H.766 will add estimated 3-7% increase on top of “normal” annual premium increases.
Roper: Supermajority votes for even higher health insurance costs
Galfetti: A legislature on a dangerous course
Vermonters will continue to pay for a mirage that promises effective climate change legislation but yields no discernible results.
Dame: R in G.E.T. R.E.A.L! stands for Regulatory Reform
Regulatory stagnation is partly to blame for housing prices out of reach for young Vermonters.
Hunt more moose to save them from winter ticks?
Experts see few other ways to stem the grisly pests.
Roper: The climate crusade that’s bankrupting Vermonters
This week Vermont Senate passed the Renewable Energy Standard bill (H.289) by a vote of 18-8.
Klar: Vermont’s virtue signaling Proposal 4
Here’s the rub – no advocate for Proposal 4 has actually furthered a need for the legislative change aside from a feel-good virtue-signal.
S.310 to mandate language assistance services for emergency info
Amid a hefty bill focused on the state’s natural disaster response is a provision to better inform Vermonters who can’t hear or speak little English.
As medical cannabis services wane, lawmakers look for solutions
Vermont only has five medical cannabis dispensaries as opposed to at least 51 recreational businesses opening within the last two years.
Sibilia: Looking for state accountability on education spending
State leaders aren’t acknowledging their role exacerbating these challenges while also repeatedly making expenditures out of the education fund without paying.
Roper: “Clean” heat mess gets even messier
It was neatly summed up by TAG member Christopher Trombly’s revelation, “We’re taxing the poor so that the rich can benefit.”
Missed crossover deadline, but bill banning drone surveillance still viable
Legislators added the original bill’s language to H.878, which deals with “miscellaneous judiciary procedures.”
Constitutional amendment protecting gender identity and expression has public hearing today
“The government must not deny equal treatment and respect under the law on account of a person’s race, ethnicity, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin,” the proposed amendment says.
Shoplifting felony bill faces Senate scrutiny
A bookstore owner and House Democrat co-sponsored the bill.
Senate thumbs down on Saunders
Just three Senate Democrats backed the nomination of Gov. Scott’s choice for Secretary of Education.
Edmunds: Could stormwater regulations put Vermont State Fair underwater?
You can only self govern, if you maintain that structure of governance that allows it!
Evslin: The magical mythical equalized pupil
The Vermont legislature is playing an expensive shell game… and planning worse. The “equalized pupil” is the shell under which the pea is hidden.
Harrison: River corridor bill creates 15 new state jobs
Settle into a bumpy ride to scheduled May 10 adjournment.
STIMSON: Rogue prosecutors and the rise of crime
What happens when district attorneys — members of their states’ executive branches — refuse to execute the laws of the land?
Roper: A modest proposal for the homeless hotel debacle
Instead of dumping $30-$50 million every few months…
Bill would put speed cameras in work zones
If cameras catch you driving more than 10 mph over the limit, the rig takes a photo of your license plate and you’ll get a ticket in the mail.
Roper: More independent schools and more choice are the property tax solution
So, leftist legislators are, of course, trying to shut them down.
Senate holds Education Secretary confirmation hearings today
Senators to have hearing for new education secretary, $130 million for capital repairs, and more
Biz on the hook for fixing PCBs in schools
The bill says companies that distribute PCBs must pay for the testing and removal of the chemicals in Vermont’s schools.
After DUI charges, elected officials deal with consequences
Both state officials were driving to performed their elected duties when arrested for DUI.
House passes data protection bill with help from Harvard
Under the bill, companies would be barred from sale, lease, or disclosure of people’s biometric info unless necessary for the service or the person consents.
MacDonald: They made an environmental law so huge no one knows how to lift it
Vermonters don’t want to pay more to heat and cool their homes, but that’s what this does if they can figure a way to make it work, which is not a bad thing.
Dame: G.E.T. R.E.A.L! T: Transportation Infrastructure (Fix the Roads!)
Government is supposed to provide some basic, universal services and maintaining the state’s roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure is one of them.
Dawson: Fitness for all
Vermont’s approach to safer and happier work environments.
Roper: Clean Heat Standard too complicated to implement
Nearly a year after passage the most basic concepts around “the plan” remain unaddressed.
A message from incoming Education Secretary Zoie Saunders
“I know that when we come together as a community, our students’ potential is limitless. I look forward to earning – and keeping – your trust.”
Harrison: Now you see it, now you don’t
The House Ways & Means Committee proposed significant changes to Vermont’s education financing system, incl. limits on
future school budget increases.
Thayer: Make Vermont affordable!
Vermont’s current tax system employed by the Legislature needs a true, absolute overhaul!
Senate bill targeting drug dealers would delay ‘raise the age’ law
The bill would hold drug sellers responsible for deaths caused by their distribution of laced drugs, even if doing so was down to mere carelessness.
Police interrogation bill faces veto risk
The bill would limit Vermont police interrogators from lying to detainees. But lawmakers doubled down on details that got last year’s version shot down.
Tax troubles? Vermont’s taxpayer advocate wants to help
He can’t fly or shoot lasers out his eyes, but he can do what many dread and few understand: taxes.
Dick Mazza resigns from Senate
“The Conscience of the Senate” has stepped down.
Roper: Left-wing logic: Nothing in Vermont Is affordable, why should energy be?
The bizarre testimony of the Renewable Energy Vermont executive director.
Klar: New ‘green’ building code to dominate housing construction
Consumers and local governments must bow to more government overreach.
EB-5 scandal report sheds light on government failures
The report comes to defense of the state by suggesting they were deceived, but still acknowledges more could have been done to protect investors.
Roper: Another dumb Constitutional Amendment…
Our Constitution is leaning more to the Left… “Right to collectively bargain” would exacerbate our public pension crisis, tax crisis, and job flight.
Huff: G.E.T. R.E.A.L! Education reform
G.E.T. R.E.A.L. is a solemn promise and a positive path forward for our state by Vermont Republicans focused on improving the quality of life of our people.
United Nations references abound in House Agriculture Committee
The House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry has “United Nations” referenced in at least six committee documents.
Satcowitz: Updating Act 250 to meet the changing times
This cherished landscape is going away. We are blotting it out bit by bit, and once those bits are gone, we can’t get them back
VT Senate declares overdose state of emergency
Senators look to address police Code of Conduct, declare overdoses an emergency, new protections for the homeless, and more
Gov. Scott allocates $29.25M grants to curb sewer overflow pollution
“These investments support economic development, a cleaner environment, and have public health benefits.,” says Governor Scott.
Stack: When the taxpayer just stops paying
When Rep. Brian Cina (P-Burlington) told the House to “Read My Lips: Yes! New taxes!,” he proved that “belligerence is the truest sign of lack of ability.”
Paying you for your opinion about 50% conserved land by 2050
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.
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.
