An anti-Israel umbrella organization comprised of socialist and pro-Palestinian advocacy groups wants five Vermont legislators to resign following their September junket to Israel.
Anti-Israel group demands lawmakers visiting Israel resign
Young Vermont men turn against sports betting
The rapid rise in negative sentiment among young men—a group historically open to risk and digital gaming—suggests an experiential problem rather than a moral one.
Soulia: Key budget and election dates Vermonters should know in 2026
While national elections draw the most attention, many of the most immediate impacts on Vermonters — particularly school spending and local taxes — are decided earlier in the year, often with less public awareness.
Soulia: When Vermont ignores reality – Part 1
What Vermonters are experiencing now is the predictable result of multiple systems breaking down at the same time: education finance, demographic decline, housing scarcity, regulatory overreach, healthcare inflation, workforce deterioration, and a tax base that continues to shrink while public obligations grow.
Ben & Jerry’s #1 in industrial wastewater violations
Major dairy processors and manufacturers accumulated hundreds of permit violations in 2024 while state regulators emphasize “partnership” over enforcement.
Scott: State’s Attorney, Redistricting Task Force members may need to go
A State’s Attorney with an on-duty DUI history and an alleged insensitivity problem should resign, Scott and Democrats agree. But who would take her place?
Cota: Dropping enrollment, rising costs = more property tax pressure
Vermont is facing an estimated 12% increase in education property taxes next year unless lawmakers again step in with a General Fund subsidy.
Morley named to Orleans Senate seat
Morley grew up in, and resides in, Orleans County with his wife, Jodi. He has worked for the Village of Orleans for 33 years, managing an electric department, street department, water and wastewater department, fire department, and library. Morley is an active member of the community, serving on many boards, in addition to having served in the Vermont House of Representatives for six years from 2004 until 2010.
Governor Phil Scott defends Afghanistan refugees in Vermont
Governor Phil Scott defended Afghanistan refugees in Vermont on Facebook Tuesday in response to the recent high-profile shooting in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan refugee suspect.
Gov. Scott appoints Michael Hoyt to VT House of Representatives
Also, Governor Scott on the need for “education transformation” this legislative session.
Court to Vermont State Employees: go back to the office
Return-to-office stays on track. The conflict now moves to the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB) for adjudication.
Trump ends Vermont “Housing First” policy
Inside the multi-state fight against Federal funding caps
Vermont looks to encourage legal immigration pathways
Vermont passed a bipartisan bill in May calling for the creation of the New Americans Study Committee in order to make recommendations on a forthcoming Office of New Americans. The committee is required to develop a summary of economic data regarding immigrants in Vermont and provide recommendations for how to improve immigrant services.
Soulia: Towns push back against murky ‘Enhanced Energy Plan’
The debate in Pittsford wasn’t about personalities or local politics. It reflected a broader question confronting nearly every town in Vermont: Where does state law end and agency preference begin?
Roper: So, Act 73 imploded
And Republicans have a second chance to avoid disaster.
Fraud expert and software developer find 13,000 voted ballots from undeliverable addresses in VT 2024 election
This is among several concerns in their new report titled the Vermont Voter Roll Integrity Analysis, prompting a response from the Secretary of State’s Office, sent to VDC by its chief of staff Bryan Mills on Friday, November 14.
Breaking: State funding for SNAP ends
The two weeks of state taxpayers funding SNAP benefits is over. Now, what about health care subsidies?
Soulia: Vermont traditions: Regulatory collectivism and administrative creep
Vermont’s forests are not dying; they are being managed into bureaucracy. The danger is not fragmentation of trees but fragmentation of responsibility—where the authority to decide is collective, but the obligation to pay is individual. The landscape that once symbolized independence is now the backdrop for rulemaking by committee.
End of the easy money: Vermont braces for its hardest budget in 10 years
The central challenge is not that state revenues are collapsing. Instead, the state’s fixed costs are growing faster than its baseline revenue.
Rodgers: A year of balance, progress, and putting Vermonters first
Here’s the good news: this year, we proved that when Montpelier is balanced — when no one party can simply bulldoze the other — we can actually roll up our sleeves and get things done. For the first time in a while, there was real collaboration.
