Lottery leasing idea launches talk of alternatives 
Burlington Free Press 1/14/08
"Gov. Jim Douglas' proposal to lease out Vermont's lottery, though it has met resounding resistance from legislators, is launching an assortment of alternative ideas."

Governors urge Senate to include home heating funds in economic stimulus package 
Burlington Free Press 1/30/08
"Governor Jim Douglas and the Coalition of Northeastern Governors today sent a letter to the U.S. Senate urging them to include additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) currently being considered in Washington."

It is the taxes
Eagle Times 1/13/08
"There is a lot to like about Gov. Jim Douglas' State of the State speech given last week before the Legislature."

Editorial: Familiar issues, modest goals offer possibilities
Burlington Free Press 1/13/08
"The governor brings before the Legislature many of the issues that lawmakers dealt with last year. That means all sides should already have a sense of where the others stand. This is a situation lawmakers and the administration must take advantage of in order to seek common ground."

Douglas: We need tax relief
Bennington Banner 1/11/08
"The Governor kicked off his sixth year in office by calling for more progress on many issues he has previously addressed, such as affordable housing, health care, crime and drug abuse." 

Governor Jim Douglas' State of the State Address
VPR 1/10/08
"As 2008 opens, the hope of a new year - of a new beginning - unfolds before us, touching the horizon of a new generation. For centuries, our people have been held by a faith in tomorrow, by the glory of God's gift: the promise of Vermont."

Douglas: Tight budget times coming, but Vt. can innovate through
WCAX 1/10/08
"Calling for property tax relief by leasing the state lottery and a new "urban homesteading" program, Gov. Jim Douglas today kicked off his sixth year in office with his annual State of the State Address."

Douglas proposes lowering Vermont's income tax rate
VPR 1/10/08
"Douglas proposed lowering Vermont's income tax rate. As VPR's Bob Kinzel reports, the Governor wants to pay for the proposal by removing exemptions for the state's capital gains tax." 
 

(2006) 

Rutland Herald and Barre-Montpelier Times Argus Support ‘Douglas for Governor’
November 2, 2006
"Gov. James Douglas has been a careful and conscientious leader for the state of Vermont over his two terms, and he deserves re-election this year."

The Herald of Randolph Endorses Jim Douglas for Governor
The Herald of Randolph, November 2, 2006 
"He has just the right temperament for the job -an open, non-combative manner, leavened by good humor like him when they meet him -which is often."

The Bennington Banner Endorses Jim Douglas for Governor
Bennington Banner, October 31, 2006
"...the way Republicans and Democrats have generally worked together on major issues with Jim Douglas in office could be a model of cooperation that should be noted in Washington.”

Springfield Eagle Times Endorses Jim Douglas for Governor
Springfield Eagle Times, October 31, 2006 
“For the past four years, Jim Douglas has served as Vermont’s governor in the tradition many before him have - as an honest, forthright politician willing to state his positions, take stands when justified and compromise at times when it would have been easier to obstruct.  For this reason, we endorse Douglas for another two years as Vermont’s top executive. He's the right man at the right time.”

Douglas and Dubie – the real deal
Bennington Banner, October 24, 2006, by Mike Bethel
"The quality of candidates that participated in our political forums were quite impressive. But I am still impressed with Gov. Douglas and Lt. Gov. Dubie. These two gentleman are the real deal. They always think of the concerns of all Vermonters when making major decisions in Montpelier."

The Burlington Free Press Endorses Jim Douglas for Governor
The Burlington Free Press,  Sunday, October 27, 2006
"Gov. Jim Douglas deserves credit for this solid state of the state and has earned another term as the state's chief executive."

St. Albans Messenger Endorses Jim Douglas for Governor
St. Albans Messenger, Friday, October 27, 2006 
"A prosperous Vermont depends on the ability and willingness of its governor to use the office as a bully pulpit to speak the truth, to lead when times are difficult and to apply the skills necessary to convince Vermonters of the need to address the hard choices ahead. Jim Douglas is the person best able to provide this leadership. He should be re-elected.."

