Part 3: PUC report lays bare why Clean Heat Standard is totally unworkable.
Roper: Poorly conceived, ineptly written, Act 18 requires full repeal
State House Spotlight: Senate bill requires ‘synthetic media in elections’ warning label
The seven sponsors of S.23 include Republicans, Democrats, and Progressives, and four of the five members of Senate Gov Ops.
Fight domestic homicide with enhanced compliance on gun surrender orders, AG asks Legislature
Legislation recommended by Clark and the Commission, if introduced, would likely go to the House Judiciary or Senate Judiciary committees.
Soulia: VT’s S.8 proposal expands Dr. Dynasaur to adults under 26
Critics question its financial viability given Vermont’s ongoing economic struggles.
State House Spotlight: New House GOP members support vax freedom bill
PFA crackdown; Bill would include ‘current use’ land in 30 x 30, 50 x 50 conservation plan; Battle of Bennington-1 continues
New study sets regional housing production targets for 2030 and 2050
The new study sets regional housing production targets for 2030 and 2050
Scott plan SPARCs new home construction
Governor Phil Scott’s housing plan includes expanding Act 250 exemptions into more towns and creating a small town housing financing program he calls ‘SPARC.’
Tri-partisan bill reduces carbon mandates to goals
Reps. Jim Harrison (R-Chittenden), Jed Lipsky (I-Stowe), and Kristi Morris (D-Springfield) cosponsored the bill, H.52
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.
Payroll tax would fund proposed Medicaid expansion
Under S 1, if the federal government won’t pay for Medicaid, Vermonters will foot the bill.
Gov. Scott announces DMV, Public Service leadership appointments
Matt Rousseau as deputy commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Brittney Wilson as deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Service.
School funding overhaul called for by administration
Saunders said while other states clarify the amount of funds they have to work with before they discuss spending, Vermont’s system works the other way around.
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.
State says Clean Heat Standard ‘not well suited’ for Vermont
“It’s not a fundamentally wrong program, we just don’t think it’s a good fit for Vermont”, said Commissioner McNamara.
State building construction costs soar, borrowing limits tighten
The Senate Committee on Institutions has its work cut out for it.
State of Vermont accused of forcing involuntary C-section on mentally ill woman
The suit names Copley Hospital and Lund, an agency that operates a home for mothers in crisis. The lawsuit says the state’s action violates the 2022 constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom.
State of Vermont spending $500 million on climate change this year
The federally funded ‘all-solar’ initiative (more on that in an upcoming story by Paul Bean) comprises about 10% of that figure.
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.”
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.
Rodgers on “a clear path to the next level” as supporters celebrate new lieutenant governor
“It makes it so the Democrats have to negotiate,” Rodgers said to VDC shortly after entering his new office.
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.
Locking people up will cost taxpayers lots of $$, Corrections committee chair warns
A brief introduction to the members of the 2025-2026 House Corrections and Institutions Committee
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.
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.
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.
Vermont targeted as ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ by pro-Trump legal group
The first shot across the bow in the Sanctuary State legal war has been fired.
Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy grew to $2.1 billion in 2023
Green Mountain State maintains #2 ranking for outdoor recreation as part of GDP.
Soulia: Equal pay, unequal costs
How Vermont legislators spent your money on H.861
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.
2024 in Education: Costs rise, performance declines
In 2024, the Green Mountain State saw education costs, aka property taxes, rise more than 13%. All while academic performance continued to decline.
Soulia: VT’s spending problem
Can our State break free from Federal dependency?
Indoor dust storm strikes State House
When turned on, the new HVAC system released plumes of dust into the indoor air.
Gov. Phil Scott announces 16 projects received Transformational Tourism Grants
Also, Vermont 2025 hunting and fishing licenses and lawbooks available
Vermont State Treasurer press release on returning $1.3 million to Vermonters
The program will rightfully return a total of nearly $1.3 million to over 5,000 Vermonters before the holiday season.
Human Rights, Reconciliation Boards seek more public money
The Commission was set up in 1987 to advocate for various human rights protections such as providing representation for renters while in court for housing disputes.
Roper: Climate Council doubles down on Clean Heat/Gas & Diesel carbon taxes
Time to repeal this unelected, worse than useless committee.
Despathy: Unelected Climate Council committee backs slower rollout of CHS
Despite all of the proposed Clean Heat Standard’s issues that have bubbled to the surface, some members of Vermont’s Climate Council refuse to let go.
Wrenner: $88 M state computer boondoggle goes full speed ahead
Total expected cost through 2031, for a system that is not guaranteed to work as expected: $88 M.
Lt. Gov.-elect Rodgers: ‘I want to be a bridge’
John Rodgers on his political rebound, switching parties and priorities.
