By John Hilferty
The two letters of Bruce Hyde and Jim Parker published by The Valley Reporter last week should be posted on the foreheads of every progressive legislator in Vermont so that they can learn something about economics every time they look at one another.
So simple. Hyde explained the stupidity of the proposal to eliminate the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and Parker underscored the continuing threat imposed by the state's annual 5 percent state budget increases which do nothing more than chase young families out of the state that they love.
The progressive spending policies have finally reached their crashing point with the proposed layoffs of government employees. When the crisis causes clashes within the political family responsible for the problem, you know you have hit rock bottom.
Vermonters who are concerned about their children's future should pay heed to the messages of Hyde and Parker.
Vermont tourism, as noted by Hyde, is a major driver of revenue and jobs because it creates economic growth by investing in products which Vermont has in abundance. Leaf peeping, trout fishing, skiing and hiking.
Most people who understand consumer economics will tell you that when times are bad you increase spending on advertising the products that sell well.
Americans do not stop traveling when times are harsh, but they shorten their mileage leash. This I know as a longtime travel writer.
Hyde wrote: "Eighty million potential visitors live within a day's drive of Vermont."
So, it makes sense for legislators to invest in major marketing in the New York and Boston metro areas rather than shut down the engine and walk away.
Likewise, Parker's admonition about the failures of government "investments" should spark serious efforts to improve education in Vermont by blowing up the present tax system and allowing businesses to grow.
The opposition will repeat that low wages in the tourism industry need boosting. Good idea, but lower pay for mostly unskilled jobs are merely the doors to increased education, greater skills and higher salaries.
Putting all of those skills to work is what creates wealth and not merely redistributes it. What a novel idea it would be to hire some of the laid-off government workers who would then produce goods and services that people will buy; thus, increasing state revenue to fix roads, bridges and hire teachers who can teach skills that kids can use to get good-paying jobs.
Hilferty lives in Moretown.
