Rep Crawford

Refocusing our state resources to fully funding existing effective programs.

The State of Vermont has the nation’s healthiest children. This is due in large part to our Dr. Dinosaur program. The State leads the nation in providing affordable health coverage for those who can not afford health insurance through Catamount Health. Both of these programs have stressed the Medicaid budget which now has an annual shortfall of nearly $100 million dollars. Our commitment to Medicaid must be met by providing adequate state funding.

Cities in Vermont support major state institutions such as State Colleges, correctional facilities, and major pieces of conserved land such as the Champion Lands. The State must fully meet is commitment to the Payment in Lieu of Taxes(PILOT) program to compensate these municipalities for the services they provide to these institutions.

Restoring our deteriorating roads and bridges.

Specifically, I support bonding to bring our transportation system up to safe standards; providing support to municipalities in support of water and sewer projects; effectively managing infrastructure including state buildings, parks, and natural resources such as our conserved lands.

Relieving the pressure on local property taxes.

In the Northeast Kingdom we are property rich. However, our individual wealth cannot sustain paying the high property taxes generated by Acts 60 and 68. To lower the burden on our local education budgets, I support moving the governance and funding for special education and the recently implemented early education program from our local school districts to the state Department of Education.

Protecting Vermonters who are most affected by a poor economy.

I support increasing funding for programs that provide assistance to our elderly and disadvantaged citizens. I support increasing financial support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other similar programs.

Ensuring a quality school remains the center of each community.

In each community in the Northeast Kingdom, the local school is the centerpiece of community pride. It is critical that these schools continue to provide a quality education to our children. I will maintain pressure to ensure that the Legislature fully funds its commitment to Acts 60 and 68 so that each community receives it full share of state support for its school.