An environmental group is offering to pay $75 to ‘conservation advocates’ who will advance the U.N.-based State of Vermont plan for 50% conservation of total land area by 2050.
Paying you for your opinion about 50% conserved land by 2050
House rejects budget ‘transparency,’ then OKs $8.8 billion in spending
“I don’t think we should be voting on a budget that pretends a certain amount of spending,” Donahue said. “Transparency to our constituents is one of our most important obligations.”
Two years after veto, lawmakers angling for expungement reform
“You want to be able to understand … if somebody was involved in credit card fraud,” a spokesperson for Vermont bankers said.
Gov. Scott upset over criticism of Education Secretary pick
“Frankly, I’m embarrassed by the message it sends, that a smart, extremely capable professional woman, who has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for kids and addressing inequity for impoverished communities and families, is being villainized simply because of the state she currently lives in.”
Vermont-born businesswoman warns Legislature, “these taxes are killing us”
“We don’t want to sit at home. We don’t want to collect from the system,” said the woman who overcame severe dyslexia and ADHD to found a growing leather products business now threatened by high taxes.
Gov. Scott opposes land use changes
Gov. argues that the changes will create new layers of bureaucracy and make it harder to build new housing.
Gogo: The true cost of flavored nicotine
The health costs of flavored nicotine products far outweigh the tax revenues generated.
Lawmakers ponder fossil-fuel divestment, paying for new schools
This week lawmakers in the House are set to look at divestment from carbon fuels, new funding for school construction projects, and more.
Galfetti: The cost of Renewable Energy Credits
The Floor Report: 03/21/2024.
Vermont farmers urge senators to not chicken out of passing poultry inspection bill
By meeting a slew of conditions, producers wouldn’t need inspections to sell raw chicken products from the farm, at farmers markets or to restaurants in VT.
Restorative justice referral bill could see ‘a much slower starting process’ with uncertain position funding
The bill would codify the practice of pre-charge referrals so the process is the same regardless of county.
Roper: House passes Renewable Energy Standard amidst cloud of baloney
Sponsoring Rep. deploys word salad to avoid stating truths about the bill.
An ostrich approach to mental health truth
Office of Public Guardian with its head in the sand
Smith: Inequitable, un-environmental illusion
The unrealism of the Renewable Energy Standard grows.
Revamped bill aims to stem sexual violence on campus
The bill went nowhere last year but was passed out of committee at Friday’s crossover deadline.
LaMarche: Paternalist policy puzzle
We should examine the twisted ways this legislature has “shielded” children from danger.
Except in Burlington, no interest in temporary shelters
Apart from Burlington, use of the proferred temporary shelters was low – but that doesn’t mean the transition out of ‘homeless hotels’ was easy for everyone.
Despathy: Homeschool civics at the State House
These homeschoolers give me hope for the future and I believe they will continue to stay informed.
Vermont Legal Aid and parents’ Black hole
Vermont residents can and should expect more from publicly funded organizations than the Blacks received.
State seeks to suspend state’s attorney charged with DUI
Vekos had issued an email to law enforcement in Addison County saying she did not feel safe round them and would no longer meet with them.
Roper: Senate President Pro Tem’s disgraceful anti-small-“d”-democratic rant
Baruth tells senators to ignore voters and dictates to media how to report.
Wilson: What I learned at the Vermont State House
“A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.”
Huff: It’s time to G.E.T. R.E.A.L. about Vermont’s future
We cannot afford the crushing tax burden the majority is placing on our household incomes. State spending is out of control.
Racial equity office worries Act 250 bill’s wording is exclusionary
The bill requires board applicants have “a record and reputation for excellent character and integrity,” off-putting language for someone not from a traditional Vermont background, an equity official says.
Some cliff tops and overlooks closed to protect nesting Peregrines
Also, be alert for frogs and salamanders while driving.
Daughter named to House seat once held by mom
Quimby will be sworn in and seated in the House of Representatives in the coming week.
Roper: Vermont must cap individual property tax increases
47 states limit property tax increases in some way. We don’t.
Lawmaker who retired: “[Vermonters] are moving out, that’s what they want”
Wilson suggests that if Vermont takes up trying to feed the world, then it’s Vermonters who ultimately are going to be left out.