Press restricted at state-funded ‘truth-telling’ session in St. Johnsbury
A state-funded “Public Truth-Telling Session” scheduled for Nov. 15 in St. Johnsbury will bar reporters from recording, photographing, or interviewing participants inside the event, according to guidelines released by organizers.
Polls: Despite union pushback, majority of Vermonters back State workers’ office return
The UNH poll reveals a different perspective from the general public. Just over half of Vermont residents—51%—support requiring state employees to work in-person at least three days per week.
Vermont Food Banks brace for impact
The lapse in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known locally as 3SquaresVT, has triggered delays in November benefits for more than 64,000 residents, exacerbating pressures on the state’s food banks.
SNAP recipients to receive 50% of benefits, beginning Nov. 7
The state-funded benefit is equal to 50% of a household’s November 1st 3 Square benefit and will be loaded onto EBT cards or directly deposited into bank accounts on or before November 7th 2025.
State fully funds food, fuel benefits thru Nov. 15
Pricetag: $6.3 million
Chair of House Ways and Means predicts State to fund 100% of food, fuel benefits for 15 days amid Federal shutdown
Kornheiser said she’s confident the State Emergency Board, including Gov. Scott, will confirm the 100% payments. A reporter said the governor had floated paying 50%, but Kornheiser said she believes he’s on board with 100%.
Bradford rep to run for Orange County senate; Hart out
Since joining the Legislature, Priestley said she has focused on rural equity, data privacy, consumer protection, and youth engagement. In her Senate campaign, Priestley plans to highlight housing, climate resilience, affordability, economic fairness, and government transparency.
Scott supports suing feds for SNAP benefits
“I have directed my administration to work with Attorney General Clark to support a multi-state lawsuit,” Scott said.
SNAP benefits to cost State of VT $3/million per week if shutdown continues
SNAP benefits not paid by the federal government proposed to be paid out of a state reserve fund.
Despathy: Corrupt renewable energy developers vandalizing Vermont
Predatory industrial-scale renewable energy development in Vermont has just reached an all-time low with continued ecological devastation and accompanying rate hikes in queue.
BREAKING: Connecticut man denies mail and wire fraud to steal nearly $475,000 from Vermont State Treasurer
Lindsay conspired with others, known and unknown to the grand jury, to develop a scheme to obtain money and property from the Vermont Unclaimed Property website, the indictment said.
House leaders say state will fully fund federal food, heating benefits hit by shutdown
epresentatives Kornheiser and Scheu serve on the Vermont Emergency Board, a panel that includes two senators and the governor. Lawmakers are coordinating with Governor Phil Scott and his administration to schedule an Emergency Board meeting next week to approve temporary state funding for the federal programs.
SNAP benefits will pause November 1 if shutdown continues
If you are expecting to receive your November 1 benefit, unless the federal government reopens and authorizes November benefits, it will not be issued due to a lack of federal funds, state officials said.
Soulia: Inside Vermont’s eco-litigation loop
In Vermont, the line between environmental policymaking and courtroom strategy has nearly disappeared. The same advocacy network that helped write the state’s climate and water rules now sues the agencies and farms that follow them—an endless loop of petitions, corrective orders, and consent decrees that leaves little room for either legislators or citizens.
Harrison: Preparations for the Legislature
It’s the time of year when we begin to get ready for the next season. Golf clubs and kayaks get cleaned and put away for next year. The list includes an appointment at Charlie Dorr’s to change over to snow tires, taking down the garden hoses at the house and much more. And while the State House is mostly quiet these days, some are preparing for the new legislative session, which begins January 6.
Soulia: How Vermont let its courts collapse while chasing climate glory
That’s not a crisis of resources—it’s a crisis of judgment.
Housing, food co-op get state/fed grant $$
The Caledonia Food Cooperative would be on the site of a former drug store on Railroad Street, the commercial district of Caledonia County’s largest town.
Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force hearings
These hearings are an opportunity to learn about the Task Force’s work and to share your perspectives and priorities, which will help guide the Task Force as it develops proposals for Vermont’s school district boundaries. These hearings are not for commenting on finalized maps, but your input will inform the Task Force’s work and be included in their report to the legislature.
Roper: Sibilia’s uncivil call for civility
Oh, the hypocrisy, but there is an opportunity for redemption.
