Tax cut could weaken state budget
Governor Jim Douglas says federal tax cuts could cost Vermont at least $10 million a year. The governor says the Legislature needs to adjust Vermont’s tax law to protect the state budget. And if an easy fix isn’t possible before the Legislature goes home, officials say lawmakers may have to return for a special session to make the change. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Iowa labor votes
All of the Democratic presidential candidates are actively seeking the support of labor unions in Iowa because the unions play a pivotal role in determining the winner of that state’s caucuses. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Douglas insists on permit reform
Governor Jim Douglas has sharpened his criticism of the Democratically controlled Senate. The Senate has passed a bill that streamlines local planning and zoning laws. But Democratic Senate leaders say they need more time to consider a House bill that changes the statewide permit process. (VPR)
Endangered Species Act
Vermont Senator James Jeffords has won a victory in his attempt to protect endangered species. The Senate on Wednesday passed a Jeffords amendment to limit Defense Department exemptions from the Endangered Species Act. (VPR)
Role of state veterinarian
Vermont’s agriculture commissioner, Steve Kerr, is renewing his efforts to retool the job of state veterinarian. (AP)
ATVs in Adirondacks
A law proposed in New York state would impound all-terrain vehicles operated in ecologically sensitive areas of the state, including the northern Adirondacks. (AP)
Legislature might adjourn
Some veteran lawmakers are skeptical that the Legislature will adjourn Thursday. Legislative conference committees are narrowing their differences but still have a way to go on a bill replacing some school property taxes with other revenues. And another six-member conference committee is debating the capital construction bill. But House and Senate lawmakers are optimistic that they can reach an agreement on education funding. (AP)
Legislator pay study
A Senate committee is suggesting that an independent group conduct a study of legislative and executive pay. The committee wants the non-partisan Snelling Center for Government at the University of Vermont to review pay for lawmakers and top administration officials. (AP)
Burlington charter changes
There won’t be any action this year by the Legislature on proposed changes in Burlington’s charter. The changes in the regulation of landlord-tenant relations were approved by city voters in March. But they must be ratified by the Legislature before they can take effect. Wednesday Burlington lawmakers tried to force a vote in the House on the charter changes, but that failed on a vote of 63-to-68. (AP)
Dean campaign in Utah
Utah, a bastion for conservative Republicans, hasn’t drawn many Democrats campaigning for the 2004 presidential election. But Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean made a quick stop there anyway. Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson Wednesday introduced Dean to several dozen supporters. (AP)
Champlain boating rescue
Quick action by a boater on Lake Champlain helped save a sailor whose boat capsized and dumped him into the 49-degree water. A charter boat captain called the Coast Guard Wednesday morning to report the capsized boat. The Coast Guard rescued the unidentified man, who was taken to Fletcher Allen Health Care where he was treated and released for hypothermia. (AP)
Manchester museum
The North Shire Museum and History Center in Manchester wants to expand. The museum is about to launch a one million dollar capital campaign to buy nearly five acres in downtown Manchester. (AP)