The federal funds keep flowing from the “once in a lifetime opportunity” of unprecedented pandemic-era spending.
Planetarium rehab kicks off statewide $40 million ‘revitalization’ program
Source Correction: ‘Hate-free forum’ in St. Albans next week; masks REQUESTED
Community members – with or without masks – are encouraged to join a conversation on understanding and addressing bias, discrimination, and hate crimes in Vermont.
‘Hate-free forum’ in St. Albans next week; masks required
Community members are encouraged to join a conversation on understanding and addressing bias, discrimination, and hate crimes in Vermont.
Feds fund five Ph.Ds in new equity, ‘social-emotional’ program at UVM
“Collaboration among families, communities, and schools is necessary to support the social, emotional, and behavioral health of our children….a great deal of work is necessary to increase equity,” a UVM prof says.
NPR story On new late-term abortion clinic a warning for Vermonters
A Vermont group opposed to Article 22 publishes a video by an abortion survivor and highlights an NPR story on a proposed clinic specializing in late-term abortions.
Prescription Take Back Day Saturday
Vermonters will get a chance this Saturday, October 29, to dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medications easily and safely at 55 locations throughout the state.
FBI warns of threats to November election workers
Straight from the horse’s mouth: FBI issues press release warning of threats against election workers.
UVM creates new School of the Arts
UVM has combined its arts education into one new School.
State police awards, promotion ceremony at State House Friday
Members of Vermont’s highly professional, understaffed state police will receive recognition and promotions Friday. And then it’s back to work.
Gay rights group to protest assault on cop at Sept. 18 Pride Parade
Trans activists initiated violence against a gay retired police officer, and the LGB Alliance wants a public apology.
State police join Homeland Security asking public to report ‘suspicious activity’
The Vermont State Police is working with the Department of Homeland Security in the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign.
State giving away another $19 million for employer pandemic recovery
The program is designed to ensure the loans will be forgiven if the proceeds are used to pay for eligible operating expenses.
State-federal Medicaid deal covers 200K Vermonters
The Global Commitment demonstration increases Vermonters’ access to health care services, strengthens the health care system, and supports health care providers recovering from disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, state officials say.
Zero hunting-related shooting injuries in Vermont last year
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reported zero hunting related shooting injuries (HRSIs) in 2021, continuing a multi-year trend of declining HRSIs in Vermont.
State Police collect 3 tons of body armor for Ukraine
Law enforcement agencies and members of the public have donated about 1,000 body-armor vests and 45 helmets for the defense of Ukraine.
Act H 466: Climate-resilient protection for surface water
In the face of increased droughts due to climate change, this bill will ensure equitable access to surface water for users, while protecting the ecosystems of our streams and rivers.
House GOP: Lawmakers, not appointees, responsible to plan Clean Heat Standard
Once more the majority party of the Vermont House is letting appointees do the hard, unpopular work of implementing energy policy.
Vermont law enforcement donates body armor to Ukraine
Vermont law enforcement agencies are teaming up to donate used and expired body-armor vests to military units in Ukraine.
Federal bureaucrats busting your chops on passport, housing, taxes, etc.? Call Bernie
Stuck like a fly in the web of the federal bureaucracy? Call Bernie – or rather, call Bernie’s constituent affairs peeps. Politics aside, they might be able to help.
Scott would return $45 million in Ed Fund surplus to taxpayers, spend rest on tech centers
Scott’s plan for unexpected $90 million surplus in the state Education Fund: give half back to taxpayers in $250 checks this summer, and spend the rest teaching trades to young Vermonters enrolled in technical education.
$1 to Ukraine for every Vermonter. Russian-state business banned. Goodbye, Karelia
Vermont’s support for Ukraine has gone way beyond removing Russian-made products from Vermont liquor stores.
Meg Hansen succeeds Rob Roper as EAI president
Meg Hansen has been appointed the new president of the Ethan Allen Institute, Vermont’s free-market think-tank.
Laroche named to Franklin House seat
The former Commissioner of Fish & Wildlife has been appointed to fill a seat vacated by a Franklin County lawmaker who resigned.
Scott: eliminate military retirement pay tax
Gov. Phil Scott and a bipartisan group of lawmakers want to eliminate the income tax on military retirement pay. Will their support be enough?
