Whether it's from a farm field or a parking lot, we must do more to stop the run-off of pollutants into Vermont's streams and lakes. I have also asked for eight new positions, five of which will be game wardens for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. 3 million operating deficit in the Education Fund at the end of this fiscal year. Any changes to Act 60 require a revenue source if additional funding is needed. I have also asked for money to help retired teachers pay their health care bills more easily.
Education is an important piece of economic development.
So are housing and tourism. One pressing need is for affordable housing. Let me now turn to the problem of transportation. Transportation revenues are under-performing our expectations, and the federal money is simply not enough for us to fund all the projects which are ready to go. The agency has done a remarkable job in streamlining itself and becoming extremely effective.