Caledonian Record Endorses Jim Douglas for Governor
Caledonian-Record, Thursday, 10/26/06
"Jim Douglas has a proven track record of competence, civility, and concern for Vermont's beleaguered taxpayers. He has well earned re-election."

Brattleboro Reformer Endorses Governor Douglas
Brattleboro Reformer, Tuesday, 10/24/06
"When it comes to Vermont and what Vermonters want, there is no equal to Douglas in listening, squaring up opposing viewpoints and being the leader who can absorb the issues for the cross-section of balance and fairness." 

Gubernatorial Candidates on Fish and Wildlife Issues
WCAX 10/22/06
"This past session Governor Douglas appropriated extra general funds to help the Department."

Douglas criticizes Bush, Congress
Rutland Herald 10/21/06
"'As (Republican House candidate) Martha Rainville has made very clear, it is time for the Republican House caucus to clean up its act, and I hope a leader will emerge who is credible,' Douglas said at the end of a brief interview on an unrelated topic late Thursday."

Gubernatorial candidates hit Northshire campaign trail
Manchester Journal 10/20/06
"Going back to last January, most polls have consistently shown James Douglas, the two-term Republican incumbent, maintaining a roughly 20-point lead over his Democratic Party rival..."

My Turn: Vermont Fallen Families
Burlington Free Press 10/20/06
"As commander-in-chief of all Vermont troops, he [Gov. Jim Douglas] was always there for every family."

Douglas Wants to Meet IP CEO
WCAX 10/19/06
"With a controversial tire burn set to begin in less than three weeks, the governor is trying a new approach to halt the test."

Environmental group wants to sue International Paper
Addison Independent 10/16/06
"...the Douglas administration will wholeheartedly support the Oct. 28 protest in Middlebury — the governor’s hometown. 'We want to bring as much public pressure to bear in this effort as possible,' [Douglas spokesperson Jason] Gibbs said, adding 'part of our legal strategy is to encourage these organizations to consider citizen lawsuits.'”

Douglas and Parker divided on energy
Burlington Free Press 10/16/06
Douglas brought his conservation ethic to Montpelier when he became governor, downsizing the official vehicles he rides in, buying a fleet of small cars, including hybrids, for employees to use for state travel, and increasing the efficiency of lighting, appliances and heating systems in state buildings...."

Clean and Clear is working in Vermont
Burlington Free Press 10.11.06
"When Gov. Jim Douglas took office in 2003, he decided that improving water quality was an important priority for the health of the state's economy as well as its environment, and he directed that the programs recommended in the TMDL be implemented and its schedule of pollution reduction greatly accelerated. The governor's initiative, named the Clean and Clear Action Plan.... is one of the most significant and exciting water quality programs that I have witnessed in my 35-year career with Vermont's natural resources programs."

Douglas featured at BBC dinner
Benninton Banner 10.5.06
" BENNINGTON — Gov. James Douglas was the featured speaker at the Better Bennington Corporation annual dinner Wednesday evening. The local organization — dedicated to creating a climate that will attract businesses to the area — gathered to dine and reflect on their achievements over the past year."

Westford kids walk to school 
Burlington Free Press 10.4.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas walked with the students, along with local representatives, parents and school staff members."

Douglas basks in 4-star ranking; Parker criticizes farm policy 
Boston Globe 10.3.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas basked in a national magazine's "four-star ranking" of his business development record Tuesday....The magazine said its report 'reveals that the best governors are the least partisan. They are often Republicans in traditional liberal states,' listing Vermont and Minnesota as examples."

Where they stand: Gubernatorial candidates respond 
Burlington Free Press 10.3.06
"Making Vermont more affordable requires reducing the tax burden on Vermonters, and we must begin by putting a cap on property taxes...."

Douglas touts green record, Parker says it's not enough 
Boston Globe 10.2.06
"MONTPELIER, Vt. --Gov. James Douglas talked up his environmental record in a debate Monday night, noting he had increased spending on cleaning up Lake Champlain by 60 percent and been a leader in the fight against global warming."