Murad named Burlington Police Chief
Acting Chief Jon Murad is now the permanent Burlington Police Chief.
Virginia man wins lifetime VT hunting, fishing license
A Virginia man won the annual lottery for a Vermont lifetime hunting and fishing license.
$1 million grant subsidizes charging stations at apartment houses
Governor Phil Scott launched a new subsidy for electric vehicle charging stations at rental properties.
The next worry: UVM says flooding over the next 100 years will be costly
Improving riverbanks, floodplains and vegetation will help prevent an estimated $5.2 billion in Vermont flood damage in the next 100 years.
UVM to require boosters for all students
UVM requires all students to be boosted with a third vaccine shot.
Facial recognition tech has AG Donovan concerned
AG Donovan has concerned about the Department of Homeland Security’s facial recognition tech.
Leahy to Biden: C’Mon, Man! On Cuba, you’re as bad as Trump
Who’s to blame for Cuba’s misery? Sen. Patrick Leahy hands a tiny dollop of blame to the Marxist government, and a heaping serving to the U.S. government – including the current administration.
Larry Labor (R) appointed to fill Orleans House seat; Essex Rep resigns
Hospital pharmacy director Larry Labor has been appointed to fill the House seat vacated by Rep. Lynn Batchelor, who resigned in October.
Biden FDA appointee has $8 million invested in Big Pharma, Sanders says
Biden appointee to run FDA has $8 mil invested in Big Pharma. Who’s regulating who, Bernie wonders.
Hansen joins Ethan Allen board
A medically-trained health care advocate has joined Vermont’s free market think tank.
December unofficial start of bird feeding season
Bird feeders offer an easy and safe way to interact with wildlife, and installing them after December 1 limits the potential to attract bears.
Giving thanks for 31 turkeys in 1969 to over 50,000 turkeys roaming VT today
Wild turkeys disappeared from Vermont in the mid-to-late 1800s due to habitat destruction when land was cleared for farming, but after stocking 31 turkeys in 1969, VT’s turkey population is estimated at 50,000.
Poaching bust: midnight ‘hunter’ with crossbow hits deer decoy
Game wardens used a deer decoy to bag two late night poachers in Underhill.
Scott announces Canadian trade and business representative as border reopens
CIDEP of Montreal will be the new Vermont Trade and Investment Representative and Liaison in Canada.
VT publisher sues Sen. Elizabeth Warren for trying to stop Mercola “Truth About COVID-19” book
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is using her clout to stop publication of Dr. Joseph Mercola’s expose on Covid-19. The book’s Vermont-based publisher, Chelsea Green, is suing the Massachusetts senator.
Record 487 cases reported today – State of Emergency unnecessary “at this time”
In a statement issued today, Gov. Phil Scott said today’s record high number of Covid cases isn’t cause for another State of Emergency – yet.
Pfizer vax registration available for children ages 5-11
Vermont health officials look to “get as many doses as possible into students’ arms before the holiday break” as the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children, ages 5-11.
Rally to continue motel program
A rally at the Statehouse to continue funding for homeless people in motels and hotels had support from legislators and about 50 people.
Sign health freedom scroll July 25 in Lyndonville
Sunday, July 25 in Lyndonville will be the first stop for the “We the People Declare Health Freedom” scroll, which attendees will be able to sign, before it embarks on its statewide journey.
After month in Capitol, VT Guard practices ‘peacekeeping’ in Europe
Following a month-long mission at the Capitol in Washington DC, 400 Vermont National Guard soldiers are in Europe training for dealing with civilian unrest in Kosovo.
Fed transportation bill delivers $1.4 bil to VT
The Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, which today passed out of the Environment and Public Works Committee, will include nearly $1.4 billion for Vermont’s roads, bridges, and transit systems, Sen. Bernie Sanders announced.
Scott lifts mask mandate for vaccinated people
Governor Phil Scott announced Friday that because Vermont has already hit its necessary vaccination threshold with over 60% of the population receiving at least one dose, it will move into Step 3 of the Vermont Forward Plan more than two weeks ahead of the anticipated schedule.
