We the people of the State of Vermont, by placing our names as facsimile signatures on this electronic petition, do hereby affirm the following:

We recognize that the State budget is under extreme financial duress. The projected budget shortfall for FY 2010 represents a significant challenge that must be met using every means available.

We believe that it is in the best interest of all Vermonters for those of us who can most easily manage an increased tax burden to do so, rather than ask those who already have little or nothing to spare to contribute more to the costs of running our State government and its programs.

As Vermonters, we know that we must work together to successfully weather the storm. This is a time to live up to our State motto, Freedom and Unity. Freedom from ideological rhetoric, and unity of purpose, to keep all Vermonters safe and healthy in hard times.

Thus affirming the common purpose of the people of Vermont, we strongly encourage all serving Representatives and Senators of the Vermont Legislature to urgently draft, support and pass legislation that will raise the stateвs income taxes on households with an Adjusted Gross Income of $75,000 or more. This legislation should also require mandatory sun-setting of this tax provision within 3 years from its passing.

We are ready, willing and able to pay our fair share of the cost of State government.