News, Events, Announcements

Vermont Government Transparency Site Goes Live!
The new website, a joint venture of Ethan Allen Institute and Public Assets Institute, has a wealth of information about state revenues and spending, both current and historical. Please go here and take a look: http://www.vttransparency.org

We The People of Vermont
We urge all members to fill out this non-partisan survey located at: wethepeoplevt.com

See the results of the pole here.

Announcement
And now, a public service announcement. more...

Act 250 Site
Go directly to the Act 250 site. more...

City of Rutland
View the City of Rutland web site. more...

Legislative Voting Records...

On October 1, the Rutland Herald ran an editorial titled, “If you’re scoring at home”.  The editorial attempts to dismiss the results of voting records of politicians.  While there is some truth in the statement that scorecards over simplify the results, the fact remains that actions speak louder than words.

It is easy to please your constituents, while on the campaign trail, by telling them what they want to hear.  If a candidate assures the business community that they will vote for legislation that benefits business and vote against legislation that increases regulations, the cost of doing business, and taxes on business, then it is expected that they will keep their word.  However, unless voters are willing to spend a great deal of time in Montpelier trailing their representatives around the State House, it is almost impossible to know if candidates keep their campaign promises.

Enter the legislative scorecards.  The Chamber of Commerce and NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) are associations representing a wide variety of independent businesses that work to enhance the creation of jobs and the health of Vermont’s business climate.  Both track legislation and rate candidates on their voting record on issues important to business.  The results are based only on the way a politician votes.

It is hard to believe a candidate, who claims to be pro-business, when checking their voting records shows that their votes are rated at 0%, 22% or even 44% on issues important to the future of all working Vermonters.  An individual who votes against business on a regular basis is not pro-business.

Actions do speak louder than words.  A candidate’s voting record is how we measure their commitment to business and working Vermonters, not campaign promises and fancy brochures. 

Voting Records NFIB & Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Percent Candidate Voted with Business Past Session &
RCPBC Questionnaire

                                               
*Candidates running in uncontested races were not included in questionnaire.

Peg Flory left the House when she was appointed to the Senate by Governor Douglas and was replaced by Butch Shaw.  They were rated by NFIB.  The full voting records with definition of each vote can be found at the NFIB and Vermont Chamber websites.