Douglas, Parker debate issues of health care 
Boston Globe 9.28.06
"Incumbent Gov. Jim Douglas said he believed out-of-state companies should be permitted to sell in Vermont..."

Parker gives break to sexual predators 
Rutland Herald 9.28.06
"Governor Douglas has proposed ... law that would keep violent sexual predators behind bars until they have successfully been treated. There is absolutely no reason why Scudder Parker should oppose this commonsense public safety proposal — but he does."

Health Policy Debate 
WCAX 9.27.06
"'We're doing a lot in Vermont. We should be proud of that and build on our successes and build for the future,' said Gov. Jim Douglas, Republican for Governor."

Sparks, policies fly at gubernatorial debate 
Burlington Free Press 9.21.06
"Vermont's relatively quiet gubernatorial campaign rose a few decibels this week when the major party candidates clashed over important issues in their first official debate at St. Michael's College."

PSB says it will continue probing phone records case
Burlington Free Press 9.19.06 "State regulators plan to continue exploring whether telephone records were improperly released to the federal government"

McCain Stumps for Vermont GOP
WCAX 9.17.06  "McCain is in Vermont to endorse Governor Jim Douglas, Congressional candidate Martha Rainville and Senate hopeful Rich Tarrant."

Vermont, Quebec strengthen the bond
Burlington Free Press 9.17.06  "That Vermont and Quebec have built a strong relationship takes more than good fortune -- it takes work. This work must continue." Charest and Douglas, who have established an easy rapport in the three years since Charest was elected, emphasized the bond at the event Friday.

Vermont POW-MIAs Are Remembered
WCAX 9.16.06  "Saturday was POW-MIA day, commemorated with ceremonies all over the country. The occasion honors the thousands of American soldiers who went missing in action, and those who were taken as prisoners of war."

Vermont politicians turn to fall campaign
Burlington Free Press 9.14.06 "Douglas, speaking at the Republican rally, predicted GOP statewide and legislative candidates would campaign on the party's "affordability agenda." It includes support for job development, health care reform, a promise to cap property taxes and a commitment to help Vermonters afford homes and college educations."

Douglas leads GOP into general election
Rutland Herald 9.14.06 "{The Governor] recounted efforts in the Legislature over the past year to raise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, property transfers, snacks, beer and rooms and meals. 'They just don't get it, but we do,' Douglas said. 'We know that Vermonters want us to make Vermont more affordable and we know that Vermont cannot be made more affordable by raising taxes.'"

Vermont Vows to Fight Tire Burn
WCAX 9.11.06 "Governor Douglas feels the controls are necessary for Ticonderoga"

Governor, Attorney General to discuss International Paper's plan to burn tire-derived fuel
Burlington Free Press 9.11.06 "The governor's office has vowed to exhaust all legal avenues to stop the project."

Douglas has vision for average person
Burlington Free Press 9.7.06  "Gov. Jim Douglas has a vision for the future of Vermont: to make Vermont a more affordable state to live.

Civil commitment plan top priority for Douglas
VPR 9.5.06 "Governor Jim Douglas says he doesn't believe lawmakers went far enough this year to protect Vermonters from violent criminals."

Douglas' Agenda is on Track 
Rutland Herald 9.6.06 "Gov. Douglas' affordability agenda makes perfect sense. It's great to see an elected official who is committed to making life in Vermont more affordable for working families."

Douglas tops Parker in fund raising
Burlington Free Press 8.26.06 "Dennise Casey, Douglas campaign manager, said her candidate's fundraising success shows that 'the governor's affordability agenda is resonating with people all over the state.'"

Douglas showcases renewable energy tour 
Times Argus 8.23.06 "Gov. Jim Douglas is continuing to tout his administration's record on promoting renewable energy..."

Gov. offers property tax plan; speaker says it lacks substance
Boston Globe 8.23.06 "Gov. Jim Douglas offered a plan Wednesday that he said would save $35 million a year in property taxes by imposing caps on how much a local school budget could increase each year."

