Racine statement on administration failure to negotiate

For Immediate Release
September 22, 2009

Contact Persons:
Doug Racine 802-343-5417
Mark Larsen 802-355-4507

Statement of Doug Racine
The Administration Has Failed

Jim Douglas has missed the opportunity to cut costs and save services for Vermonters. Had he worked more cooperatively with state workers, they would have reached a deal weeks ago. The governor should have started the conversation by recognizing the service our state employees give to Vermonters and the need for those services to continue. Putting more people in the unemployment line cannot help our economy, and cutting services when Vermonters need them most makes absolutely no sense. State employees were willing to make sacrifices, but the governor failed to negotiate a settlement which means more Vermont workers will be out on the street.

Let’s be clear. If the Administration wanted a deal, they could have had one. They kept changing the rules. It didn’t have to be this way. Vermonters have always known how to work together to get through tough times. As governor, I will honor this tradition and bring people together to face our financial problems, find solutions, and create new opportunities.

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Doug Racine is a candidate for Governor and a Vermont state senator, chairing the Health and Welfare Committee and serving on the Economic Development Committee. He has served 6 terms in the Senate, including 4 years as President Pro Tem, and also 6 years as Lieutenant Governor. He is a lifelong Vermonter and a small business owner. More information at www.dougracine.com.