Income Heating Assistance Program).  Of course, the cheapest gallon of fuel is the one we don’t have to use, which is why our weatherization programs are so important, and why House Republicans will work to invest in and expand Vermont’s successful home weatherization program. Making Healthcare Affordable for All Vermonters All Vermonters should have access to affordable healthcare.  This includes those Vermonters who are already have health insurance, but are paying for premiums that are too high.  The cost shift from government-run health insurance plans is no longer sustainable; it is time to acknowledge that this is nothing more than a tax on healthcare that working Vermonters are forced to pay.  All Vermonters should have access to a variety of health insurance options that are competitively and affordably priced.   Reducing the Property Tax Burden We continue to hear from Vermonters across the state about the growing burden of soaring property taxes.  Vermonters expect our legislature to delivery meaningful reform of our education funding system.  We continue to work towards meaningful reform that will provide: Affordability Local Control Transparency Simplicity Economic Security, Prosperity & Job Growth With concerns about the health of the US economy, it is imperative that we focus on making Vermont an attractive place for employers to expand and relocate to.  Understanding the needs of businesses and nurturing entrepreneurial activity is the key to our economic security and prosperity.  Vermont House Republicans support legislation that improves our economic security and leads to job creation, while balancing the need to protect our Vermont’s natural environment. Infrastructure During 2007, the legislature put partisan politics aside and worked together to pass the Telecom Bill that will bring Governor Douglas’ e-State Initiative to fruition.  Increased investment in our state’s infrastructure – transportation, telecommunications, and water and sewer – is critical to our economic prosperity.  Unfortunately, the continued growth of other government programs in Vermont has left our most critical infrastructure with insufficient funding.  We must prioritize our spending to ensure that Vermont's most basic needs come first.