Week in Action 6/17/2016

Phil continued introducing additional specific plans this week to ensure Vermonters understand his approach to leadership and how he’ll move Vermont forward. That work didn’t keep him tied down in the office, however, as he continued to hit the road, touring places of work and visiting with hundreds of Vermonters. A few of this week’s highlights from the state’s most energetic and hardworking campaign are below.

PHIL LAYS OUT HIS BUDGET POLICY & PROPOSALS FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Phil introduced his state budget policy plan this week, outlining his plan and proposals for establishing truth in state budgeting and real fiscal responsibility as Governor.

The plan details specific proposals for prioritizing economic growth and affordability, setting clear budget limits and strengthening Vermont’s workforce through pro-growth investments. Phil will be a leader that is honest about what things cost, what we can afford and the need to eliminate inefficiencies within state government. His plan will establish a transparent, outcome-oriented and fiscally responsible state budget. Read the full plan HERE.

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REMINDER: PRIMARY VOTING HAS OFFICIALLY STARTED – VOTE EARLY FOR PHIL! 

Early voting for the August 9 primary opened this week for residents of Barre Town, and will open in all Vermont towns by June 24. We strongly encourage all Vermonters to check in with your town clerk’s office to identify the date for early voting in your town. Your vote is your voice, so be sure to know the rules and get out the vote! You can view contact information for your town clerk’s office HERE.

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VERMONT NEEDS A MECHANIC, AND PHIL IS JUST THE PERSON FOR THE JOB
We all know how hard Phil works, and his diligent, meticulous approach to listening to constituents and learning more by going “under the hood” of each issue. That work ethic and commitment to Vermonters was documented in an article, “Phil Scott, the Quintessential Mechanic,” by Mark Johnston for VT Digger, and we encourage you to read the full piece HERE.

As highlighted in the article, Phil has always been driven by a strong work ethic, and a mechanic’s mindset when it comes to solving problems. He’ll “take [an issue] apart, examine the parts, fix it and put it back together.” This is the exact approach needed by our next governor, who we all know, will face tremendous challenges.

Those that know Phil best, including family, colleagues and business partners, shared more insight into Phil’s leadership qualities, and Phil elaborated on his approach to addressing our most serious challenge: affordability.

“Scott says high property taxes are the biggest reason Vermont is unaffordable. Add on increasing government fees, and he says Vermonters are like frogs in the frying pan. One idea he promotes is to increase the state’s population to 700,000 to spread the costs of government more broadly. In particular, he wants to recruit younger people. Asked how, he suggests offering 20- and 30-year-olds a break on their state income tax.” Read the full article HERE.

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HEARING YOUR VOICE!
As Phil told VT Digger this week, when it comes to working hard “you just keep going.” That commitment rings true, as Phil and Team Scott continue to meet with Vermonters and visit our amazing small business community throughout the state. It’s so important to Phil that he hear directly from Vermonters about the challenges they face and how he can help solve them. Thanks, as always, to everyone who welcomed Team Scott this week, and shared your stories and ideas for growing our economy and making Vermont more affordable! With stops in Arlington, Northshire, Charlotte, Bradford, Manchester, Sharon, Barre and more, Phil met with local residents and toured businesses, including Carved Solutions, Equinox Valley Nursery, Farm-Way, Miles Lumber Company & Miles Fuels, Newton Pellet, Sandy’s Drive-in Restaurant, Spear’s Corner Store, and Wilcox Ice Cream.

We’d love to meet you at our next stop, so check out our full listing of events HERE.

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ICYMI: PHIL IN THE NEWS

“Support Phil Scott”
“Phil Scott has remained here as legislator and Lt. Governor, attempting to stem the bleeding of the state’s investments.” – Christopher Maloney, Washington (Source: Times Argus: Full Story)

Mourning with the entire nation following the Orlando tragedy
We, along with our entire country, were heartbroken by the tragedy in Orlando, and our thoughts are with all of the victims and their families. Phil joined other local leaders in sharing his condolences. “It’s difficult to find the words to express our collective national shock and grief over this senseless act of violence.” (Source: WPTZ: Full Story)

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ICYMI: THIS WEEK’S #GOODREADS

Jeff Couture in VT Digger: Tech Jobs Represent an Economic Growth Opportunity
In the budget policy plan Phil put forth this week, he proposed a strategy to invest in people – to invest in areas that build and strengthen our workforce, which will grow our economy and allow businesses to thrive with talented, qualified labor. As Phil has said, nurturing our growing tech industry and bolstering STEM education programs will be a critical element to growing our economy. The strength and value of that industry was highlighted by Vermont Technology Alliance Executive Director Jeff Couture in VT Digger this week, which you can read HERE. Read more about Phil’s plans to grow our economy by investing in pro-growth areas, such as tech, HERE.

Thanks to everyone that came out to events and participated in meetings this week. Be sure to follow along with the campaign’s activities everyday – and share your thoughts – @PhilScott4VT  and https://www.facebook.com/PhilScottforVermont/.