Riley Allen named to energy court
Governor Phil Scott has appointed Riley Allen of Montpelier to serve as a member of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
Covid & Constitution events Saturday
Received fom Vermont Liberty.net During COVID, well-recognized Constitutional rights have been repeatedly compromised, without adequate justification. Four events planned in May are designed to educate and encourage Vermonters to defend our Constitution […]
Sanders, Leahy bill: free college for all
Legislation introduced today by Sen. Bernie Sanders would guarantee tuition-free community college for all students, and allow students from families earning under $125,000 a year to attend public and/or minority-serving colleges and universities tuition-free and debt-free. The bill also allocates $10 billion annually to cover student support programs at minority-serving schools.
Scott explains BIPOC vaccination policy
“In addition to the greater risk of hospitalization among BIPOC community members, the pace of vaccination for these individuals is too far behind the white population. With a rate of 20.2% of the BIPOC population having received at least one dose of vaccine as compared with non-Hispanic Whites (33.4%), we need to do more to close this gap – both as a matter of equity and to help decrease the risk of hospitalizations.”
F-35s to practice night flights
The Vermont Air National Guard will begin three weeks of night flying operations starting Tuesday, April 6.
App measures marijuana ‘high’
Saint Michael’s College psychology professor Ari Kirshenbaum has been using a $224,000 National Science Foundation grant he received in September 2020 to develop a mobile app that measures the effects of cannabis on a user’s neurocognitive functions: things such as reaction time, time perception and concentration, which are all affected by THC.
Vax for ages 16 and up set for April 19
Governor Phil Scott Friday, March 18 laid out the projected timeline for all remaining age bands, which will govern the state’s vaccination distribution process moving forward.
Sanders: What ARPA means to Vermonters
As a result of the bill that passed the Senate on Saturday, 428,000 adults and 145,000 kids in Vermont will be receiving direct payments averaging $2,230 per household. In other words, 89% of Vermont households will be receiving a direct payment under the Senate bill.
Next phase of vaccine rollout announced
Governor Phil Scott today announced that the next phase of the State’s vaccination efforts will begin on March 8 for Vermonters with certain high-risk conditions. With additional supply coming to the state, Governor Scott also unveiled a new track of the vaccine rollout starting next week to include school staff and childcare providers, as well as an expansion of the definition of first responders under Phase 1A.
Scott applauds rejoining Paris climate deal
Gov. Phil Scott joined other governors praising the U.S. rejoining of the Paris Climate Accords.
Bill would ban sale of menthol cigarettes, flavored tobacco
The Coalition for Tobacco-Free Vermont and other advocacy groups want the Vermont Legislature to pass S24, legislation to eliminate the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, supporters said yesterday at the State House.
State sues OneCare for hiding payroll
Attorney General T.J. Donovan has filed a lawsuit on behalf of State Auditor Doug Hoffer against OneCare Vermont after the accountable care organization breached its contract with the State by repeatedly refusing to provide accounting records to the State Auditor.
New advocacy group fights Burlington ‘burner ban’
Opportunity Vermont has released a petition calling on the Mayor and City Council to abandon any proposal that taxes residents who need gas for heat, hot water, or cooking.
Worker’s Comp rates drop 5th consecutive year
Governor Phil Scott today announced that Vermont businesses will see another rate decrease in workers’ compensation insurance in 2021. This is the fifth straight year workers’ compensation rates have decreased, and when combined with decreases from 2017-2020, Vermont employers will pay an average of 36% less in workers’ compensation premiums than they did in 2016.
Gamestop speculation risky, State warns investors
The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) cautions Vermonters about the significant risks associated with investing in publicly traded companies that are experiencing extreme price volatility due to stock speculation.
Health Choice VT urges PCR test caution
There can be large-scale test kit contamination, as both the US and the UK (and several African countries) discovered during the early phase of the pandemic.
Gov. Scott budget address includes $210 million in new spending
Governor Phil Scott Tuesday delivered his fifth budget address to the General Assembly, presenting a balanced budget that, with the help of federal stimulus, includes $210 million in bold new investments to strengthen the economy, create more and better paying jobs, and address big priorities, like downtown revitalization, infrastructure, broadband and climate change. All without raising taxes or existing fees or cutting essential services.
Leahy to preside over impeachment trial
Being the Senate’s president pro tempore, Leahy is now third in line to the presidency. The president pro tempore has historically presided over Senate impeachment trials of non-presidents.