VT Treasurer targets Trump meme stock—but here’s why your pension is safe
Trump Media makes up a minuscule 0.02% of the Russell 3000 total index—If its stock value went to zero tomorrow, the pension fund would lose less than two-hundredths of one percent.
Essex County Sheriff pushes back against Vermont immigration policy
Colby, who oversees a 10-deputy department, says the rules simply don’t work in Essex County, where federal officers are often the only backup available.
Vermont sports betting revenue below projections
Bettors, particularly during the popular football season, performed significantly better than models anticipated, which directly reduced the state’s share of the proceeds.
State of Vermont finds loopholes to allow food assistance for non-workers
The State is also reviewing, one by one, the cases of 1,532 non-citizens forbidden to receive food benefits under the OBBB.
Roper: Repeal the Renewable Energy Standard in 2026? Yes, please!
Senate Republican Leader outlines some agenda items for next year.
State employee union fights return to workplace three days a week
“Remote work is so common that we fear the state will not be able to attract or retain high-quality employees if forced back into the office,” the union argues.
Citing need for more housing, Scott slows push for heat pumps
Currently, a quarter of Vermont renters spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs, which will continue to trend in the wrong direction if action isn’t taken, a Scott spokesperson said.
Despathy: Vermont’s climate trap
What are the people to do when a law creates a trap that plunders precious resources and hard earned money and brings harm to Vermonters, all for zero beneficial environmental impact?
Appointments for seven deputy sheriffs never filed
Deputy involved in fatal shooting among them
Scott names new labor, health department commissioners
Chris Winters, DCF Commissioner, will be the new deputy commissioner of the Department of Labor beginning September 22. The administration stresses the move is not a demotion.
New car sales tax and other revenue down, VTRANS plans $7.5 million in cuts
Transportation fund receipts are down overall, with the largest deficits in diesel fuel sales tax and motor vehicle purchase and use taxes and fees. Gasoline sales are not below target.
Roper: How our politicians propose to waste $178M
It must be corruption because nobody is actually this stupid.
Emotions run high as towns discuss losing high schools to Act 73
Act 73 formed a statewide redistricting task force, which is holding meetings–one of which could be held at Oxbow next month.
Gov names former ICE public defender as state’s attorney
Claire Burns was recommended to the Governor by the Caledonia County Republican Committee. Burns has worked in public defenders’ offices in Colorado and California, representing individuals at all stages of criminal proceedings, including those facing deportation at the Aurora ICE Processing Center, as well as at a juvenile detention center in Colorado, providing group and individual therapy.
Soulia: Act 21, VT’s $1M medical debt jubilee
Act 21 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026. That money goes from the State Treasurer to a nonprofit debt buyer, which purchases old hospital accounts for pennies on the dollar and then cancels them. Patients who qualify — Vermont residents with incomes under 400 percent of the federal poverty line (FPL), or whose debt exceeds five percent of household income (with no income limit) — get letters saying their debt has been forgiven.
Soulia: Dark money in Vermont: It’s not coming from AFP
The Affordable Heat Act raised costs, the PUC confirmed it, and the real outside cash is already funding Vermont’s media and advocacy landscape: they just don’t like competition.
AG Clark ‘plays no role in immigration enforcement’ while issuing anti-ICE press release
Clark’s latest anti-Trump press release noted the detaining for possible deportation of illegal immigrants living in ‘the Northshire,’ an unofficial name for the Bennington County area. Press reports say that on August 25 ICE detained two Jamaican women working as home health aides and living in Manchester.
Vermont hesitant to remove gender ideology from federal education materials
Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson: “Just to put some of the facts out there, the PREP program does provide information for adolescents and youth, particularly around STI [sexually transmitted infection] HIV, prevention and prevention of unintended pregnancies. It is not a school-based program, so it is not offered in the schools.
Scott administration prepares plan to return state employees to offices
Supporters of state employees working from home say it helps hire and retain high-skilled workers, particularly those in the IT field.
Scott letter to Bondi: You’re wrong, VT is not a sanctuary state
Vermont: illegal sanctuary state, or complying with federal law?
