When I first started flying 727s some 20 years ago, two words became embedded in my brain: “Check essential”.

They’re short for “check essential power”. At the first sign of a problem with the aircraft, those two words are always there to order your priorities. Your first concern is with power, and then the essential components of the aircraft. Only after you’ve safeguarded the essentials can you look at the non-essentials.

In Montpelier, our aircraft is state government. Our national economy is in a slow-down. Resources are limited – our citizens’ resources as well as state government’s.

For next year, we estimate a shortfall of 50 to 80 million dollars. In 20 years, we will be facing a demographic and fiscal tsunami.

It’s time for Vermont’s legislature to “check essential” and adjourn in a timely fashion.

First, we need a balanced budget, and no new taxes. It’s our job to take care of the most vulnerable Vermonters, to encourage economic growth and job creation, and position our state for future prosperity, despite the challenges that lay ahead.

We must do it without increasing the tax burden on Vermonters.

I support the Governor’s plan to close the capital gains tax loophole and devote the new revenue to reducing tax rates for middle-income Vermonters.

Last year, the legislature enacted a provisional tax exemption for parts used to repair and overhaul airplanes. As a direct result, a South Burlington company, Aviatron, won a competitive, million-dollar-plus contract and added several skilled new workers, all of which brings in tax dollars we otherwise would never have seen. Reducing taxes to generate more revenue is a model we should apply more often. This year, the legislature should make the airplane parts tax exemption permanent.

The high cost and scarcity of housing in our state creates a special burden on middle-income families and young adults. The legislature should enact the Governor’s “New Neighborhoods” proposal, which streamlines the regulatory process and creates incentives for communities to approve new construction.

The legislature recently passed an energy bill that will spur the use of renewable energy and enhance energy efficiency in our homes and businesses – without imposing new taxes. It’s a great initiative, especially in view of today’s record-high energy prices. The Governor has also proposed enhanced incentives for “green job” creation, or “VEGI”. The legislature should adopt that proposal now.

This is the time for the legislature to “check essential” for the Vermonters we serve, with compassion and discipline. Further health care reform, education and workforce development are among the other priorities we should continue to address.

We should use this year – the coming weeks – as a warm-up for the fast-approaching challenges of next year and coming years. It’s our opportunity to focus on the essentials and do things better. It’s our opportunity to work together – House, Senate and Governor.

Our state employees – dedicated and hard working -- are the backbone of state government. I ask for their help to see how we can continue to deliver the services that mean so much to Vermonters, with fewer resources. I know they can do it. I know we can do it.

Brian Dubie is Vermont’s Lieutenant Governor. E-mail his office a martha.hanson@state.vt.us, or visit www.ltgov.state.vt.us