Guv reshuffles administration leadership team
Governor Phil Scott Wednesday announced new appointments within the administration and on his senior policy team.
Soulia: The massive tax burden hiding in plain sight
How much are you really paying?
Dissenting Dems could pave way for Sibilia as next House Speaker
A procedural vote to restrict caucus leadership positions to Democrats only passed by a decidedly non-unanimous 60-18 vote.
Roper: More bad news for unworkable Heat Standard
PUC recommends not adopting obligations; cites lack of data, and harm to low-income Vermonters.
No consensus but continuing talks for psychedelic therapy in Vermont
The state advisory group plans to keep monitoring research and policy around psilocybin nationwide.
Klar: VT parents appeal to SCOTUS to defend rights of parental consent
This comes after Vermont courts ruled schools can vaccinate kids against parents’ wishes.
FYIVT: The government usurpation of charity
How policies displace responsibility
Vermont State Historic Site attendance hits 22 year high
Eight sites bring in a record $512,053
Pharmaceutical companies owe Vermont nearly $3 million in unpaid fees
There are roughly 200 companies on the late-list provided by the state all with outstanding balances totaling close to $3 million as of October.
Roper: New Democrat Majority Leader blames losses on voters who “didn’t understand”
Not terrible policies voters intelligently disagree with.
Governor reappoints Zoie Saunders as Education Secretary
The same day she was voted down, Scott made her interim Secretary of Education. The action prompted a lawsuit by two State Senators, but a court dropped the case in September.
Clean Heat Standard harms the vulnerable, critics tell Public Utilities Commission
“The Clean Heat Standard is an experiment on Vermonters, and those who can least afford it will suffer the most. Do not proceed with this,” says one commenter to the Public Utilities Commission.
Lt Governor-Elect Rodgers picks Chief of Staff
“A gifted team leader and trusted administrator, she brings valuable experience from the private sector to her new role,” Rodgers said of Brown.
Roper: The real misinformation about the Clean Heat Standard
Rob Roper tells the Public Utilities Commission why supporters’ claims about the Clean Heat Standard “are observably, demonstrably, and obviously false.” So can you.
State mulls expanding county government
Does Vermont need a thicker layer of county government between state and municipal?
VT studies auto body repair and insurance
Vermont a ‘climate haven’? Yeah, about that….
‘I live in the Adirondacks,’ incumbent senator said. What’s the full story?
It’s expensive to live in Vermont,” Sen. Alison Clarkson said. “It is not expensive to live in the Adirondacks. I live in the Adirondacks. I know. I pay property taxes in the Adirondacks. I pay people in the Adirondacks. It’s much cheaper. The cost of living is substantially lower.”
Auditor: State of Vermont took Covid grantees’ word they needed the money
When the State of Vermont handed out federal Covid-19 recovery money, it “largely relied on awardees’ assertions about need for the grants”
Chicago equity non-profit wants to improve inmate relationships with families, guards
When asked if Chicago Beyond’s political advocacy might work its way into their collaborative work in Vermont, Sommer said in an email on Tuesday that the work will be focused on the wellness of staff and inmates.
Former Rutland, Burlington legislator dies of cancer
A lead sponsor of major environmental legislation, he didn’t drive a car.
Draft rule gives state agency more control over state land uses
Human contact ‘should not compromise the exceptional features identified’ in ‘Highly Sensitive Management areas,’ a new draft regulation says.
For only $899, state-funded group can help you with your ‘climate anxiety’
Organizers discourage participants from engaging with those who disagree about climate change but still says climate mitigating policies should be promoted whenever possible.
Scott reminds voters of Legislature’s big spending hikes for energy, schools
The list of big checks written by the Supermajority Legislature is lengthy and impressive.
DCF worker arrested for sex with juvenile in state custody
The sexual relationship spanned over several years, during which time DCF had legal custody of the youth.
Auditor: State punted on two-thirds of 2018 flood-mitigation recommendations
While spending big to reduce carbon emissions, the State of Vermont failed to fully implement 2/3 of its own recommended flood mitigation measures.
Summer EBT for school children wrapping up
12,000 children’s households received $120/month.
State Employees exempt from Child Care Payroll Tax
Since state employees are represented by a union, the State cannot simply require bargaining unit employees to pay any portion of the CCC unless there is a mutual agreement between the State and VSEA.
House Ethics Panel takes no public action on water dumping incident
In addition, the five-member Ethics Panel said it will consider how to provide training to the 180-member body so individual legislators can learn from the situation and will be prepared to treat each other with greater respect and civility in the future.
Bennington County searchers eligible for reimbursement, treasurer says
Vermont’s state treasurer has found federal $$ to reimburse Bennington County search and rescue workers.