Soulia: VT’s climate spending vs. drug interdiction
Vermont has chosen to spend heavily on climate mitigation, with more than a quarter-billion dollars in state funds committed over just a few years. Meanwhile, as the toll of overdoses continues to outpace weather-related deaths by a factor of nearly 100 to 1, a contrast likely to grow harder for policymakers—and taxpayers—to ignore.
Flags at half-mast for Gov. Thomas Salmon
“Governor Salmon led Vermont through some of our nation’s most difficult times, doing his best to stabilize our economy and strengthen trust of government. His efforts on behalf of Vermont are worthy of our gratitude, remembrance, and respect.”
A bridge project exposes NH’s battle against Vermont-style overreach
Regional recreation project hits a snag: New Hampshire resists Vermont’s soft stance on homeless encampments while enforcing strict rules that block the fix—new housing.
Vermont tangled in red tape and knotweed
In the Netherlands, a design group called Why Knot turns knotweed into lightweight, formaldehyde-free building panels. Vermont’s regulatory system is too antiquated to see it as a win-win.
VT parents demand public schools comply with feds
SPEAK VT President Marie Tiemann added that national developments raise questions for Vermont’s Agency of Education: whether it will respect parents’ right to opt out of controversial classroom material, and whether it will protect female athletes under Title IX.
Reporters ask Scott: Do you trust Trump?
Scott: “I’m going to call balls and strikes. We’re not going to oppose every single issue the federal government brings up, but we will take action and push back when necessary.”
Scott defends SNAP data amid condemnation by Dem leaders
“The bottom line is, this is a federal benefit,” Scott’s press secretary said. “The federal government is legally entitled to this information and has been for much of the last decade.”
Compass Vermont: VT gives Trump admin 5 years of data on SNAP recipients
The deputy commissioner at DCF noted that Vermont faced the risk of “unspecified sanctions,” which could include withholding of federal funds that cover half of the state’s SNAP program costs.
State working on finding, training young people to work
The state’s Regional Workforce Expansion Pilot program is hiring coordinators to find and train (mostly) young people to join the labor force.
Vermont Judge dismisses CFL climate lawsuit against State of Vermont
“This case demonstrates the problematic nature of the Global Warming Solutions Act’s expansive private right of action provision,” said Vermont’s Secretary of Natural Resources, Julie Moore, in a written statement to VDC yesterday morning.
Ex-Burlington chief Murad to run Vermont prisons
Governor Phil Scott today announced that Department of Corrections Commissioner Nick Deml will step down from his role on August 15, with former Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad named to serve as interim commissioner.
56 state employees earn more than $200K
Doctors, judges and a race car driver lead the pack among the best paid state workers.
Americans for Prosperity targets Vermont lawmakers in new accountability campaign
Campaign spotlights housing, taxes, and energy mandates
State funds free meals all summer for all children
”It’s amazing how easy it is to feed my kids for free all summer long,” a social media influencer for the free summer meals program said.
Mechanics are criminally liable for their work – but not judges or lawmakers
For now, the Law remains unequal.
How Vermont’s SNAP Program spends $155M each year
SNAP was created in 1964 to fight hunger by increasing access to calories. But critics argue it has not kept pace with nutrition science. Research shows SNAP participants often consume more calories than non-recipients, but their diets are higher in carbohydrates, sugar, and sodium—raising concerns about diet quality and long-term health outcomes.
Soulia: How Vermont’s 250th anniversary logo was chosen—and what’s missing
Without clear and consistent records of its meetings, Vermonters are left with few details about how significant decisions, such as selecting the anniversary logo, were made. As the 2026 celebrations approach, maintaining transparency and ensuring that future meetings are fully documented will be key to building public confidence in the commission’s work.
The privacy paradox – Part 1
How America banned TikTok for data collection while leaving data brokers untouched
Vermont among states suing Trump administration over education funding freeze
These states are calling this freeze unconstitutional, unlawful and an arbitrary decision.
New cottage food law keeps Vermont products in home kitchens
A food-start up bill exempts home based food producers from requiring state food safety permits if they keep their sales under $30,000.
Homeless Hotel/Motel program is still active
Vermont’s General Assistance (GA) Emergency Housing Program, commonly known as the “hotel/motel program,” remains operational with no termination date, despite confusion among some residents, and cost Vermont taxpayers $33 million dollars last year.
