Vermont had its own version of DOGE pre-Covid. “It’s not a bad idea to reinstitute that,” Scott said.
Vermont DOGE “not a bad idea,” says Gov. Scott
After Covid population influx, too few moving to VT to offset the dying
Thinktank: “Policymakers should proceed with caution” concerning migration trends
Klar: Vermont tutors illegal aliens on how to slip the grip of ICE
Vermont, an outspoken bastion of sanctuary protections, has created a Task Force on the Federal Transition Panel.
Guv’s school reform plan gives “additional consideration to school choice”
The governor’s top education official spoke to lawmakers on Wednesday on their new five-district school governance proposal.
AG Clark sues Trump, Musk, DOGE
The attorneys general argue that Musk’s influence threatens billions in federal funding for law enforcement, education, healthcare, and other public programs.
Vermont would take ‘first logical step’ with new AI bill, says Secretary of State
“I don’t think it’s a partisan issue,” Copeland Hanzas said. “It’s really just to make sure that elections are honest and accurate and fair.”
Krowinski: Education transformation will take all of us
One challenge for Vermont has risen above all others: the state of our public education system.
With just three investigators, Human Rights Commission seeks relief from legislators
“It’s a really gut-wrenching situation for all the parties involved,” said the commission’s executive director.
Bill limits road salt to curb chloride pollution
The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of road salt while also aiming to save money for municipalities and contractors by optimizing salt usage.
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.
For Bennington historic site, a monumental funding challenge
Bennington Battle Monument is saturated with water and in urgent need of $40 million restoration.
Trump orders/Vermont ed policies clash over DEI
Vermont state policies and White House executive orders present potential showdowns concerning social justice, climate policies, and more.
Health Commissioner Levine retires
Dr. Levine, 71, of Shelburne was first appointed by Governor Scott in 2017 and is currently one of the Administration’s longest-tenured commissioners. He led his department through the COVID-19 pandemic and has served as a key advisor on public health matters.
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.
25-school district proposal targets class size of 18
There can be exceptions to these numbers when concerning for example students who fall into special education categories that require more attention and resources.
Scott promises ‘disciplined, measured’ approach to Trump edicts
‘We need to stay focused on Vermont and remain disciplined as we distinguish between what is fact and what is rhetoric before we react to any change in federal policy or law,” Scott said.
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.
GOP carbon policy “wishlist” bills introduced
Getting hearings so early represents progress compared to how the issues raised by these bills were downplayed or ignored last session under the Supermajority.
Lawmakers give 25-district counter-proposal to Governor’s 5-district model
Sponsors are Rep. Matthew Birong, D-Vergennes, and Rep. Edye Graning, D-Jericho. It was first introduced on the House floor last week.
‘Shock value’: Proposed school district size baffles local education officials statewide
To ensure a degree of local input, Scott is calling for creation of local school advisory councils, to “promote high levels of community engagement.”
New school construction bill prioritizes schools with “excessive reliance on fossil fuels”
The State of Vermont is looking to start a dedicated fund for school construction, something the state has lacked for decades.
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.
Bipartisan lawmakers seek to reign in health insurance premiums
Their data showed that a higher percentage of healthcare costs in Vermont go to administrative costs compared to similar providers in other states.
Scott says no new taxes and fees in $9 billion budget
“Taxpayers also made it clear they want us to fix broken systems not just fund them,” Scott said.
New Senate majority leader: ‘We need to be listening to everyone’
Ram Hinsdale will serve as Vermont Senate majority leader starting Jan. 8, after beating incumbent Majority Leader Alison Clarkson, D-Windsor, in a close contest.
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
Vermont risks lost federal funds, prosecution over immigration pushback
In light of Trump’s executive order on Jan. 20, VT AG Charity Clark’s pushback may lead to loss of Fed. funds and open the state up to Fed. prosecution.
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
Automotive mandates within the Global Warming Solutions Act will hurt local auto dealers
The mandate controls what cars are available, but not which cars consumers actually will buy. By 2035 the only cars available in VT would be EVs.
Education secretary proposes overhaul with five large school districts
The idea is to reconnect voters with the impacts of their votes and reign in runaway property taxes, Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders said today.
Roper: Poorly conceived, ineptly written, Act 18 requires full repeal
Part 3: PUC report lays bare why Clean Heat Standard is totally unworkable.
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.
