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.
GOP State Senate leader: We won’t forget Vermonters
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.
Half of Vermont food scraps not composted
Growth of recycling flat, except for old furniture
Smith waives regulations during flood recovery
Under authority provided by the state of emergency, the Governor is providing specific, temporary regulatory relief critical to the immediate response and recovery work.
Walch: Follow the money to find who benefits from electrification
Even if the grid is working, if people can’t afford paying their electric bill and have no other fuel source as a back-up, they won’t be able to cook or heat.
Monday: Environment and Energy meeting
The bill being considered contains language that would mandate environmental protection and conservation 30% of VT’s land by 2030, and 50% of VT’s land by 2050
Roper: Clean Heat Standard will hurt poor Vermonters on LIHEAP heating assistance
More testimony damns this damnable law.
Koch launches Washington County State Senate campaign
He said that although he is a Republican, he will be an independent voice if elected and will use his own judgment rather than adhering to a party position.
Dame: Smaller paychecks start this week
One estimate indicates we are garnishing the wages of Vermonters to the order of nearly $120 million per year.
Vermont joins federal pilot promoting health care ‘equity’
In the past, the State of Vermont set a precedent to allow prioritized healthcare by race. It remains to be seen if this may be the case again.
Gov. Scott announces $2.7M for rehab and reuse of brownfields
“Cleaning up contaminated properties and turning them into sites for housing and economic opportunity is key to community revitalization,” said Governor Phil Scott
MacDonald: Fossil-fuel companies won’t pay for “climate change” – Vermonters will
Fuel companies should stop doing business in Vermont. The State is, after all, in a huge hurry to get to its all-electric, no-fossil-fuel paradise.
Roper: The Property Tax gaslighting has begun!
No, a 14% property tax increase is not a decrease.
Gun suppressors are now legal in Vermont for hunting/recreation
Suppressors have been illegal for about 100 years. Until now.
Keelan: “Extend and pretend”
Has the Vermont Legislature lost its compass?
Bossange: Montpelier needs transparency
When lawmakers are trusted with their own ethical oversight, corruption and self-interest take over.
Fried chicken comment to black co-worker smells like harassment to Supreme Court
State Supreme Court says harassment – even without racial undertones – occurred with “fried chicken” comments.
Vermonters for a Clean Environment Regulatory Affairs Director, John Brabant
John has decades experience working in VT Government, protecting the environment and Vermonters, and then watching it fall into greed and “Green” corruption.
Senator suing Scott over Ed secretary received $1580 from teachers’ union PAC
Vyhovsky is involved in a primary race against fellow incumbents Martine Gulick, Philip Baruth, and newcomer Stewart Ledbetter of Winooski, a former TV anchorman.
Stolen guns traded for drugs in Orleans County
Jeremy Starr, 46, of Newport is charged with both illegal possession of a firearm while being a felon and for knowingly possessing a firearm while using drugs.
Roper: Whither goes the Office of Racial Equity?
According to the Racial Equity Office’s state website, the last public meeting it held took place July 26, 2023. Since then: NOTHING.
Higley: A perspective on the session
Talk in Montpelier is about how we don’t have nearly enough time to consider all the bills we should, and how we need a doubling of our pay.
Harrison: Overridden!
Clearly the Democratic supermajority in the legislature and Governor Scott are not on the same page and see such issues as affordability differently.
Governor Scott explains impact of legislature’s veto overrides
At his weekly press conference Wednesday, Governor Phil Scott discussed the impact the Legislature’s veto overrides will have on Vermont taxpayers.
Veto override roll calls, 2024
A comprehensive list of the Legislators involved in the final Veto Override votes, and how they voted.
Keelan: Could oil and gas deliveries be cut off?
It is too bad Vermont and New York legislators can’t be honest. Their states need money to address years of neglect of their infrastructure.
Lawmakers call buying down tax rate “fiscally irresponsible” while overriding vetoes on big spending
During Monday’s veto session, lawmakers vetoed six out of seven bills that were rejected at the governor’s desk, likely to substantially drive up cost of living.
Lawmakers weigh in as Vermont House overrides most of Gov’s vetoes
Vetoes overridden include public education funding, overdose prevention centers, Act 250 modernization, renewable energy legislation.
Bean: Bringing more balance to the Legislature
If Governor Scott really is America’s most popular Governor with an 83% approval rating, why do Vermonters elect a supermajority that negates his veto power?
