Vermont’s rural taxpayers are subsidizing PILOT payments that disproportionately go to larger municipalities, despite their own financial challenges.
Soulia: VT’s PILOT Program: What it is and how it affects taxpayers
McCann: The dire cost of getting well
Increasing healthcare and hospital costs pose a greater challenge than education
Crispe: The future of Vermont education reimagined
We can achieve new educational heights without draining our pocketbooks.
Soulia: The Rutland Forward enigma
A PAC with missing money, unfiled reports, and unanswered questions
Klar: Bernie Sanders’s ‘onesies’ rant displayed his animosity for free speech
Demanding Bobby Kennedy cancels others’ messaging is absurd!
Gervais: Can the feds save Vermont’s power grid?
Vermont’s legislature continues the race to the precipice.
Lawrence: What’s wrong with a little “Communism”?
Communism and DEI are identical in philosophy and execution.
Fireovid: Anti-Trump Vermont might consider the Secession Solution
In my day, it was called a “reduction in force.” For sure, almost no one likes losing their job. But it’s a fact of life in a free society, and I’d much rather be a free individual in a free society than a hamstrung subject in a socialist society.
Klar: Defending free speech in America
The First Amendment seemed forgotten under the Biden Administration, but it’s back.
Soulia: DOGE constitutional? Legal? And who’s cutting what?
Is DOGE constitutional? Legal? And who’s actually cutting what?
Bossange: Trump’s own MAGA Deep State
After a month in office, it is clear that the President and his MAGA leadership team and a new group of “elites,” are quickly establishing their own Deep State.
Despathy: Death of Barton child shows vaccine injury is real
In 2011, Nicole Matten of Barton, Vermont brought her healthy, seven year old daughter Kaylynne to the doctor for a “well-check up” where she was injected with a Fluzone influenza vaccine. A few days later, her daughter died in her arms on the way to the hospital.
Krowinski: Education transformation will take all of us
One challenge for Vermont has risen above all others: the state of our public education system.
Keelan: The beginning of the end of Vermont’s rurality
During the last forty years, events have been taking place that have forever changed our rural character.
Page: Mind, mindset, and political identity
Why we literally think differently about politics
Roper: Pucker up for kissing your sister
Thoughts on Education and Property Tax Reform, Part 1
Whitworth: Punching myself in the face
“I’m gonna flap my arms and fly over the Statehouse dome. And if I should fail, I will punch myself in the face.” That is the essence of Vermont’s Global Warming Solutions Act.
Eshelman: A wolf in sheep’s clothing
In response to “Gov. Phil Scott’s education plan would create an optional school choice lottery in every district” (VT Digger, 2/6/25)
Steidler: U.S. is the global AI leader
J.D. Vance must tell EU to not mess with us.
Perlin: Who needs the Electoral College? Vermont.
When Peter Welch, or anyone, calls for abolishing the electoral college, ask them how this would help Vermont.
Swenson: Bernie Sanders’ Vermont
For Vermont’s most famous politico, the answer is always the same: blame billionaires, blame capitalism, blame everyone except the people actually in charge.
Thayer: A continued call to action
Vermont needs genuine people with real vision; with fight and courage to make Vermont the best place to live, work, and play.
Ingalls: VT needs Guest Worker program for immigrant farm laborers
Farmers fear what could happen in the blink of an eye to the workers they have now.
Stephens: ‘Make War Great Again’?
You are burning with desire, and have not your desire, so you put men to death -James 4:1-2 BBE
Flannery: VT Democrats should heed grim Mike Bloomberg warning on education
Vermont, already burdened with some of the country’s highest taxes and biggest per-student spending, is studying reforms at the state legislature this session.
Green & Sheets: Trump ‘the Great Architect’
At this point in history, America does not need a statesman. And we certainly do not need a politician. Frankly, we do not need a peacemaker.
Fernandez: The disintegration and decay of the West
The Left resembles medieval Christianity, promoting dogmatic beliefs that are deemed unchallengeable and regarding all who dissent as heretics to be destroyed.
Baker: Former teacher Balint should know better
Balint states that under the “cruel executive orders” from President Trump with the Constitution under attack, we are in an “urgent Constitutional” crisis.
MacDonald: Vermont at war with its own ‘reproductive freedom’ rights
Reproductive freedom has nothing to do with reproduction, but it could.
Soulia: Manipulated crime data
The deceptive national push for “smart justice”
Soulia: Vermont’s “temporary” hotel voucher program
Originally designed to provide shelter during severe weather, the program’s cost has skyrocketed to tens of millions of dollars annually.
Klar: Do public school students have a right to decline COVID-19 vaccines?
6-year-old Leo Politella was forcibly administered an experimental COVID-19 shot in 2021 at a clinic at his VT public school despite vocal protests, assurances.
McClaughry: One big school system
Originally released Tuesday, January 1, 2002. Although specific statistics are, by their nature, two decades out of date, the principles remain firm.
Stack: Vermont’s days of federal “Wine and Roses” are coming to an end
Vermont bet big on the wrong horse, and unfortunately the horse that won is keen on loyalty.
