On the Issues

Vermont is a great place to live, to work and to raise a family. Every day, looking out my window at the mountains, woods and fields I feel blessed to be living here. But we are facing some hard times. As a working mom I know how hard it is for Vermont families to make ends meet. As Secretary of State I see, every day, the challenges facing our communities, schools and small businesses.

Over these past 12 years I got things done for the people of Vermont. I have a track record as an innovative leader, and as an energetic problem solver. I believe in the power of community, the importance of innovation and that results matter. As Governor I will use this experience to protect things that make Vermont special and to invest in our future.

  • Insist on Quality Education

    We need to ensure that our schools prepare Vermont students for success. First and foremost, that means raising the graduation rate. Right now, twenty percent---that’s one out of five---Vermont students drop out of high school.  And those that do go on to college are less prepared for higher education than previous generations. Our colleges and universities report that their freshmen classes do not have the basic skills necessary to do college-level work.  As Governor, Deb will focus both on education quality and education cost.

  • Support Vermont's Farms

    Vermont has a proud tradition of farming and forestry.  Our working landscape is one of the things that make us special and that brings people from all over the world to visit, and our agricultural and wood products are sold across the country and are known for their unmatched quality.

  • Harness a Clean Energy Future

    For Vermonters, the economy and energy costs are part of the same equation. Vermont is at an energy crossroads: contracts for two-thirds of Vermont’s electricity are expiring within five years; we have an aging nuclear plant within Vermont’s borders; because of our rural communities Vermonters use more gas for driving than average Americans. In addition, Vermont has some of the oldest and least energy efficient housing stock in the country with long heating seasons.

  • Support Vermont Small Businesses

    Vermont’s small and medium sized businesses are the backbone of our economy. While the success of our businesses depends principally on the innovation and abilities of its owners and managers, government can help.  Deb knows government can help by doing things like providing access to fast and reliable Internet connections; maintaining safe roads, bridges and rail, investing in workforce development and health care reform to stem the rising costs of health-care premiums. Vermont businesses must also have access to investment capital in order to grow.

  • Change “Business as Usual” In Montpelier

    Vermonters expect our leaders to work together. The same partisan battles that have played out year after year aren't good government or good for our citizens. In these tough economic times, Vermonters don't want to hear about left or right. They expect results.

     

  • Create Good Jobs

    Vermont has been hard hit by the recession. Thousands of Vermonters are out of work, and are worrying about how they’re going to stay in their homes, feed their families, pay for the necessities of life. Deb will make creating good jobs for Vermonters her top priority. She knows we will succeed if we embrace who we are as a state and recognize that this has value for existing businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking to expand, start or move a business to Vermont.

  • Make Government Efficient and Accountable

    Vermont can’t afford to waste a single tax dollar with looming budget deficits. A Markowitz administration will make it a priority to cut wasteful government spending, but Deb knows state government provides Vermonters with valuable services. Even in tough times, services like public education, health care for our children and maintenance of our infrastructure need to be continued with integrity.

  • Fight For Affordable, Quality Health Care for All

    As Governor Deb will fight for quality, affordable health care for all.  Vermont has been a national leader of health reform, starting with our commitment to making sure that every child has access to health care.  Our Blueprint for Health is a model for other states looking to prevention and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, and our Catamount health program is a first step in making sure that every Vermonter has access to health coverage.  But despite these efforts, health care costs for Vermont families keep rising.  The most frequent cause of individu

  • Care for Vermont's Seniors

    Vermont is getting older.  Our senior population is expected to grow by more than 87 percent over the next 15 years. As Vermont's population ages, the demand for accessible housing, quality medical services and first-rate long-term care will grow.

  • Recommit to our Veterans

    Vermont has always risen to our country's call to duty, and for too long our Federal government has  neglected the needs of our veterans. As Governor, Deb will remain committed to care for Veterans of our Armed Services and she will make sure that today's citizen-soldiers, members of our National Guard, receive the respect, appreciation and the services they have earned.