The People's Budget Campaign

Faced with a revenue crisis especially in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene, the Vermont legislature and administration are seeking to cut necessary public services instead of raising new revenue — in effect balancing the state budget on the backs of the most disadvantaged Vermonters. We must change this approach, so that our government puts human rights and the fundamental needs of Vermonters and our communities first. We invite you to join this new Vermont Workers' Center grassroots organizing campaign. You can start by signing onto this petition and helping get others to do the same.

Put People First! The People's Budget Campaign: We call for a People's Budget that makes human rights and the needs of our communities the top priority.

We believe:

1. Vermont's budget must put people first. Our spending and revenue policies must meet every Vermonter's fundamental needs, including healthcare, housing, food, education, good jobs and a healthy environment. These are our basic human rights and public goods that our government must guarantee for all Vermonters.

2. Vermont's budget must make providing public services for those who need them its highest priority. We must work to eliminate poverty, so that everyone can lead a life of dignity.

3. Vermont must adopt an equitable tax policy that allows us to meet people's needs. State and federal tax cuts and subsidies have made the wealthy even wealthier and left everyone else behind, leading to a vast and growing income inequality. Vermont should raise revenue from those who can afford it, to meet the needs of our communities.

4. Vermont must develop its budget in a transparent and accountable way, with participation from the people. Only the participation of Vermonters can ensure that our budget will put people first. Sign The Petition

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peoples_budget_petition.doc (72 KB)