Biodiesel-fueled Douglas
Bennington Banner 8.22.06 "Douglas was the first governor from New England to sign onto the initiative ...known as "25x'25. It calls for at least 25 percent of the country's energy to be created by renewable energy sources originating from forests, farms and ranches by the year 2025."

Debate over wind should fuel consensus
Burlington Free press 8.19.06 "...Gov. James Douglas wants $24 million to fund the state's low-income energy assistance program, which keeps thousands of poor Vermonters warm in the winter. ...$2 million more than Douglas requested last winter. "'We're working hard to hold LIHEAP recipients harmless even as fuel costs rise,' Douglas' press secretary Jason Gibbs said Tuesday. 'We want to make sure no one goes without heat this winter.'"

Douglas seeks to boost LIHEAP
Rutland Herald 8.16.06
"...Gov. James Douglas wants $24 million to fund the state's low-income energy assistance program, which keeps thousands of poor Vermonters warm in the winter."

National Guard change requires public debate
Burlington Free Press 8.15.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas, who signed the NGA letter, said governors talk to one another and provide help when Guard troops are needed outside their own borders. Governors ought to make those decisions, based on all the facts."

Douglas opposes changes to control of National Guard
VPR 8.14.06
"Governor Jim Douglas says he strongly opposes a plan to give the president control over state National Guard units during a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. Douglas says the proposal is little more than "a power grab" by federal officials."

Douglas genuine in all situations
Burlington Free Press 8.14.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas has managed to hold down property taxes, and kept unemployment rates among the lowest in the nation. He has worked to improve conditions for all struggling to find good quality jobs and affordable housing...."

Governor wades into legislative races early
Boston Globe 8.14.06
"From gasoline taxes to college scholarships, Gov. Jim Douglas and legislative Democrats had plenty of feuds this winter and spring. And this election season, the governor plans to hold the opposition party accountable."

Keep up the fight against tire burn
Burlington Free Press 8.12.06
"The state of Vermont must continue its battle against a proposed tire burn across Lake Champlain at the International Paper Co. plant in Ticonderoga, N.Y. ..."

Official Statement of Governor Douglas on the NY Court’s Support for the IP Tire Burn
8.7.06 -- "I remain prepared to exhaust all available legal avenues to prevent this potentially toxic tire burn."

Tourism at risk from wind turbines
Times Argus 8.10.06
"After all, 100 wind turbines constructed on Vermont's mountain tops will not significantly impact our energy needs, but they will significantly impair the greatest source of economic activity in Vermont: tourism"

Douglas will fight for scholarships
Burlington Free Press 8.10.06
"It's disappointing ...that the extremely liberal Democrats who seem to control the Legislature opposed the Governor's Vermont Promise Scholarship Plan."

Keep it clean
Times Argus Editorial 8.9.06
"The burning of tires at the International Paper plant in Ticonderoga, N.Y., is a bad idea for several reasons, but mainly because it is likely to subject Vermonters to harmful pollution."

County could feel effects of BP mess
Brattleboro Reformer 8.9.06
"Last year it was a natural disaster. This year, it's human error. Either way, it seems August is the magic month for soaring oil prices across the nation. "

Vermont's children among the best placed in terms of health coverage
Times Argus 8.9.06
"'From Governor Douglas' perspective, this is something that Vermont should be very proud of,' said Gov. Jim Douglas' press secretary, Jason Gibbs. 'Being certain that every child in our state has access to an affordable health insurance plan is a priority for him.'"

Douglas' sensible solutions to taxes
Burlington Free Press 8.8.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas has continued to be a strong advocate to look at reasonable controls on school spending as well as limiting any prebate check to $4,000..."

Smaller train cars promoted for Vermonter route
Burlington Free Press 8.8.06
"Neale Lunderville, who took over Monday as Secretary of the Agency of Transportation, said he had reviewed the feasibility of this project months ago in his former job as an advisor to Gov. Jim Douglas. He said, '"The governor is very enthusiastic about this.'"