Warner: Hartford school supe fears for children and blames Trump
An email was sent out recently by the Hartford Interim Superintendent Caty Sutton, raising questions about the safety of Hartford area students at school.
Roper: VT Dems’ “Green” agenda is driving the housing crisis
Climate mandates account for $30-$40K additional cost per unit, are chasing away construction workers.
Soulia: How Vermont’s bail reform led to a crime surge (and the ACLU won’t admit it)
Reform advocates remain silent, dismissing the concerns of law-abiding citizens who are forced to deal with the consequences of these misguided policies.
Klar: An object lesson in coddling insane murderers
The victim’s family may object strenuously, but Connecticut law does not grant them anything more than a symbolic voice of protest.
Bradley: firearms ban in municipal buildings report ‘tragically flawed’
Such laws are unconstitutional, they are against the public welfare, they are prejudicial and increase danger to the public – especially in “sensitive places” – by depriving those who are subject to sudden acts of evil from the basic right of self-defense.
Soulia: Selective accountability: Why is VT only targeting law enforcement?
While accountability is essential, Act 124 unfairly singles out law enforcement officers while ignoring judges, attorneys, and legislators.
Beck: Fix low-performing State programs, repeal those that don’t work
Governor Scott noted the importance in not just funding existing programs by throwing money at those that don’t function properly, but actually fixing programs.
Bufka: Be your own lobbyist
About those State House lobbyists….
Roper on Battle for Bennington-1: So much for “saving democracy”!
House Democrats poised to disenfranchise Bennington 1 voters?
Bossange: The Hypocritical world of MAGA Christianity
Showing mercy is an act of compassion and forgiveness. “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matt. 6:15 NIV
Devine: A great day for UVM and downtown
This weekend Church Street is hosting the Sweet Stroll and Mother of All Sales, next weekend Burlington is host to the Penguin Plunge.
Klar: A Vermont political celebration?
Yes, and you are invited!
Keelan: Is Vermont still producing Jimmy Fishers?
Vermont has many young men and women who, in every way, will emulate Jimmy Fisher’s kindness, dedication, and sacrifice.
Roper: Replacing the “It’s Not a Carbon Tax” with a Carbon Tax
CHS may have flatlined, but we’re still stuck with the GWSA mandates.
Soulia: Bureaucracy gone wild
VT legislators propose local zoning Board of Appeals
McClaughry: Perils of school consolidation
The 17 year locusts of school consolidation is back – again.
Cole: U.S. must protect legal immigrants from illegals who endanger them
A former federal inspector general living in Vermont says enforcement must be done to protect our friends, family, and neighbors who followed the rules and fled from the people entering illegally who can and do harass them and recruit their children into the criminal theft, extortion, robbery, and drug gangs they fled in hope for a new life here.
Ellis: Fear and hatred
Trump has defeated the media, the Democratic party, the Clintons, the Obamas, the Bushes, the Bidens, and the American Dream.
Soulia: Act 250: A barrier to Vermont’s economic future
Over the decades, Act 250 has grown into a broad regulatory framework that has hindered development while providing questionable benefits.
Page: Sin and carbon: The economics of absolution
A reflection on our age of carbon indulgences
Roper: Poorly conceived, ineptly written, Act 18 requires full repeal
Part 3: PUC report lays bare why Clean Heat Standard is totally unworkable.
Soulia: VT’s S.8 proposal expands Dr. Dynasaur to adults under 26
Critics question its financial viability given Vermont’s ongoing economic struggles.
Moore: Yes, NEA, we ARE overspending on education
At $26,970 per student, Vermont is well above the national average (less than $20k)
Page: The price of “free” healthcare
The wait times, quality issues, and hidden costs that should give pause to advocates of similar systems in other nations, not to mention our own State.
Galfetti: Legislature full speed ahead
Controlling property taxes is going to take a whole system overhaul.
Roper: Governor Scott wants to lower property taxes and reform public education
Despite the Vermont Teacher’s Union’s assertion, Vermont now spends more per pupil — $27,000 on average – than any other state but one.
Beck: Connecting the dots
Both Left and Right are suing Vermont due to Global Warming Solutions Act (Act 153). This has to end.
Despathy: ‘Avian flu’ actually toxicity and poisoning?
There are records of suspected avian bird flu cases in which further investigation revealed toxicity and poisoning, especially in wild bird populations.
Roper: 58¢ per gallon! And that still low.
PUC rules account for just the first ten years of a 25-year program, which will get progressively more expensive as time goes by.
Klar: Europe’s renewable energy disaster
EU “deindustrialization” pummels economic growth.
Klar: Legal hopes for Vermont liberties?
Alliance Defending Freedom comes to Vermont!
Soulia: Setting the record straight on trapping and the VT Constitution
It’s time to respect the constitutional rights of Vermonters, the cultural significance of trapping, and the practical realities of rural life.
Roper: Our government doesn’t do things affordably
Scott: “Vermonters told us…they expect us to get back on course; to spend within THEIR means; and above all else, make Vermont more affordable for THEM.”
Warner: When will Hartford learn?
