Fwd: [CCWG] GOVERNOR'S A NO-SHOW AT BUDGET HEARING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2009
CONTACT: Robert Dempsey (802) 229-1783 

GOVERNOR'S A NO-SHOW AT BUDGET HEARING
Douglas had lunch with contributiors while testimony was given

Montpelier, VT - Jim Douglas' staff today characterized the small business owners, the local school board members and Vermont property tax payers who came to comment on the Governor's recent budget proposal as "special interests." 

"It is insulting to all Vermonters that Jim Douglas would label working Vermonters -- small business owners, volunteer school board members and property taxpayers -- as 'special interests' because they chose to come to the state house to share their thoughts," said Vermont Democratic Party Chair Judy Bevans.

Bevans also called out the Governor for refusing the legislature's invitation to explain his proposals to legislators and Vermonters at the public hearing.  Instead, the governor chose to lunch with a construction company which has contributed generously to his campaign. The DEW Construction Corp contributed $1,300 to Douglas' reelection campaign last year. 

"I guess if I had to explain these draconian proposals to middle class Vermonters, I'd have chosen to have lunch with those contributors, too."

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Robert Dempsey
Executive Director
Vermont Democratic Party
29 Main Street, Suite 3
Montpelier, VT 05601
Office: 802.229.1783
Cell: 614.546.8377