Douglas joins outcry over Alaska oilfield closing
VPR 8.8.06
"The governor went on to say that oil companies are earning record profits and that they have a 'fundamental obligation' to maintain their infrastructure."

Governor Douglas to Lead NGA Efforts to Improve Health Care Quality and Lower Costs
8.7.06 -- "Governor Jim Douglas today was selected by his colleagues to serve as lead governor on a major health care quality, information technology and cost containment initiative launched by the National Governors Association (NGA)."

Jim Douglas is for tax relief
Times Argus 8.5.06
"Jim Douglas has continued to be a strong advocate to look at reasonable controls on school spending as well as limiting any prebate check to $4,000 – some commonsense approaches in a state ranked first or sixth (depending on the source) in overall tax burden."

Douglas will create more prosperous state
Burlington Free Press 8.5.06
"Jim Douglas has always done what he said he would do. That's why I'm excited about his Affordability Agenda, because if Jim Douglas says he'll fight to cap property taxes, make health care more affordable and put owning a home and a college education within reach of every family, I know he'll succeed."

Douglas acts on energy issues
Burlington Free Press 8.5.06
"It's becoming clear that Douglas has taken more action in three years to reduce green house gas emissions and make Vermont more energy efficient than Gov. Dean did in nearly 12, while Parker worked for him."

Douglas is there for Vermonters
Rutland Herald 8.4.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas has been our governor now for nearly four years, and during that time, he's managed to hold down property taxes, kept Vermont's unemployment rates among the lowest in the nation...."

Gov. Douglas appoints all-Native Native American Affairs Commission
Farnklin County Courier 8.4.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas on Thursday announced his appointments to the new Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs. The seven-member group is made up entirely of Native Americans..."

Northeast governors object to nuke waste storage
Boston Globe 8.4.06
"Several Northeast governors are protesting a U.S. Senate proposal that they say could force their states to become storage sites for spent nuclear fuel. Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas and Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri signed a letter on behalf of the Coalition of Northeastern Governors..."

Douglas leads Parker in campaign contributions
Burlington Free Press 8.4.06
"Republican Gov. Jim Douglas has a comfortable financial lead over Democratic challenger Scudder Parker..."

Governors ask FDA to release guidelines on generic drugs
Associated Press 8.3.06
"Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas and his counterparts in three others states petitioned federal health officials Thursday to issue long-delayed guidelines on the production of generic versions of insulin and human growth hormone."

Douglas, VHFA announce $10 million housing initiative
Boston Globe 8.1.06
"A $10 million initiative designed to help people buy homes in areas designated by the state for residential growth was unveiled Tuesday."

Douglas asks EPA to stop tire burn
Times Argus, 8.3.06
"Gov. James Douglas has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to prevent International Paper from burning tires in its Ticonderoga, N.Y., plant."

The Real Inconvenient Truth
Rutland Herald,  07.27.06
"The real inconvenient truth for Scudder Parker is that while he and others have talked a good game on global warming, Governor Douglas has taken bold, decisive action and is actually doing something about it."

Unite Behind Douglas
Caledonian Record, Thursday 07.27.06
"My husband and I recently heard the governor speak about his "Affordability Agenda" and it really hit home for us."

Gov. Douglas defends record, faults Dems
Bennington Banner, 7.27.06
"Republican Gov. James Douglas... is known throughout the state for being a nice guy. But for the first time in this election season, he had some strong words for his opponent Wednesday."

Dairy checks in the mail
Rutland Herald, 7.26.06
"Checks are in the mail for the state's beleaguered dairy farmers, Gov. James Douglas announced Tuesday."

Health reforms start to take shape
Burlington free Press, 7.26.06
"Work to provide uninsured Vermonters with health insurance through the state's new Catamount Health program has begun. ...Lawmakers applauded the administration's eagerness for the complex task. 'I'm very pleased and very satisfied,' said Commission Co-Chairman Sen. Jim Leddy, D-Chittenden."

