Lt. Governor Zuckerman Supports Funding our State Colleges
PRESS RELEASE: August 27, 2020
Lt. Governor Zuckerman Supports Funding our State Colleges
MONTPELIER: Today, the Zuckerman for VT campaign held its second press conference creating clear differences between Lt. Governor David Zuckerman’s and Governor Phil Scott’s policy positions. This press conference focused on the need to recognize the role our Vermont State Colleges play in our rural economy and the impact on Vermonters if they are not fully funded.
Joining Lt. Governor David Zuckerman for this event were Heather Riemer, the Director of AFT VT, Steve Howard, the Executive Director of VSEA, Sandy Noyes, the President of the VSC Staff Federation and NVU Johnson VSEA Member, and Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, an Adjunct Professor at NVU Lyndon.
In his remarks, Lt. Governor David Zuckerman said, “As Governor I will stand up for our State Colleges, I will invest in education and technical training opportunities so young Vermonters can find the skills they need right here in Vermont, and I will continually work to connect our businesses and communities to build a better, stronger Vermont.”
Heather Riemer, Director of AFT VT, drew a strong contrast between Governor Scott’s response and Lt. Governor Zuckerman’s plans for bringing the State College system into a post-pandemic future. She said, “We need a governor who understands the economic, social, and moral value of a robust system of public higher education that is available to all Vermonters. Thousands of students, small business owners, community members, faculty and staff have contacted Gov. Scott, protested in front of the statehouse, and made it clear that the Vermont State Colleges System is a vital part of Vermont--and it is more than disappointing that his latest budget doesn't provide the support that is so clearly needed.”
Executive Director of VSEA Steve Howard noted the urgency of the funding situation, saying, “In order to save the Vermont State Colleges, it is going to require bold leadership from the Governor, The Legislature, The Chancellor and the entire State College Community. Hiding behind a committee is not leadership.”
Speaking to the economic boost that these colleges bring to rural communities, President of the VSC Staff Federation Sandy Noyes said, “The Vermont State Colleges are a very important part of their communities. Employees’ and students’ families, friends, and guests shop, dine, buy gas, get their hair done, pay mortgages/rent, etc. which helps the local businesses.”
Dr. Jonathan Kaplan pointed to the drastically low levels of funding and support the colleges have received from the state of Vermont. He said, “The Vermont State College System serves a public good for the state of Vermont and we do this despite the fact that we have not been adequately funded by the state for years. We currently rank 49th out of 50 states for state support in the country. This lack of funding has made us particularly vulnerable during this global pandemic. We can weather this storm and help Vermont recover after the pandemic, but only if we are adequately funded.”
The full press conference was streamed live on Facebook to the Zuckerman for VT page.
For the Lieutenant Governor’s full remarks, please email kelt@zuckermanforvt.com
###