Gov. Shumlin fires a top member of his cabinet

MONTPELIER, Vt. -

Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin has removed his top manager tasked with overseeing Vermont's health reforms and the protection of children. WCAX broke the news of the departure of Agency of Human Services Secretary Doug Racine Tuesday.

The Agency of Human Services is massive, including disability and aging services, health and social supports, as well as corrections among its departments. Its budget eats nearly half of the state's General Fund. Significant problems persist with Vermont Health Connect while two toddler deaths tarnish the reputation of the Department for Children and Families. The governor says it's the right time to make a change.

Starting Tuesday, Vermont Health Commissioner Harry Chen will take over atop the Agency of Human Services. The governor's staff asked former Secretary Doug Racine to step down Monday. Racine oversaw much maligned health reform efforts and child protection in his role leading Vermont's largest agency.

"I felt that it was time for a different kind of leadership. And I'm grateful to Sec. Racine for his service and I'm grateful to have someone as capable as Harry Chen to take over as secretary," said Shumlin, D-Vermont.

The state's online health exchange, Vermont Health Connect, still has plenty of bugs, even as the one-year anniversary and next open enrollment period draw near.

The Legislature hasn't been in session since May, but select lawmakers continue to look into the Department for Children and Families. Some worry a lack of resources and questionable regulations may be partially responsible the deaths of two toddlers earlier this year. Lawmakers don't think the management change alone will solve ongoing problems.

"I think this is really what you would call the perfect storm," said Sen. John Campbell, D-Windsor County. "The fact that these things all happened at one time I think had something to do with this."

"To equate the change in leadership with DCF and the tragic child deaths is to look for a simple answer," said Rep. Ann Pugh, D-South Burlington.

"I've often said I only need two votes to do this job; one is the governor's and one is mine. I've lost the governor's vote," Racine said.

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Gov. Shumlin fires a top member of his cabinet