Sue Minter’s Mentor Peter Shumlin Named One of the Most Fiscally Irresponsible Governors in America

Vermont’s Democrat Governor Peter Shumlin has been named one of the most fiscally irresponsible governors in America, according to a new report by The Cato Institute.

The Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors 2016 awarded an “F” to Governor Shumlin for his repeated job-killing tax increases, wasteful over-spending and growing the number of employees in state government.

Sue Minter has spent years working alongside, raising taxes with, and learning from her mentor Peter Shumlin. Vermont can’t afford two more years of their failed policies.

“Governor Peter Shumlin has increased taxes and spending substantially, earning him an F on this report. Vermont’s general fund budget grew 27 percent between 2011 and 2016 under Shumlin, even though the state’s population has not grown at all. State government employment has risen more than 10 percent since he took office.96 Shumlin scored poorly on taxes. In 2013 he approved an increase in fuel taxes. In 2014 he approved an increase in cigarette taxes of 13 cents per pack, and in 2015 he approved another increase of 33 cents per pack. Also in 2015, he reduced income tax deductions, broadened the sales tax base, and increased property taxes. In 2016 Shumlin signed into law a package of tax and fee increases, including $20 million a year of new fees on mutual funds. He has also proposed numerous new taxes and fees to fund expanded health spending.”