Soulia: Vermont’s À La Carte Constitution
A statute can only stand if it fits within the Constitution. If it doesn’t, it must either be overturned in court, or the Constitution must be amended first. That is the proper process for changing how a government operates.
Soulia: VT ends telework for some ESD staff, highlighting oversight gaps in government remote work
Vermont’s decision to end telework for roughly 100 employees in its Economic Services Division (ESD) has reignited a broader national debate over remote work in government—and the lack of systems to measure whether it’s working.
Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas leads international trip to Taiwan
Several secretaries of state journeyed as part of a National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) delegation to Taiwan. The trip included meetings with government officials, universities, business and agriculture leaders.
Vermont Climate Superfund lawsuits pile up as advocacy groups join defense
The Vermont Climate Superfund Law aimed at holding oil companies financially responsible for flooding and other damages caused by climate change is facing a flurry of litigation that Gov. Phil Scott anticipated when he declined to endorse the measure last year.
Koch: Brainless law allows anyone to sue the state
It is no surprise, then, that the Conservation Law Foundation, which is proficient in bringing lawsuits, has taken the state up on its offer.
VT and NY governors battle over ‘Maple Syrup Supremacy’
Stick that in your maple creemee, Governor Hochul!
Senior China diplomat visits Vermont, meets state leaders
Notable Vermont companies doing business in China include snowboard maker Burton. China’s winter sports industry has boomed following its hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics.
VT pols vote to ban cellphones at school
Vermont lawmakers voted Monday to ban smartphones and other electronic devices used by students during the school day. The goal is to improve academic performance as well as battle a disturbing rise in the rates of depression and anxiety among young people in the state.
McGuinness: Vermont AG dodges federal laws at “policy” forum
Attorney General Charity Clark gaslighted individuals challenging her failure to uphold federal laws regarding Title IX, parental rights, and immigration during a community forum held in Essex on Monday, June 2, to discuss The Impact of Federal Actions on Vermont.
Scott signs child digital safety bill
Says 2027 start date leaves time for court challenges
Independent school tuition hangs up education funding talks
Can the Vermont House and Senate agree this week on tuition for independent schools?
McGuinness: Democrats disguise partisan messaging as public policy discussion
If pants literally caught fire when people lied, there would be no back-ends to wipe among the elected officials who participated in this “policy” forum.
Soulia: Political theater over policy
Four months in, Vermont’s budget Is balanced—but the real fight might just Be delayed
Gervais: Vermont’s fiscal mess
Per the Joint Fiscal Office 2025 report, Vermont has the sixth highest per capita spending, at $15,426, yet when we look at results: Johnny can’t read, and our roads are crumbling. Let’s slash bloat and restore sanity
Dr. Oscar Peterson and the Vermont Civil Defense Division
Dr. Oscar S. Peterson Jr. believed that nuclear radiation played an important role in the future, in its capacity to extend the lives of his patients, as well as its ability to cause irreparable harm. His work specializing in radiation therapy at the University of Vermont led to an invitation to serve as Vermont’s Radiological Consultant to the Civil Defense Division of the Vermont Department of Public Safety.
Roper: Vermont has a $9.1 BILLION budget
Ronald Reagan once quipped that government is like a baby, an endless appetite on one end, and no discipline on the other. No place lives up to – or down to as the case may be — that analogy more so than Vermont.
Keelan: three out-of-control engines heading full speed to collision and disaster
The driverless engines of State
List or no list, DHS pushing on against sanctuary jurisdictions, Noem tells Fox News
The 3,000 member National Sheriffs Organization said the list was published without their knowledge and offers little direction on how sheriffs should proceed.
BREAKING: State of Vermont cited by Department of Homeland Security as ‘sanctuary jurisdiction defying federal immigration law’
The entire state of Vermont and the cities of Burlington, Montpelier, and Winooski have been labeled as ‘Sanctuary Jurisdictions’ by the department of Homeland Security, and now face federal funding cuts under Trump’s illegal immigration crackdown.
Breaking: Education finance bill compromise under discussion – Legislature could adjourn today
A House Education Committee member this morning told VDC that the H.454 Conference Committee is taking seriously Gov. Phil Scott’s concerns about affordability and implementation timeline in the current House/Senate versions of this session’s landmark legislation: transformation of Vermont’s public education financing and governance.
