Vermont’s grotesque tax burden was a big reason why our state never really recovered from the Great Recession. This doubling down on a failed policy prescription will ensure an even greater failure to recover from this recession.
Rushing to spend $1.25 billion in federal Covid-19 cash, Gov. Phil Scott reserved $5 million for mental health treatment. At least he realizes his governance in the coronavirus crisis has pushed thousands of Vermonters over the cliff emotionally as well as financially.
More than 40 million Americans have filed unemployment claims since mid-March, when state governments across the U.S. began restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, including closing businesses deemed nonessential.
If our political leaders are earnestly taking a “data-based approach,” then why is it OK to ignore this data, and in doing so subject us to irrational and absurd precautionary measures that continue to strangle the economy and demoralize society?
Gov. Phil Scott has fomented the worst economic crisis in Vermont since the Great Depression. He’s sowing fear with bad models. Now there’s a disingenuous bait and switch. There are four remedies we need to take since the governor believes he can extend the state of emergency forever.
As we come out the other side of this, putting policies into place that encourage rapid employment, capital investment in new and old businesses, and entrepreneurial creativity must be our number one priority.
Why did most states decide to lock down when all they had to do, at much less cost to the social fabric and economic life and individual liberty, was to protect those over 65 and the frail?
“As anticipated, the monthly numbers show the tremendous economic impact of COVID-19. We are seeing an unprecedented level of economic disruption in our state, nation, and around the world.”
A fitness club owner who took a stand against Gov. Phil Scott’s economic shutdown is facing a lawsuit from Vermont’s attorney general, and the consequences range from fines to contempt of court, which could land him in jail.
“Today is a sad day in America,” Sean Manovill begins. “Club Fitness has been sued and fined into submission. Contempt of court carries a threat of jail time, and I cannot do that to my wife and two young children. The state of Vermont has taken the rights of free people to make us comply with their agenda.”
Governor Phil Scott today announced a $400 million economic relief and recovery package, using funds from the $1.25 billion the state received from the Federal CARES Act.
There is perhaps no flatter COVID-19 curve than Vermont’s, and perhaps no economy more effectively flattened.