D.C. health equity exec named Medicaid, insurance exchange chief
Groves most recently worked as the Special Projects Officer to the Medicaid Director at the Department of Health Care Finance for the District of Columbia, where his work focused on embedding system improvements and health equity into departmental priorities.
Roper: Who voted how to make Vermont so freakin’ unaffordable?
The key roll call votes driving up property taxes, energy costs, health insurance premiums and more.
Fed. $2.1M for communities announced
Wednesday, August 21, State and Feds announced $2,155,468 in Community Development Block Grant federal funding through the Vermont Community Development Program
DMV launches program to assist drivers on Autism Spectrum
DMV has launched the Blue Envelope Program for Vermont drivers on the autism spectrum to make routine traffic stop interactions easier, safer, less stressful.
Roper: What IS your cost ceiling for the Clean Heat Carbon Tax, Rep. Sibilia?
A question every Vermonter should demand every candidate answer RIGHT NOW.
Former National Guard officer named #2 at Agency of Natural Resources
Martin most recently worked in the Flood Recovery Office at the Agency of Administration, supporting policy development, and as the communications and legislative director for the Department of Liquor and Lottery.
Roper: Learning the wrong “Phil Scott” lessons
And what are the right lessons?
Roper: We are governed by high school bullies
Poor Dave…. He thought he was being all good and woke, checking his white male privilege and using it to be a feminist ally and what does he get? “Creeper!” written in lipstick on his locker right before the prom.
Get State Park and Historic Site passes at your local library
Get out and see the wonders of the State we call home this year!
Wennberg: How Vermont won the biggest environmental lawsuit in decades
Vermont has been a “California Car” state for many years, along with several of our neighbors.
Keelan: Truth & Reconciliation Commission joins growing line of groups paid to Study
What exactly is going on in Vermont with all of these studies? The State is paying big bucks to fund “studies” on how to spend even more tax dollars.
What State of Vermont will do about future flooding – and what it won’t
As destructive flooding becomes a regular occurrence, Vermonters are asking about State plans to prevent it.
Tomorrow in front of Statehouse: “The People’s Demands for a Just Flood Recovery”
Tomorrow morning on the Statehouse steps the event is aimed at reshaping public policy to mitigate future flood impacts throughout the Green Mountain State.
Roper: Speaker Krowinski feeling the (“Clean”) Heat
Spews misinformation about her Party’s misleadingly named “Affordable Heat Act” fiasco.
Walch: The reality of the Clean Heat Standard
Two maxims that used to be part of investigative journalism have now fallen to the public: (1) do your own research and (2) follow the money.
Dame demands AG defend Vermont against climate change lawsuit
“It’s hard for Vermonters to know if we have an Attorney General who is willing to fight to protect our taxpayers from what could be an expensive lawsuit.”-Dame
Roper: Clean Heat Standard comes with $17 BILLION price tag!
Would require $3.20 per gallon carbon tax on home heating fuel.
Wennberg: Fund each student’s education, not the System
Before Act 60, regardless of the funding formula then in place, every time the property tax reached about 70% of the cost of education, a tax revolt ignited..
Roper: Conservation Law Foundation cashes in on GWSA “Please, Sue Us!” Clause
Vermont taxpayers will foot the massive bill for legal costs
McCormick: Democrat helping Republican defeat Sen. Chris Bray
Republican Chairs must use this opportunity to mobilize all voters to see the necessity to shift the Senate with 11 or more Republican Senators.
Hospital, state government lose internet to Crowdstrike outage
State and local government should avoid “putting our eggs in one basket” to avoid future cyber outages.
Packed house for pre-primary Waterbury candidate forum
The community forum featured four candidates – incumbents Tom Stevens (D) and Theresa Wood (D), and challengers John Griffin (R) and Elizabeth Brown (D).
Woodstock schools settle lawsuit for $100,000
Fellow students called the victim a “fag,” refused to allow him to join activities because of their prejudice against him, the lawsuit said.
Governor’s office to push electric car deals as flood relief
This means the government is going to use its funds to help purchase Vermonter’s gas vehicles and offer them discounts on electric vehicles, despite some red flags.
Committee ponders getting to 50% land conservation
Much of the land they are trying to conserve currently does not belong to the state. Approximately 75% in Vermont is owned by private landowners.
Lintz: Guide to Vermont’s new Short Term Rental Tax Law
A guide in Plain English!
Caiazza: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) falls short
Environmentalist: I conclude that although RGGI has been effective raising revenues it is not an effective CO2 emission reduction program.
Vermont Emergency Operations Center flood update
WATERBURY, VT—Recovery efforts continue following last week’s storms and flooding. Included is guidance and safety info as Vermonters clean up, seek assistance.
