VIA Clergy Hold Press Conference in Montpelier on State Budget

April 30, 2009

After conducting research with Reps. Suzi Wizowaty and Mark Larson, as well as Sen. Doug Racine, VIA Clergy held a press conference at the Statehouse on April 1, 2009 to commend the House version of the State budget.

The House Appropriations Committee restored all of the cuts that the Governor had proposed, which would have adversely affected many low-income Vermonters. The clergy -- three from Central Vermont and three from Burlington -- voiced their support for the House budget, shared their disappointment over Gov Douglas' refusal to meet with VIA faith leaders, and recommended that legislators consider increasing taxes on wealthier Vermonters so that all would shoulder the burden of caring for communities in tough economic times.

Watch Rev. Rich Forcier speak at the press conference: