COUNTING ON VERMONT

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180
Degrees spun counterclockwise into oncoming traffic by a chartered Coach USA bus that was transporting skiers from Boston to Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vt. on the morning of Feb. 17. The driver of the bus is being charged with felony for negligent operation of the vehicle that could result in up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Twenty-eight of the 50 passengers on board were injured.

2,000
Vermonters killed each year as a result of heart disease. To help reduce this number, the American Heart Association is asking the State Legislature to implement a 67 cent per pack increase in the tax on tobacco, a $6.9 million appropriation for anti-smoking campaigns, $102,000 for automated external defibrillators for ambulances and a state heart disease plan.

$260,000
The new, increased salary for incoming University of Vermont (UVM) President Daniel Fogel, who is currently vice chancellor and provost at Louisiana State University. He will assume the position at UVM on July 1, 2002. His new salary reflects a 53 percent increase from the current president's salary and an amount that doubles the statute-set salary of Governor Howard Dean.

34
The temperature in degrees Fahrenheit of the water in Lake Champlain, felt by over 600 swimmers on Feb. 16 in order to raise money for Vermont Special Olympics. The training and competition program for people with developmental disabilities has grown to include 1,700 athletes. The swimmers received pledges to take dips in the icy water with a goal of raising $185,000.

1,552
Number of youths in state custody through Vermont's foster care system, according to a study conducted by the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. The study concluded that the children in state custody are older, most of them between the ages of 12 and 17, the number of delinquents has increased 118 percent since 1990 and the number of teens on probation has increased 106 percent.

27,000
Jobs in Vermont that pay less than $7 an hour, according to State Employment and Training Department statistics. Due to the insufficient income earned by these Vermonters, Vermont Democrats and Progressives suggested raising the current $6.25 minimum wage by 50 cents. The proposal to increase minimum wage was defeated by a vote of 87-53.

20.5
Percent of adults in Vermont, aged 18 and older, who admit to partaking in binge drinking, which is defined as consuming more than five drinks on one occasion within the last 30 days, according to a report by the Agency of Human Services. The most recent national survey indicates a national binge drinking rate of 15 percent.

$129,900
The median price of exisiting single family homes in Vermont, a price that demonstrates an 8.2 percent increase from 2000. Despite the increase, housing affordability in Vermont, which is a result of lower interest rates and higher incomes, is better than the national average.

Statistics courtesy of The Rutland Herald and The Burlington Free Press. Compiled by the Local News Editor.