Amid parking woes, Stowe Mountain Resort consults state to temper traffic
Management last year rolled out parking fees, carpooling incentives and bus service improvements — but it may not be doing enough.
Vermont drone flyers face new restrictions under bill to protect privacy
One drone operator understands the lawmakers’ concern, but said he thinks details in the bill are too arbitrary.
After pushback from education establishment, Senate softens literacy screening
The changes address problems prompted by education officials.
Gov. Scott says he’s leaning towards voting No on his local school budget
Like other Vermonters, Gov. Scott is looking at a ‘significant’ property tax increase.
State ambulance chief on leave during investigation into drinking case
“Hospital staff noted Paramedic Dame appeared to be impaired. After an evaluation, Ms. Dame was determined to not be fit to perform her duties,” Vermont Health Department spokesman Ben Truman said.
Legislative Crossover deadline looms
Senate to look at vaccines without parental consent, changing Fish and Wildlife Board, getting more nurses, and more.
Stack: H.850 passes
Unfortunately, it leaves much uncertainty and looks like a real “Show Trial Killer”.
Roper: Plastic bag ban backfires on environment
“The road to this plastic misfire was paved with green intentions—untempered by any serious cost-benefit analysis.”
Scott asks Biden for December flood relief $$
Mid-December flooding that produced some PTSD in flood-shocked Vermonters has elicited a request of federal disaster relief from Gov. Phil Scott.
Scott defends top health official over ‘safe injection’ sites
Gov. Phil Scott is disputing a civil liberties group’s claims that the state’s top health official illegally altered a report detailing how the state should spend opioid settlement money.
Senator typing during Scott budget address stirs discussion about decorum
A breach of decorum during Gov. Phil Scott’s January 23 budget address had the State House buzzing afterwards, and is believed to have spurred Senate leadership to give membership a refresher course on decorum when visiting the House chamber.
Bill aims to simplify workers’ comp process for prison, psych employees with PTSD
H.297 expands presumption of work-related PTSD.
Roper: Already the State can’t afford the clean heat standard
No funding to pay people to design the program, let alone run it!
Cop quits three jobs after ‘hot mic’ statement about illegal alien
Major’s explanation that he was talking to his daughter was not accepted as either true or excusable by other members, who called for his resignation.
Roper: Bad information leads to bad policy
But Vermont lawmakers routinely seek out bad information if it confirms their bias.
Despathy: BTW Vermonters -You are all a bunch of NIMBYs
Renewable Energy Vermont, Sen. White, and industry lawyers like Wilschek are determined to clear the path for their profit-driven renewable energy projects, including removing us “NIMBY” Vermonters.
Petition to remove State’s Attorney Sarah George passes 1,100 signatures
VDC reached out to George for a comment in response to this petition. There has not yet been a response.
Gun serialization bill won’t cut crime, will lead to confiscation: expert tells Legislature
Lott noted the stricter gun laws are not the reason for Canada’s lower crime rates, contrary to the assumption of Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky.
Roper: “Solution” to high property taxes is… more higher taxes!
Dems looking at higher sales taxes, sweetened beverage tax, food & clothing tax, cloud tax…
Vermont judges don’t say much in financial disclosures
Of those who do, some report thousands in rental income streams.
Fireovid: Act 250 reform bill gaslighting?
This bill—just like the emperor—has no clothes. It won’t do much to solve the housing problem, or to help the homeless or even most Vermonters. It’s corporate cronyism.
Keelan: Will Vermont continue to be a going concern?
Presently, significant matters must be dealt with within the State government simultaneously; each carries financial implications.
Huff: Lipstick on a bloated pig
Vermont is rapidly becoming unaffordable for even the middle class. More spending and more subsidies is not the answer. If you find yourself trapped in the bottom of a deep hole, STOP DIGGING!
Roper: The Mafia-style corruption in the Clean Heat Standard
Lawmakers to give cronies literal license to steal.
Get your Vermont Strong-Darn Tough bundle while it lasts
Get your Vermont Strong license plate and Darn Tough sock bundle to help support flood victims before the Legislature puts a stop to it
All tax and fee revenues up in December
Good news for the big spenders in the Legislature, bad news for the austerity-minded.