Hartford, like other desperate-to-seem relevant townships like Burlington and Montpelier, appears to operate on the political lake effect.
Keelan: An outsider’s point of view
While we have no voice in the operation of the town government, nor should we, the functioning of the town is so critical to those of us who frequent it.
Davis: What to do with the Commission on the Future of Public Education?
The Commission on the Future of Public Education issued its interim report ahead of the holidays with very little to show, and now everyone is rethinking their existence.
Woolf: More people leaving Vermont than moving in
A thriving, prosperous state is a goal that all Vermonters can agree to. That goal is easier to achieve with a growing population. We don’t have that.
Soulia: Should Vermont consider a Stand Your Ground law?
In much of the world, and many states across the U.S., self-defense is seen as a fundamental right. In Vermont it’s…complicated.
Bryce: LA asleep at the switch
The LA Dept. of Water and Power aggressively touts sustainability, solar, EVs, hydrogen, and its pursuit of “100% clean power.” Did it ignore wildfire risk?
Harrison: We took a wrong turn. Now we’re getting back on course
The new Republican vice-chair of the budget-building House Appropriations Committee quotes Gov. Phil Scott: “We’re not here to worry about egos. We’re here to do what Vermonters need.”
Roper: House Democrats circling wagons around Clean Heat Standard
Clean Heat Standard repeal kicked over to Committee controlled by those who made it law in the first place.
Bartley: Balancing reform, affordability, and Vermont’s future
It’s clear: Vermonters are calling for thoughtful reforms to keep our state affordable, functional, and equitable for all residents.
Despathy: Bird flu PCR test can’t detect infections
As explained by its Nobel Prize winning creator, Kary Mullis, PCR is not intended to and cannot detect infections.
Klar: Learning from ‘green’ Germany’s downfall
Germany’s once-envied efficient economy is in freefall
Soulia: Senator Harrison’s vision vs. VT’s challenges
Senator Harrison argues that Vermont is growing, but the data paints a more nuanced picture.
Despathy: What to do about that Bird Flu – Part 1
It is absolutely urgent Vermont revisit the history and existing body of avian bird flu science.
Soulia: $1000 per bill introduced and you pay the tab
$1.2 Million Spent on Legislative Proposals in 2023-2024
Adornay: Two roads diverge…
I was in Kenya during their last national election, in 2022. And it was scary. We are walking down that same dark road.
Roper: Randy Brock for Senate President Pro Tem!
And thoughts on the race for Speaker of the House
Roper: Legislature, resolve to cut spending in the new year
Since 2019, the year before Covid, the state budget has grown from about $5.8 billion to $8.5 billion. That’s a $2.7 billion spending increase in just 4 years.
Koch: “Scribblings” on education finance
The legislature should make education reform priority ONE for the next two years.
Roper: What’s to show for 25 years of Democrat/Progressive control
Let that be your New Year resolution: Hold your representatives in Montpelier accountable for what they are doing in your name and, ostensibly, on your behalf.
Klar: A New Year’s resolution (of political differences)
New Year’s 2025 celebrations augur the second inauguration of Donald J. Trump as president of the United States.
GOP State Senate leader: We won’t forget Vermonters
The new legislature needs to continue to focus on the difficult work of passing systemic change. VT voices deserve to be remembered and acted upon.
Keelan: VT nonprofits a new source of State revenue?
The Vermont nonprofit sector is one of the largest sectors of the State’s economy, measured by revenue generated and employees, yet is primarily unregulated.
Bossange: America’s lost political parties
If this past election proved anything, it confirmed the death of the national GOP, the unraveling of the Democrats, and the emergence of a new MAGA Party.
Jesse: What we need from a new Essex-Westford school superintendent
They will have to focus on student academic achievement by setting specific measurable goals and focusing district resources on meeting those goals.
Soulia: Equal pay, unequal costs
How Vermont legislators spent your money on H.861
Swenson: From Montpelier to Austin
Lessons Vermont needs to learn from Texas. Vermont deserves better, and it’s time for its leaders to deliver.
Klar: Who will be VT’s new Lt. Governor?
Because John Rodgers unseated incumbent Lt. Gov. Dave Zuckerman with less than 50% of the popular vote, the VT Legislature will select who gets the job.
Keelan: Is Zuckerman the reincarnation of Bernie?
The Lieutenant Governor’s traveling around the State to warn us of the crisis of book banning was irrelevant, and it fell on deaf ears.
Klar: Biden renews technology-sharing treaty with China
All the while, Chinese drones threaten US national security.
Klar: Will Donald Trump end birthright citizenship?
Birthright Citizenship hurts the nation: A constitutional examination of what makes an American.
Arnn: Drain the swamp
The following is adapted from remarks delivered on November 19, 2024, at a Hillsdale College reception in San Diego, California.
Kinsley: No victory on property taxes this year
What we have is a distribution of resources problem. The resources we have are not making it to the right places to improve (or even maintain) student outcomes.
Grant: Slam the backdoor on China but keep American global business, allies in AI
The battle against China in AI is crucial. The U.S. has a narrow lead but cannot become complacent.
