Below are the other winners in Vermont news and politics this week — and the losers. Behold, a special budget address edition of the Scoreboard for the week ending Friday, January 25:
Winners:
Republicans — They might not be able to elect a governor in Vermont. Good thing they’ve already got one! Runner-up winner: Ronald Reagan for making an unlikely appearance in a Vermont gubernatorial budget address.
The Bernie – Gasoline Vallee Bromance — On Tuesday, we got a hearing in the Vermont House featuring the best frenemies: Sen. Bernie Sanders (by speakerphone) and Maplefields magnate Skip Vallee. And on Thursday, Costco got a positive decision on its Act 250 permit to build gas pumps at its Colchester warehouse, drawing praise from corporation-loving Sanders and scorn from environmentalist Vallee. I’m telling you folks; get ’em a reality TV show!
Vermont Fuel Dealers — By going after break-open tickets to fund thermal efficiency, Shumlin’s budget proposal avoided taxing home heating fuels. Then again, if there ain’t $17 million at the local VFW post, look for legislators to do what Shummy won’t.
Smart meters — BREAKING: Smart meters won’t kill you. But those tinfoil hats might!
Tax Department auditors — If Shummy gets his way, they’ll be hangin’ out at bars, collecting proceeds from break-open tickets.
Losers after the break…
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