Well, things are a bit confused. But this week (the week of April 20, 2009) the sites faced one of the biggest threats, as there were supposed to be votes in the Vermont House (finance committee, I believe) that would effect the future of our historic sites. I received this response from Martha Heath, Chair of the House Appropriates Committee, when I wrote to her expressing my support for the sites:
"There was no vote planned. This is one of many bad ideas on a list of things we may have to consider if the governor continues to refuse to increase revenues and/or we receive further revenue downgrades."
From this brief message, it appears to me that the historic sites are pawns in a budget struggle between the legislature and Governor Douglas. That Montpelier would play chicken with the state's heritage does not speak well for any of them involved.
Finally, there was to be a hearing on Friday, and several friends of historic sites were going to provide testimony. No word yet on what happened. Stay tuned.