Trafficking victims lured by drugs, etc., then “treated as commodities”
One of the challenges is to debunk the many myths surrounding sex and labor trafficking. Human trafficking is often confused with smuggling, evoking ideas of an international slave trade that has little to do with Vermont’s small towns and cities. Victims of trafficking in Vermont, however, include our own neighbors.
Scott announces new press secretary, makes other appointments
Governor Phil Scott today announced a handful of new appointments and promotions in the Agency of Administration, Agency of Human Services and on his senior staff.
Guv re-opens social gathering spigot (a little)
Between December 23 and January 2, households may gather with one other trusted household.
“FirstAmendmentFest” rally noon today on State House Lawn
At noon Friday, December 18, the final day of Chanukah, supporters of the U.S. Constitution will gather at the Vermont State House lawn for the first in a series of rallies to support the Constitution and Bill of Rights, starting with the First Amendment.
Irasburg church attendees urged to get Covid-19 test
BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Department of Health is urging anyone who attended Sunday services at New Hope Bible Church in Irasburg on November 22 to get tested for COVID-19.
Split the Ticket Fund delivers holiday warmth
Many Vermonters in need will receive a surprise gift of warmth this winter thanks to the Split the Ticket Fund. While thousands of Vermont families receive fuel assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, there are many Vermonters that don’t qualify but still need help. These families can receive donations of heating oil, propane, or kerosene from the Split the Ticket Fund, a Vermont based 501c3 non-profit organization.
Thankful for Vermont’s Wild Turkeys
One of our native wildlife species historically played an important role on Thanksgiving Day. North America’s native wild turkeys were the ancestors of the Thanksgiving turkey on our dinner table, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. reports.
October state revenue higher than expectations – which were set very low, administration says
The State’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts were $18.27 million, or 10.1%, above expectations in October.
Game wardens find two lost young hunters
Vermont game wardens helped recover two hunters lost in Middlesex Notch Saturday evening, November 14, the opening day of Vermont’s sixteen-day rifle deer hunting season.
Yesterday highest number ever of Vermont Covid cases
BURLINGTON – The State of Vermont reported 72 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday morning, the highest number of cases reported since the start of the pandemic, and almost double the number of new […]
Free fishing, hunting for recognized tribes begins in January
Free Vermont state recognized tribal citizen hunting and fishing licenses will become available in January, 2021, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Act 143, approved by the 2020 Legislature, states […]
Scott, Levine advise small social gatherings – no mandate yet
Montpelier – Governor Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, today announced an advisory on social gatherings, strongly recommending they be limited to 10 or fewer people. Noting that Vermont has seen […]
Fall wildlife foods less abundant – but no famine predicted
Vermont Fish & Wildlife is reporting that several important fall foods for wildlife are less abundant this year. “Fish & Wildlife staff routinely survey mast stands around the state in late September […]
State tax revenue up 23% in September, 9% for first quarter
Revenue exceeds expectations lowered by pandemic General Fund revenues for the month of September were $165.97 million versus the monthly target of $134.49 million, +$31.49 million or +23.41% above the consensus target, […]
Gov. Scott announces expanded hazard pay for frontline employees
Applications Open October 28 – program applies to healthcare, human services, pharmacy, grocery, some retail jobs October 22, 2020 – Gov. Phil Scott today announced the second round of the Frontline Employee […]
Investigation begun by Vermont U.S. Attorney Nolan leads to $8 B Purdue Pharma opioid settlement
The Department of Justice Wednesday October 21 announced a global resolution of its criminal and civil investigations into the opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma. “The abuse and diversion of prescription opioids has […]
VT GOP radio campaign: if you like Phil Scott, vote for legislators who will help him
Tuesday morning thousands of Vermonters listened in as the Vermont Republican Party began a multi-station radio campaign across Vermont, getting on the airwaves from Alburg to Vernon. “The Vermont Republican Party is […]
Record lake trout caught in Lake Champlain
Lack of wounds testament to Successful Sea Lamprey Control Efforts The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department recently certified a record fish entry for a 19.36-pound lake trout caught in Lake Champlain in […]
