SUBJECT: Governor Announces ‘Set the Agenda Tour’ -- Launches Wide-Ranging Outreach Effort to Hear Vermonters Priorities for Next Legislative Session

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today announced a wide-ranging public engagement process that will help set the agenda for the upcoming legislative session.

Governor Douglas said in addition to his regular meetings and public events schedule, his outreach effort—dubbed the ‘Set the Agenda Tour’ (STAT)—will include coffee hours at restaurants and diners, roundtable discussions and brownbag lunches with small business owners, casual conversations at the state’s county fairs and a special component for Vermont’s seniors.

“I am looking forward to spending the next several months hosting events all over the state, listening closely to Vermonters and hearing their priorities for the coming legislative session,” the Governor said. “It will be an important part of ensuring that our Legislature is focused on those issues that are most important to the people of Vermont.”

The Governor said he wants to hear people who understand the day-to-day challenges confronting Vermont’s families and small businesses.

“From getting the kids out of bed, fed and off to school, to the demands of working and the financial pressures of providing for our families, Vermonters are confronting some very serious challenges,” the Governor continued. “I want them to tell me the areas they want Montpelier to focus on in the next legislative session in order to overcome these obstacles and achieve the prosperity and peace of mind that is within our reach.”

To ensure the voices of Vermont’s seniors are heard, the Governor will be reaching out to seniors in their homes and has also enlisted the help of Lt. Governor Brian Dubie.

“I’ve asked Lt. Governor Dubie, who chairs my Commission on Healthy Aging, to conduct a series of events to listen to, and report on, the priorities of our senior citizens,” Governor Douglas said. “In addition, I’m looking forward to delivering Meals on Wheels throughout the state and listening closely to Vermonters who have an important perspective on how best to improve the social, physical and economic security of every Vermonter.”

At the conclusion of the Set the Agenda Tour the Governor will announce his findings and build a package of legislative reforms around them.

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SET THE AGENDA TOUR (STAT) Thursday, August 16, 2007 – Saturday, August 25, 2007

(Please note that this schedule is a supplement to the Governor’s weekly public appearance schedule.)

Thursday, August 16, 2007 • 9:30 a.m. -- Set the Agenda Tour (STAT) Announcement Alex’s Restaurant, 1636 Williston Road, South Burlington

Saturday, August 18, 2007 • 1:30-2:15 p.m. – STAT Chat with the Governor Orleans County Fair Sugar House 278 Roaring Brook Road, Barton

Monday, August 20, 2007 • 7:00 a.m. – STAT Coffee Hour Café Delight, Route 103, Ludlow

• Event, TBA

Wednesday, August 22, 2007 • 7:00 a.m. – STAT Coffee Hour Black Forest Café 306 Main Street, Bethel

• 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. -- STAT Small Business Roundtable & Brownbag Lunch Morey Lounge, Vermont Technical College 1 Admin Drive, Randolph

Friday, August 24, 2007 • 7:00 a.m. – STAT Coffee Hour Park Squeeze Diner 161 Main Street, Vergennes

• 6:30-7:15 p.m. – STAT Chat with the Governor Deerfield Valley Fair Bakers Field, Wilmington

Saturday, August 25, 2007 • 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. – STAT Chat with the Governor Caledonia County Fair Mountainview Park, Lyndonville ###