Vermont Governor Howard Dean gave his tenth and final state of the state address to a joint session of the Vermont legislature this afternoon.
Correspondent Chris Bracken reports from Montpelier.
Dean's address comes at a time WHEN Vermont is facing a $40 million shortfall.AND THAT HE SAID SHOULD BE THE legislature's highest priority.
...DEAN1.....
Dean also took the occasion to tout what he feels HAVE BEEN his greatest accomplishments as governor. His health care incentives HE SAID, have resulted in the NATION'S highest percentage of children with health insurance. HE CLAIMED THAT BY SIGNING THE NATION'S FIRST CIVIL UNIONS LAW, HE PROMOTED CIVIL RIGHTS FOR ALL VERMONTERS. AND HE SAID HE REDUCED NOT ONLY THE STATE'S DEBT, BUT THAT OF INDIVIDUAL RESIDENTS.
THEN THE GOVERNOR LISTED HIS PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION. He urged members to work on reforming Act 60, the state's education funding law and incentives to promote alternative energy sources.
Dean made no mention of a possible run for the presidency. Something that most political analysts say he is considering. But he did make some references to national policy by saying Vermont can guide the country in matters of fiscal restraint and social programs.
Dean ended his speech with a call for residents to become more involved in state and local affairs....DEAN2.....for NHPR news......