Wilson: Chicken slaughter bill a bright spot
Not every bill in the Legislature is a bad idea…..
Fireovid: Legislature considers Defend the Guard Act
The Vermont Defend the Guard Act is part of a nationwide effort to return control of state militias to the states and to the U.S. Congress as specified in the U.S. Constitution
McCormick: Weatherization crews deserve our respect
The General Assembly (G.A.) cannot enforce us to abandon our cars or oil heaters.
Harrison: Budget and barb
In his Budget address, Gov. Scott called for cooperation and urged the Legislature to recognize the budget pressures in a year after record spending and with pandemic aid drying up.
Readers wonder why Phil Scott didn’t sign Texas border letter. Guv explains why
“The Governor is asked to join on to many national-level letters, and we decided long ago to prioritize bipartisan requests that originate from the National Governors Association,” Maulucci said.
Lawmakers considering having Vermont taxpayers pay for slavery
One point emphasized by Legislative Counsel Tucker Anderson was that the task force can only make recommendations, the power to set policy remains with elected legislators.
Roper: Get ready for $800 million in higher electric costs, just cuz
More ideological virtue signaling with other people’s money.
What’s a mobile home park? A Vermont House bill could change the definition
The bill, H.618, aims to expand the legal definition of mobile home parks to include communities of mobile home owners who own their own lots.
No place to treat Vermont’s violent children
“In the last year we have seen a higher prevalence of gang activity amongst our youth where they are making videos talking about killing one another, we have seen in the news kids dying, being shot either accidentally or as a result of homicide,” a DCF worker reported to the Legislature.
Scott budgets for psychiatric youth facility, housing and disaster relief – but no new taxes and fees
“Our communities and all those looking for, or struggling to afford, a decent home – they don’t have the lobbyists, the money, or the time to push back on the campaigns we’ve already started to see, to keep you from taking action,” Scott told legislators.
Lawmakers will tackle carbon reductions, slavery reparations, library book controversies and more
These bills will be reviewed in legislative committees this week. For more information, including times and agenda, see weekly schedule.
Feds spend big for Vermont climate mitigation planning
The $2.5 million grant (plus $456K for staff) is “phase one of a two-phase funding opportunity aimed to support Vermont with climate change mitigation planning efforts.”
Vermont advocates renew push for single payer system
Critics say the proposal would add another layer of taxation to a state struggling to remain competitive by reducing the high cost of living.
Which state employees earn more than Phil Scott?
Ahead of Scott (#94) is a “who’s that?” roster of UVM deans, administrators and professors.
Despathy: Supermajority bills usurp parent rights over healthcare, local control of energy, schools
If big government ever earns a final epitaph, it will be this ‘Here lies a contrivance engineered by know-it-alls who broke eggs with abandon but never, ever created an omelet.”
Motel 6 ad pitchman Bodett gets grant to renovate Brattleboro arts center
The man who said “I’m Tom Bodett, and we’ll leave the light on for you” is renovating a Brattleboro arts building with a state grant.
Bill prioritizes minorities and illegal immigrants for flood reimbursement
A bill introduced Jan. 10 deprioritizes the majority of Vermonters for proposed flood recovery assistance.
Keelan: Efficiency Vermont just keeps growing
Efficiency Vermont is not different than most Vermont nonprofits that are, in effect, quasi-state agencies. They have substantial mission creep.
Director of Elections moving on
Secretary of State announces nationwide search.
Fired Woodstock coach loses first round in transgender lawsuit
The Woodstock Union High School coach, fired after he joined a private conversation last Feb. by two students on his team about transgender athletes, lost his first battle to win back his job.
Stevenson: Fish and Wildlife Department defies legislators
Vermonters have been trying to change how the Fish and Wildlife Board and Department treats wildlife and the public for decades but reach grid lock, every time — and here we are again.
Roper: Sen. McCormack: “Am I so out of touch? No, it’s my constituents who are wrong.”
Democrat does his best to paraphrase Principal Skinner.
State grant could help Waterbury brewery curb its wastewater
Last month, Freak Folk Bier brewery received a grant from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s wastewater management program.
