USDA announces expanded disaster assistance for farmers and timber producers in Vermont

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) says producers can apply for up to $31.7 million in assistance through a USDA funded block grant to help producers in Vermont recover from crop, timber, and on-farm infrastructure losses due to adverse weather events in 2023 and 2024.  Additionally, FSA is reopening the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) signup for the same period providing cost-share for certain restoration activities on private forestland not covered by the state block grant program. Applications for both EFRP and the Vermont Agriculture and Timber Disaster Assistance Block Grant program will be accepted from Oct. 26 through Dec. 31, 2026. EFRP applications will only cover restoration activities that are not eligible for block grant assistance.

”Vermont Agriculture and Timber Disaster Assistance Block Grant The State of Vermont received $31.7 million from FSA to administer through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. The grant program provides disaster recovery assistance to eligible Vermont agricultural producers, timber landowners, and contract loggers who experienced qualifying weather-related losses. The program was established through federal block grant funding authorized under the American Relief Act of 2025.  Potentially eligible agricultural losses include: 

• Damage to eligible on-farm infrastructure;
• Bare-ground practices;
• Future economic loss
• Market loss
   

The timber assistance component includes: 

• Standing timber losses
• Harvested timber losses 
• Licensed Forester assessment costs
• Forest stewardship plan updates 
• Certain logger recovery costs required to reopen damaged harvest sites and restore access via reinstallation of Acceptable Management Practices.

Eligibility Eligible applicants must have been farming or operating an eligible agricultural or timber business during 2023 and/or 2024, must have experienced a qualifying weather-related loss, and continue to operate today. Losses must be connected to an eligible weather event and supported by documentation. Applicants may apply for eligible losses that have already been repaired, rebuilt, or replanted, or may attest that they will use program funds to complete eligible restoration or replanting in the future for applicable categories. This program is non-competitive; all applicants demonstrating eligible unmet loss will receive payment.  For more information or to apply visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Marketswww.agriculture.vermont.gov or contact AGR.DisasterResponse@vermont.gov.   For more timber related information, contact the Agency of Natural Resources or contact ANR.FPRFloods@vermont.gov.

Campaign for Vermont Announces the Addition of Pelin Kohn

Non-profit seeking to grow VT’s middle class expands its advisory council.

The Campaign for Vermont Prosperity (CFV) announced that Pelin Kohn is joining their Advisory Council, expanding the organization’s capacity to advance data-driven, public policy solutions that strengthen Vermont’s economy and communities.

The CFV Advisory Council plays a critical role in guiding the organization’s work to reconnect everyday Vermonters to their government, promote government transparency and accountability, and champion 21st-century policies that support family-sustaining jobs, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.

Kohn is a Montpelier City Councilor, higher education professional, educator, and author. She has lived in Vermont since 2017 and has been active in local government, education, and civic organizations statewide.

She previously served as State President of the League of Women Voters of Vermont and currently works at the Community College of Vermont. Kohn holds a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences and has a professional background in higher education leadership and administration.

As a member of the Advisory Council, Kohn will provide strategic insight and feedback on CFV’s policy priorities, including:

• Transforming education to better prepare students for a changing world while ensuring accountability for outcomes and investments.
• Expanding civic engagement to build a broad, well-informed coalition of Vermonters who are active participants in their government.
• Government accountability that allows our state and local governments to respond to well-informed Vermonters seeking change.
• Strengthening Vermont’s economy with family-sustaining jobs and opportunities in all regions of the state.
• Addressing demographic shifts by making Vermont more affordable and attractive for working families and young people.
• Promoting environmental stewardship through pragmatic, cost-effective policies and thoughtful alternatives to broad-based carbon pricing approaches.

Vermont Chamber’s Megan Sullivan named among nation’s top 100 lobbying and advocacy professionals

Sullivan leads the Vermont Chamber’s government affairs work, directing legislative strategy and representing Vermont businesses at the State House. Her work brings the experiences and priorities of employers into policy discussions that shape the state’s economy.

NILE received a record number of nominations this year, supported by impressive letters of recommendation from colleagues, clients, Members of Congress, senior government officials, and former Cabinet secretaries. Honorees were selected through a blind peer review process recognizing professional accomplishments, innovation, integrity, and service to their communities. Sullivan is the first Vermont based lobbyist to be recognized with this award.

“Megan brings expertise, sound judgment, and determination to her work every day,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “She listens closely to our members, understands what policy decisions mean for their businesses, and works tirelessly to turn those insights into effective advocacy. This national recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to have her leading our government affairs work.”

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be recognized with this award and by the incredible support my nomination received from my peers, colleagues, and policymakers,” said Megan Sullivan. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with businesses of all sizes, across industries, and in communities throughout Vermont. “Strong advocacy starts with listening to businesses that make living, working, and thriving in Vermont possible. That experience has shaped my approach to advocacy and reinforced my belief that the people navigating the challenges of running a business deserve a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect them.”

Open Enrollment for Vermont Health Connect Starts on November 1

There are several federally mandated changes to plans available through Vermont Health Connect to be aware of this year:

Shorter Open Enrollment:

• Open enrollment for 2027 plans will be shorter than in previous years. This year’s open enrollment period ends on December 28. DVHA encourages Vermonters to sign up by December 15 for coverage starting January 1, 2027.

Some non-citizens and immigrants will no longer be eligible for financial help:

• Starting in plan year 2027, only lawful permanent residents, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants will be able to get financial help to pay for a Qualified Health Plan. Additional categories of non-citizens will become ineligible for financial assistance but may still be able to get a Qualified Health Plan at full cost.

Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC) repayment caps removed

• Beginning with the 2026 tax year (filed in 2027), if customers underestimate their income when signing up for a Qualified Health Plan, they will have to pay back the FULL AMOUNT of premium tax credits received when they file their taxes.

Additional information about these federally mandated changes can be found on the DVHA website: Health Insurance Changes: Stay informed! | Vermont Health Connect.

For additional information visit www.VermontHealthConnect.gov, call the Customer Support Center at 1-855-899-9600, or contact an in-person Assister near you.