Education has been a hot topic in Montpelier.
During the last session, Vermont
lawmakers passed legislation that elevated the state’s chief education official
from a commissioner to a Cabinet-level secretary. During his recent
inauguration speech, Governor Peter Shumlin addressed nothing but his goals for
education.
Former Education Commissioner Armando Vilaseca has been
hired to fill the new secretary’s role. The Secretary provides his input of
Governor Shumlin’s inaugural objectives as well as discusses his new role, his
own priorities and the emergency preparedness of the state’s schools.
Also on the program, the legislature changed
the Homestead Declaration last year which has major implications when you file taxes
this year. Tax Commissioner Mary Peterson explains the changes.
Plus, we hit the ice for a pond hockey tournament held in Fairfield,
Vermont.