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Sunday, March 4th, 2007
I am happy to report that our town of Milton is going to be receiving $1,390,000 from the capital budget that was passed with very little debate on Thursday by the house. This is very gratifying to me as I have spent the last nine weeks working on this bill in the Institutions Committee.
I am happy to report that our town of Milton is going to be receiving $1,390,000 from the capital budget that was passed with very little debate on Thursday by the house. This is very gratifying to me as I have spent the last nine weeks working on this bill in the Institutions Committee. These funds are to be appropriated as follows: (1) the new waste water treatment plant is entitled to and will receive $340,000 in grants from the Agency of Natural Resources, and (2) The mold remediation project at the elementary school is entitled to, and will receive, $1,050,000 in emergency school construction state aid from the Department of Education. The state recognizes that these are very important projects to our community and has made the financial commitment a priority.
The fact that we are getting so much state money this fiscal year has been causing me a lot of grief in committee from fellow members. They jokingly did not think it was right that a new committee member’s community should be entitled to approximately three percent of the entire state capital budget. I on the other hand, graciously disagreed and made it clear that I felt we have been short-changed by the state for years.
The other critical piece of the capital budget that I am very proud of is the establishment of a moratorium on state aid for school construction. I was a strong proponent of this in committee and feel that this is absolutely essential for the financial well-being of the state at this point in time. There is currently over fifty million dollars promised by the state to communities to assist with school construction. The moratorium will give the state time to develop a new funding mechanism and time to catch up on its financial obligations. If no other education financing reform is accomplished this session, I can say that this element is a positive step and that I helped make a difference.
I was fortunate to have been accompanied by my daughter Erin and nieces Samantha Juaire and Haley Lauziere at the Statehouse on Thursday. They were present when I presented a portion of the capital bill on the floor. I really enjoyed introducing them to colleagues and showing them around the Statehouse. I invite everyone to visit the Statehouse.
House and Senate committees continue to meet on education funding. This continues to give me hope that property tax reform will not been forgotten. I am very hopeful that property tax reform, health care costs and affordable housing continue to build momentum throughout the session.
I will be spending most of Town Meeting Day at the polls and would be happy to discuss any concern or issue you may have. If you would like to set up a time to meet in person please feel free to contact me in advance.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
I can be reached here at the Statehouse by calling 1-800-322-5616 or by my cell 373-5960; My website address is Don Turner Jr.com or e-mail me at dturner@leg.state.vt.us. Thank you and have a great week.