Conference - Getting Control of Vermont's Budget Future

Facts to Action: Getting Control of Vermont's Budget Future

October 21, 2009
8:30am - 4:00pm
Capitol Plaza Hotel
Montpelier, Vermont

Vermont is facing the largest state budget shortfall in recent memory and most agree that its effects will be felt for years to come. The recession—coupled with fundamental economic changes—threatens the state, requiring that we act. This conference will examine the underlying causes of Vermont’s fiscal problems and explore ways to respond when policy makers say cutting services is the only way to balance the budget.

Education, highways, child care, health care, clean air and water protection, energy planning, and other services are essential to a thriving and prosperous state and make Vermont an attractive place to live and work. We have invested a lot in what we have. Permanent cuts in state spending imperil our investment and don't save money if they simply shifts costs onto individual Vermonters.

What’s needed now is real leadership to enact reforms, not to reduce what government does, but to make the state work for all Vermonters. Where will this leadership come from? The best place is from Vermonters themselves. This conference is designed for those who want to help shape Vermont's future and make it the state we want.

In the morning sessions, attendees will see the connection between today’s state budget woes and Vermont’s long-term or structural budget problems. They also will hear from people who experience first hand the effects of the budget cuts that have already been enacted.
In the afternoon, the conference will shift the focus to taking action. There will be presentations, discussions, and workshops about how to get involved to make a difference and the importance of working in coalition. And attendees will practice developing responses to public officials who say the only answer is to permanently cut state services.

Attendees from previous conferences have liked the clear and straightforward presentation of facts and analysis we presented. And they said they left the conferences feeling empowered to use this information in their work. Policy change begins with citizens' understanding. We need to know what isn't working now and what alternatives exist to put the state on a more sensible path.

Join with us and others who want to put their desire for change into action. To register for this event, please visit https://factstoaction.wufoo.com/forms/facts-to-action/