Douglas will make homes affordable
Burlington free Press, 7.26.06
"The issues surrounding this recent election have begun to affect me on a personal level in a way that no other election ever has. And really, it is because of one issue alone, taxes. It was one thing when I lived in a state where taxes were low and raising them seemed like the right way to fund necessary programs, but Vermont is a much different situation. Many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to pay their high property taxes. Some are considering moving out of state. My husband and I recently heard Gov. Jim Douglas speak about his affordability agenda and it really hit home for us. Douglas' plan to cap property taxes will ensure that no Vermonter sees their tax bill skyrocket like we have in years past. Fellow property owners, I hope you will unite behind our governor as he fights to make our homes more affordable."
DULANY GIBSON, Woodstock

Dairy farmers to receive first cash assistance from state
Boston Globe, 7.25.06
"Dairy farmers who have been strapped by low milk prices, high fuel costs and heavy rains will receive their first cash assistance from the state this week."

Vermont ag officials say dairy relief critical
Boston Globe, 7.24.06
"Republican Gov. Jim Douglas said he felt the Bush Administration was warming up to the plan."

Dorset unveils new affordable housing development
Bennington Banner 7.22.06
"Gov. James Douglas was there on Friday... He said the homes would be part of a solution to the '"tremendous shortage of housing in Vermont.'"

Douglas proclaims Breast Cancer Awareness Week
Manchester Journal, 7.21.06
"In Vermont, July 23 to 30 has been proclaimed Breast Cancer Awareness Week by Governor James Douglas."

Vermont Focuses on Aging Issues 
WCAX, 7.20.06
"Two years ago, Gov. Jim Douglas created a fifteen-member Commission on Healthy Aging..."

BMAC, town and state make July 29 'Wolf Kahn Day'
Brattleboro Reformer, 7.20.06
"Both Vermont's Gov. Jim Douglas and Brattleboro's Selectboard have proclaimed July 29 to be 'Wolf Kahn Day.' And it's the day a major exhibition of Kahn's work, 'Wolf Kahn: Landscape of Light, 1953-2006,' opens at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center."

Guthrie is sworn in as new county sheriff
Brattleboro Reformer 7.13.06

Parker uses energy scare tactic
Times Argus 7.11.06
"The governor has spoken very openly on his views for an energy-efficient Vermont and should be proud of his record surrounding the issue."

Waking up to our farmers' plight
Burlington Free Press, 7.2.06
"Vermont's farms are a disaster zone, waterlogged and tagged for emergency government assistance."

$8.9 million farm aid package unveiled 
Burlington Free Press, 6.30.06
"'Government has to establish priorities,' Douglas said, 'but the priority in my mind has to be helping out with emergencies.'"

Money on the Way for Farmers
WCAX 6.29.06
"At an emergency Dairy Summit Thursday morning, Governor Jim Douglas and legislative leaders are giving millions of dollars in cash assistance to dairy farmers." 

Douglas' campaign to focus on affordability
Times Argus, 6.21.06
"Republican Gov. Jim Douglas officially launched his re-election campaign Tuesday promising to build on a theme of making the state more affordable."

Douglas returns to 'affordability' agenda for campaign theme
Burlington Free Press 6.21.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas took some jabs Tuesday at the Legislature for thwarting his initiatives and told supporters he will stick with his "agenda of affordability" as the theme of his campaign for re-election."

Douglas Kicks Off Campaign
WCAX-TV,  6.20.06
"'I'm very proud of our state and of the tremendous progress that we have made. But I know that Vermont can and must do even better,' said Douglas."

Governor signs scholarships into law
Burlington Free Press, 6.1.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas signed a bill into law Wednesday that will make it easier for some Vermonters to pay for college."

Douglas signs new sex offender bill into law
Bennington Banner, 5.30.06
"The measure, signed by the Gov. James Douglas on Friday, boosts the penalties for most sex offenses and sends people convicted of aggravated sexual assault to prison for at least five years."

Main Street model
Bennington Banner, Tuesday, May 23, 2006 
"Gov. James Douglas on Monday formally opened an environmentally friendly state office building that is projected to save thousands of dollars each year in energy costs." 

