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Vermont

Primary Date: 9/12/2006

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  • Current Minimum Wage: $7.25
  • Indexed to Inflation: Y
  • Minimum Wage Notes:
    The State overtime pay provision has very limited application because it exempts numerous types of establishments, such as retail and service; seasonal amusement/recreation; hotels, motels, restaurants; and transportation employees to whom the Federal (FLSA) overtime provision does not apply. The Vermont minimum wage is automatically replaced with the Federal minimum wage rate if it is higher than the State minimum. Beginning January 1, 2007, and on each subsequent January 1, the minimum wage rate shall be increased by five percent or the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index, or city average, not seasonally adjusted.

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1 Comment »

Comment by Rosemarie Jackowski
2006-10-03 15:44:15

Statement of Liberty Union CANDIDATE for OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL OF VERMONT

A Call for Justice and Ethics in Vermont

I am the mother of one and the grandmother of two. In the 1970’s I founded an organization, Justice for Children. I have spent much time in courtrooms and have had a front row seat to observe how the legal system works.

I am a member of Veterans for Peace, Chapter 88. I am a writer and many of my articles are available on the Internet.

I have lived in Vermont for more than 20 years. I am one of the Bennington Twelve. We were arrested in a peaceful protest of the war on March 20, 2003. Just for the record, my Act of Conscience consisted of standing in silence, with my head bowed, while holding a sign.

It is important to note that my acceptance of this nomination has absolutely nothing to do with the issue of war and peace. That issue is a significant part of my life, but totally irrelevant to the problems that exist in the AG office.

The odds against any candidate who is not either a Democrat or Republican are insurmountable, but I believe that support of third parties is important so that the Party can maintain major party status.

My global view includes a deep respect for the law. The most important qualification for the office of Attorney General is an absolute, unwavering commitment to Justice for all, young and old, rich and poor…no politics, no cronyism, and no excuses.

It is the AG office that is the gateway to justice, not only in criminal matters but also in civil cases. When a citizen is injured or killed by the State, it is the office of the Attorney General that represents the government and opposes the injured citizen in Court. How many cases of abused citizens are there? Every citizen is at risk. Many people believe that “it” can’t happen to them—until it does.

How many citizens have had disputes with the government about a highway going through their dining room, or an airport runway going through their yard? How many have had problems with toxins in the workplace?

There are lingering questions about the shooting in the Brattleboro church. Robert Woodward was shot to death by the police. Many believe that Woody and his family never received justice.

Some suggestions for improving the Office of the Attorney General include:

Change the culture in the Attorney General’s Office. A strict code of ethics is called for. All citizens are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. An independent investigation is needed to determine if the Office of the AG has used inappropriate tactics, such as threats and witness intimidation against citizens.
The common practice of paying for testimony during a trial should be discouraged. Jurors should be told when testimony is purchased and they should be told how much was paid to the “expert witnesses” for their testimony.
An official online blog site should be set up so that citizens could exchange information when they have a problem with the State. For those without computers a toll-free phone line should be set up.
A committee comprised of farmers, plumbers, factory workers, teachers, retail workers, etc. is needed. This committee would act as a citizen watchdog group and oversee the policies of the office of the Attorney General.
The policy of the frivolous legal defense of the government should be ended. This policy deprives injured citizens of justice. It wastes precious court time. It also wastes taxpayer money. In some legal cases when the government causes injury there are gray areas, but if there is a dead body or a citizen on a gurney in a hospital, the legitimate claim should just be paid. No long, expensive, tortuous legal battle should be necessary.
I ask only that each voter talk with a friend or neighbor who has dealt with the Office of the Attorney General and then vote his or her conscience on Election Day.

ROSEMARIE JACKOWSKI — Gypsy Lane— Bennington, VT 05201—

dissent@sover.net Phone 802-447-0868

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