Vermont National Guard caucus formed in Legislature
Members of the Vermont Legislature have announced the formation of a Vermont National Guard Legislative Caucus in advance of an anticipated large-scale deployment of the Vermont Army National Guard in 2021, with […]
Scott vetoes Act 250 bill, signs expanded access to contraceptives
October 5, 2020 – Governor Phil Scott has vetoed H926, changes to Act 250, and signed several other bills, including expanding access to contraception for youth and adults. A decision on S54, […]
More Dems join Milne campaign
Scott Milne Announces Additional Democratic and Independent Endorsements POMFRET, VT – Today, candidate for Lieutenant Governor Scott Milne announced that five additional Democratic and Independent leaders have endorsed his candidacy. “I’ve known Scott Milne for a […]
Milne campaign: Town clerk rebukes Pro-Molly Gray PAC for misstating Milne voting record
Editor’s note: a PAC supporting Molly Gray – the Vermont Democratic lieutenant-governor candidate already under fire for failing to vote year after year – recklessly published incomplete information about Scott Milne’s ‘nearly […]
Guv opens indoor bars
State of Vermont OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR For Immediate Release Friday, September 18, 2020 Media Contact Rebecca Kelley, Office of the Governor 802-622-4047 | rebecca.kelley@vermont.gov GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT UPDATES BAR SEATING GUIDANCE, LIFTS […]
DMV launches new online vehicle registration
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced the launch of a new online system for temporary registrations and license plates for private vehicle sales. […]
Meg Hansen to seek Bennington Senate seat Nov. 3
Former Lt. Gov. candidate nominated by GOP committee to run against Democrats Sears, Campion in southwestern county August 24, 2020 – Former Republican Lt. Governor candidate Meg Hansen in Manchester today announced […]
Updated: Scott extends State of Emergency thru September 15
Towns, cities may impose stricter regulations on gathering size, liquor sales; returning college students in mind Vermont Daily mentioned to Gov. Scott at his August 11 press conference the small crowds at […]
‘Rail trail’ thru rural VT ready by end of next summer
August 12, 2020 – Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) today announced that the Legislature has approved funding to accelerate the completion of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT). […]
Lake Carmi 41% closer to phosphorus goal, State claims
Runoff control, in-lake aeration credited August 10, 2020 – Ongoing phosphorus reduction in and around Lake Carmi in agricultural Franklin County in 2019 moved the popular recreational lake almost halfway to its […]
AG Donovan, Planned Parenthood in ‘taxpayer supported collusion,’ Klar alleges
Candidate spent $3400 to get ‘public record’ documents passing between AG, Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood PAC violated campaign finance law, Vermont Right to Life says August 8, 2020 – Vermont Attorney General […]
No swimming, picnicking at fishing access
It’s good that Vermonters are getting outside. But they still must Follow the Rules at fishing accesses, Fish & Wildlife says The COVID pandemic has affected our lives in many ways, and […]
China sends unidentified, unsolicited seeds to Vermonters
Don’t plant them, report them, VT Agency of Ag says July 28, 2020 -The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) has been notified that several Vermont residents have received unsolicited […]
Right To Life: VT Planned Parenthood must join NY in condemning Sanger
The Vermont Right to Life Committee calls upon Planned Parenthood of Vermont to join with Planned Parenthood of Greater New York in denouncing their founder, Margaret Sanger, for her active involvement in […]
Gov. Scott signs racial bias, excessive use of police force bill
Governor Phil Scott announced actions on the following bills, passed by the Legislature. Bills with a corresponding message to the Legislature are noted below and messages are attached. On July 13, Governor […]
Berlin hospital to scan body temp of every entrant to facility
Hospital Entrants’ Body Temperatures Now Read by Thermal Camera Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin announced today that patients, visitors, and staff entering its main hospital will now have their body temperature […]
Deadline Friday to apply as ‘public member’ to racial equity task force
Panel to consider legislation to “clarify the path” for prosecuting harassment, hate speech and other bias motivated crimes JUNE 9, 2020 – Governor Phil Scott today announced the opening of the application for appointment […]
pandemic recovery plan: AId for homeless families, childcare, small businesses, ‘Buy Local,’ broadband
Editor’s note: The headlines this week have focused on deficits, the November election, protests, and pandemic-related restrictions – and rightly so. But sometimes the “if it bleeds it leads” media mentality leads […]