Governor signs gun range bill
Times Argus, Tuesday, May 23, 2006
"Vermonters who live next to shooting ranges now have a much harder time suing over the noise of gunfire under a new law signed Monday by Gov. James Douglas. The measure, passed by overwhelming majorities in both the House and Senate earlier this month, is meant to cut down on what its supporters call nuisance lawsuits against the state's 30 or so ranges."

Vermont, Verizon and NSA
Caledonian Record, Wednesday May 17, 2006
"We take this opportunity to applaud Vermont Republican Gov. James Douglas. The governor recently ordered Public Service Department Commissioner David O'Brien to determine if Verizon Communications violated state law by sharing phone records with the National Security Agency (NSA)."

Health reform passed: That's what matters
Times Argus, 5.14.06
"In the end, Gov. James Douglas isn't going to gloat about how an agreement was struck with the Legislature over health care reform. He said he won't point to the fact that lawmakers, already publicly frustrated with nearly two years of negotiating with a governor they said was obstructionist, walked away from the table and then came back again.'I was pleased that they came back to the negotiating table,' Douglas told me in a brief chat after all the hoopla Tuesday over the health care bill that is now considered the most aggressive one in the country."

Seek middle ground on seed liability
Burlington Free Press, 5.14.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas is right to veto a bill allowing farmers to sue the manufacturers of genetically modified seeds if their products inadvertently contaminate an organic operation. Although supporting organic farms is crucial for the future of Vermont agriculture, this bill could put traditional farms at risk. That is unacceptable."

"Extraordinary" legislative session adjourns
Times Argus, 5.11.06 
"Only a day after agreeing to what many are calling the most aggressive health reform measure in the country, the General Assembly on Wednesday delivered a scholarship program to Gov. Douglas, passed a state budget and then went home."

Healthy compromise
Times Argus, 5.11.06 
"The Vermont Legislature and Gov. James Douglas have come together in support of a historic bill that takes an important step toward extending health care coverage to all Vermonters."

More agreement, then adjournment
Burlington Free Press, 5.11.06
"After a two-year rocky relationship, the Democratic-controlled Legislature and Republican governor brushed aside many of their differences and finished the 2006 session with conciliation and compromise. "

Health reform clears final legislative hurdle
Burlington Free Press, 5.11.06
"A historic health reform bill offering insurance coverage to thousands of uninsured Vermonters will soon be on the governor's desk awaiting his promised signature."

A historic compromise on health care reform
Burlington Free Press, 5.10.06
"Gov. Jim Douglas kept a staffer at the locked door to his Pavilion Building office Monday evening to let in a visitor. House Speaker Gaye Symington was walking over from the Statehouse at 6:30 p.m. to discuss deadlocked -- and probably dying -- health care reform negotiations."

Surprise Ending
Brattleboro Reformer, 5.10.06
" We all thought we knew what the script was going to be for this year's session of the Legislature. The Legislature was going to come up with a health care plan and, as was the case last year, Gov. James Douglas would eventually veto it. Instead, after months of work, the governor and the Legislature have come up with a compromise on health care. "

Scholarships critical to health of Vermont
Rutland Herald, 5.4.06
Commentary by Robert Clarke, Chancellor of Vermont State Colleges, stating the importance of Governor Douglas’ Vermont Promise Scholarship proposal.
"The Vermont Promise Scholarship will be a critical part of Vermont's long-term economic health. Within the VSC, we will focus the scholarships on high demand areas (such as nursing) and in attracting students who never thought they could afford college. In almost all cases loans will be replaced with scholarships thereby greatly reducing loan indebtedness upon graduation."

Douglas signs Baby Safe Haven Bill
Burlington Free Press, 5.3.06
Governor Douglas signed a law designating fire stations, police stations and places of worship as safe places to bring newborns. "With Gov. Jim Douglas' signature, Vermont becomes the 47th state with a safe-haven law. Alaska, Hawaii and Nebraska do not have such laws, said Mike Morrissey, a Massachusetts-based Baby Safe Haven advocate who attended Tuesday's signing."