Douglas Stiffs Retirees

First, he kills the energy bill which would have created long-term savings and affordability for average Vermonters. Then, he cuts funding for affordable housing and conservation in Vermont. Next up? Taking a bite out of retirement funds for state employees. Are you starting to see a pattern here? Is the American Dream dying?

That may be overstating it a little, but when it comes to his "Affordability Agenda" it basically comes down to this: In Jim Douglas' world if you are independently wealthy, life in Vermont will be affordable - for the rest of us... uh, not so much. Douglas' failure to plan beyond the current fiscal year and seek long-term solutions for Vermonters is at the heart of his penny-wise, pound foolish budget and his other legislative priorities.

On the other hand, there is one new job he could create that would have a major impact on Vermont's future: New Governor. He's looking near invincible right now, but all things change in politics, and adopting these short-sighted policies may hasten his demise. Maybe not today, mabye not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of his life (with apologies to Bogey).

At least Jeb Spaulding is stepping up and holding Douglas' feet to the fire. In today's Times Argus, he takes Douglas to task for stiffing the state retirement fund:

"As a former state treasurer, you must know that is not a prudent action, because the problem of under funding compounds itself. It is the first time in recent years we have intentionally underfunded the state employees' retirement system. We shouldn't be starting new spending initiatives, no matter how worthy they are, unless we can meet the obligations," Spaulding said. "It's not like we can decide we want to change the rules of the game for the people who are on the job now."

Spaulding wrote to Douglas outlining his concerns: "I find it difficult to justify proposing new spending initiatives at the same time you are proposing not to pay the bill for services already rendered." Spaulding wrote. "I do hope the Legislature will correct the situation by funding the actuarial recommendations for the Vermont State Employees' Retirement System in full."