Roper: VT Democrats open 2024 session with 10% income tax hike
Now it’s in the House, and you have a chance to let your Representatives know what you think about all this. Please do!
Smith: The MADCAP policies of the Vermont legislature
The Vermont Legislature has a modus operandi: “Make As Darn Complicated As Possible”
Miro: Building housing and ending homelessness
We are long past the time for more debate. It is time for comparable State action to address wasteful and exclusionary State land use and housing policies.
LaMarche: Vermont’s unpleasant New Year’s surprise
Instead of raising the fees on every Vermonter, why don’t state lawmakers draw their wanted revenue from their political paymasters?
Deal with it, Supreme Court tells Newbury about State juvenile facility
Over the locals’ howls of protest, the the Vermont Supreme Court affirmed a state permit to develop a secure youth treatment facility.
Education revenue up, General Fund and Transportation revenue down for November
State revenue for November failed to meet projections.
Roper: VT Climate Council can’t decide which gas/diesel tax it likes best
71 percent of Vermonters oppose any carbon tax/fee/surcharge on gasoline and diesel, 59 percent strongly oppose it. So, lawmakers, how about you listen to your constituents for a change?
Fish and Wildlife bucks lawmakers’ demands on trapping/coyote hunting rules
Lawsuit threatened as Fish and Wildlife professionals stood their ground against unreasonable legislative demands.
Staffing challenges persist for Sheriff’s Departments after pay cut by lawmakers
The Vermont Sheriffs’ Association held a press conference on Monday at the State House to call for the resignation of Franklin County Sherriff John Grismore regarding a use-of-force incident.
Roper: Shock poll (NOT)! Vermonters don’t want to pay ANYTHING for Democrats’ climate agenda
Presenting a cost/benefit proposal is really the only accurate way to gauge genuine support or opposition to a policy. Almost anybody will support almost anything if they think it’s free.
Vermont Attorney General signs letter calling crisis pregnancy centers “deceptive and unethical”
This flies in the face of public sentiment, but a deeper truth remains: To Planned Parenthood, CPCs are unwanted competition.
$7 million in gambling revenue next year could double in five years
Vermonters will not be allowed to vote on instate collegiate or high school games.
‘Catch and release’ Judge Jiron bumped from criminal court bench
Jiron has developed a reputation in the Northeast Kingdom for not consistently jailing suspects charged with violent crimes.
State Police name two new top leaders
The two new VSP leaders are Ron LaFond Jr. as director of the Vermont Intelligence Center, and Christian Pedoty as emergency communications director.
As high court debates ‘expressive car honking’, Vermont already has law on the books
The US Supreme Court may consider whether someone honking their horn for a non-traffic-related reason is illegal.
Vermont already has a law on its books concerning the trend. It’s just not enforced.
Grismore’s lawyer calls impeachment ‘undemocratic attack,’ fellow sheriffs want him to resign
“The history of Vermont politics is littered with questionable characters who have held all manner of office, yet the sort of partisan hit-job the Impeachment Committee brings to our politics is unprecedented,” Kaplan said.
Scott asks lawmakers to delay juvenile offender law changes
In a report to legislative leaders, the Vermont Department for Children and Families asked for the “raise the age” reforms to be paused for “several years” until the state can improve the care system for young offenders.
Vermont to prioritize broadband access based on race
Who gets first dibs on this money will at least in part be determined by your race. Certain covered populations have been at an economic disadvantage compared to others, thus justifying the policy.
Sheriff Grismore’s law enforcement license revoked
Grismore given the boot after giving the boot.
Sibilia: About the December 1 Tax Letter…
The pupil weight changes mean that in the next fiscal year, some districts will increase school budgets and see tax rate reductions, while others might experience a tax rate hike even with flat spending. In addition, it has been nearly 16 years since Vermont provided school construction aid.
Towed in Vermont? You have few protections compared to most states.
If your car is towed in Vermont, you’re on your own.
McClaughry: Legislative preview for 2024
The 2024 Vermont legislature will convene a month from now and its members will have to laser focus on the shocking increase projected for education spending.
New public hearing on trapping and coyote hunting rules
Department of Fish and Wildlife stands its ground on trapping and coyote hunting
