"The Agency of Agriculture’s offices in the state capital are locked as part of what authorities are calling “controlled access” after the man allegedly made threats to harm state employees. On Thursday, the office was closed to the public."

“It’s not as rare as you might think,” [BGS Comm. Gerry] Myers said. “It happens at different levels, but it’s actually quite common, sadly.” 

Say what?

Nice local piece reminding us of the importance of solidarity and strength in numbers.

Re-bidding process for new building construction opens again after first round thrown out by BGS. 

"Although PHS is a private company, PLN contends it is the functional equivalent of a public agency because it provides health care to prisoners – a function that government employees would have to provide if the state did not contract with PHS."

Free Press Editorial Supports Watchdog's Position!

"If private companies want to profit by performing government functions, then they should expect to held accountable by taxpayers who will be paying the bills."

Hundreds Of State Employees Could Win Back Wages! Still Time To Join The Lawsuit If You Are Pay Grade 23 Or Above!

"First, the economic crisis wasn't created by working people — public or private — or their unions. It was brought to us by Wall Street and the banks and their anti-regulation Republican friends in Washington, and by congressional Democrats who insisted on lowering mortgage standards in pursuit of social goals — in short, by economic elites and the leaders of both political parties."

"The Urban Institute's John Roman argues that at times private prisons also lack the incentive to help prepare inmates to return to society, leading to a higher rate of recidivism (inmates returning to prison) and a higher overall cost to the prison system."

Related Story: Army Reservist Wins Case Against CCA For Refusing To Rehire Him Following His Tour Of Duty!

“What is happening right now is unacceptable,” [Commissioner Steve Dale] said, “and we’re going to make it right. People are putting in an incredible effort to make sure [Vermonters] get their benefits. We have to turn this around.”

Due to staff and program cuts, Vermont has fallen from a top-ten state (in terms of the State's 3Squares prgoram's success) to #44! This could end up meaning Vermont is penalized and will have to pay fines!

"With public employment under siege and devalued by its portrayal as a drain on the economy, how can we recruit and value the servants we need? We are indeed in a crisis, and not just in education."

"Even so, the state faces a roughly $115 million deficit for fiscal year 2012, in addition to $72 million in Challenges for Change government restructuring plans...

'I don’t expect the gap can be made up through revenue growth,” Smith said. “I think, quite frankly, this may be the most difficult budget year we face.'”

Remember: With The Difficult Budget Years Facing Vermont, Your State Employee Vote Has Never Meant More. Your Future Is Your Vote.