Your two cents

The Shumlin Administration will hold two Public Budget Forums—Wednesday, October 23 and Tuesday, November 5—to receive public comments on development of the fiscal 2015 state budget. The forums will be held via interactive television like two giant town meetings from locations around the state.

The administration is in the middle of preparing next year’s budget, which the governor will present to the Legislature in January. Public participation now—early in the game—is key. This is when the administration sets its goals and strategies for the next fiscal year, and when Vermonters’ voices can have a much greater impact.

This is only the second time that Vermonters have had the opportunity to comment on the governor’s budget during the development process.  Before a new statute was adopted by the Legislature last year to open up the process, the only opportunity for public input had been during the legislative session after the governor’s budget proposal already had been prepared and submitted.

Times and interactive television site details here.