January 8, 2009 Gov. Douglas says state needs to "tighten its belt" Play video

(Anya Huneke, NECN: Montpelier, VT) - Economic concerns are facing every state in New England. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas made is clear today his state needs to tighten its belt. That was the message during his inaugural address at the State House in Montpelier.

Douglas was sworn in for a fourth term Thursday. In his inaugural address, he said the the costs for Vermont's public education system have gone through the roof over the past years. Douglas called for a reform of school funding to deal with the current economic crisis.

He also says the state needs to cut spending on Medicaid. He wants to accomplish this by cutting back on covered services, rather than removing people from the rolls.

Douglas' entire inaugural address can be viewed by clicking on the links below:

Gov. Douglas calls for changes in education, Medicaid

Douglas: Pride does not excuse us from changes

Douglas: Realities of crisis demand immediate reaction