A South Burlington lawmaker appears to have been targeted with spray-paint vandalism for not doing more for the homeless.
Voluntary paid family leave begins Phase One July 1
The benefits of the voluntary program will provide up to six weeks of paid family and medical leave benefits at 60% of an employee’s average weekly wage.
As budget battle looms, Scott administration says revenues are down
The Legislature wants to spend $8.5 billion next year. The Scott administration says revenues have fallen two months in a row.
Legislature adds $1200/household spending this year, Scott warns
“We share the same goals. We both support making historic investments in shared priorities. But we must do it in a way Vermonters can afford,” Gov. Phil Scott said.
State bans TikTok on state-owned devices
Digital services secretary Shawn Nailor cited U.S. intelligence agencies assessments “about the potential for Chinese intelligence and security services to use Chinese information technology firms as routine and systemic espionage platforms against the United States and allies.”
Funding door closes on homeless hotels
The State’s pandemic-era ‘homeless hotel’ program will end July 1, barring any last-minute deal if the governor vetoes the budget.
House launches impeachment investigation against Franklin County Sheriff, State’s Attorney
The House announces beginning of impeachment proceedings against two Franklin County elected officials.
Truth and reconciliation commissioners talk plans and new hires
The commission has three years to gather testimony from Vermonters and research past and current harm done by the state. It will then present a report to the Legislature in June 2026.
New spending would raise state, local tax burden to 14.6%, Scott tax man tells Ways & Means
Vermont will take the bronze medal in the High Tax Olympics if the Legislature gets all it wants in increased spending, Gov. Phil Scott’s lead tax man said today.
VT Headlines: Franklin County State’s Attorney asked to resign over alleged misconduct
Newly elected Democratic State’s Attorney John Lavoie should resign, the state office overseeing sheriffs and state’s attorneys says.
Defense lawyer, prosecutor picked for Superior Court
The high-profile defense attorney who defended Ariel Quiros and the driver who killed five Harwood Union High School students has been named a Superior Court judge.
Legislators young and old talk generational politics and ageism
Rep. Lucy Boyden was born almost a quarter century after Sen. Dick Mazza graduated from high school in 1957.
Downtown development grants announced
$200K to convert a former high school into a multi-purpose community center, etc..
Herbal farmer, former school principal named to open Hyde Park House seat
An herb farmer with a Masters in education will fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Kate Donnally (D-Hyde Park) earlier this year.
Don Turner reappointed to Natural Resources Board, Deen to salmon panel
The names of first-time volunteers like Paul Bean are mingled with those of old hands like Don Turner in the latest list of appointments to state boards and commissions.
Irasburg man named to Fish & Wildlife Board
A career IBMer and outdoor enthusiast has been named to the Fish & Wildlife Board.
Scott urges Legislature budget $150 million for matching funds for critical roads, bridges, water projects
“Crumbling infrastructure will not heal itself,” a municipal leader echoed Gov. Phil Scott’s call for budgeting $150 million in matching funds for federal $$ to repair state highways and bridges.
Conflict of interest an issue in Vermont’s expensive, high-tech transformation
Often, Vermont’s elected leaders respond to conflict of interest concerns with four words: “we’re a small state.”
Senator explains why she doesn’t say the Pledge of Allegiance
For Sen. Becca White, not saying the Pledge of Allegiance “is a reflection on a religious belief, in the same way I’m sure many Christian Americans would struggle to say a pledge that said ‘Under Oden’ or ‘Under Zeus.'”
Employees detail dangerous conditions at Newport prison
The letter by frontline staff, who are members of the Vermont State Employees’ Association, alerts corrections management to a “toxic environment for both incarcerated individuals and staff” at the Newport facility and identifies alarming and disturbing conditions on the ground.
Contaminated pot pulled from retail shops
The Cannabis Control Board has ordered fungi-filled product pulled from the shelves of five Vermont retail outlets.
Scott: State doesn’t require recipients to address root causes of homelessness
The State of Vermont offers homeless people help with the root cause of what put them on the street, but doesn’t require they accept the help in order to receive ongoing services.
Scott betting on sports betting revenue
Gov. Scott hopes sports betting revenue will boost next year’s budget.
The Guv’s keeping his corner office
If the Legislature wants more space for committee rooms, it can stretch out to nearby state office buildings. But hands off the corner office, Gov. Phil Scott said.
Scott urges disciplined spending of fed $$ in $8.4 billion budget
Spending plentiful one-time federal money on new programs will just mean painful, forced budget cuts in the near future, Gov. Scott warned the Legislature on Friday.
Property taxes to rise despite $65 million surplus
Property taxes will rise despite a $65 million surplus.
New Vermont prisons study shows decline in staffing, morale
Vermont prisons are understaffed, have low morale, poor mental health, and an overall lack of activities for inmates.
Scott cites long lines for slow EV charging, economic divide in inaugural speech
‘Officer Clemmons’ added flair and a climactic final note of the National Anthem to the inauguration of Gov. Phil Scott yesterday.
Auditor uncovers $7 million in ineligible payments and law enforcement training problems, lists state efforts to help homeless
Last year, how well did the state’s well-funded programs work? Auditor Terry Hoffer offers a 2022 year in review.
Barre, Brandon, Newport get federal Block Grant $$
$3.9 million in federal funding will help communities across Vermont strengthen community facilities and housing.
Casella required to develop system to reduce amount of PFAS at Coventry landfill
The discharge permit requires Casella Waste to develop a pilot system to reduce the amount of PFAS in the leachate.
Former lawmaker named Windham County side judge
A former Agriculture committee chair who reportedly urged non-residents to vote in a Windham school election has been named as a county assistant judge.
Scott worried about big storm on Christmas weekend
Vermont law enforcement will be briefed by the Border Patrol on the uptick of illegal crossings. “Increased collaboration” is a possibility, but not a certainty.
Speaker of the House hiring more staff – job pays $47K
Help Wanted at the Vermont Speaker of the House office.
Reproductive autonomy, anti-slavery amendments enrolled in Constitution
Speakers at today’s ceremony highlighted the national implications of Vermont’s constitutional amendments.
Scott, Condos to formally enroll ‘reproductive liberty’ and anti-slavery amendments into Vermont Constitution
Unrestricted abortion will be included in the actual parchment of the Vermont Constitution next Tuesday.
Vermont consumers get poor value for their internet dollar
Vermont gets a pretty poor bang for its buck, especially when compared to every other northeastern U.S. state.
$20 million in additional heating assistance announced by State of VT
In addition to emergency housing for the homeless and higher food stamp benefits, the State of Vermont has added $20 million to the emergency heating fund.
Pandemic-era homeless housing, food stamp benefits to continue
The pandemic is (mostly) over, but the increased state benefits for temporary housing and food stamps remain.
Regional planning commissioner resigns, citing censorship, harsh pandemic policies, denying human access to nature
Current planning policies “restrict our access to the natural world and the resources that we need to survive, such as the roads we travel on, the wood we use to build and heat our homes, the farms where we grow our food, and now, the very air we breathe,” says a planning commissioner in her letter of resignation.
Former AG Sorrell, former Rutland mayor Louras renamed to Criminal Justice Board
A longtime Vermont Attorney General and a controversial Rutland mayor and lawmaker are among the reappointees to the influential Vermont Criminal Justice Board.
Towns get wastewater $$
$30 million in federal money has been doled out to improve municipal wastewater systems.
Gervais: ‘Housing-first’ no solution for homelessness
Addressing symptoms without addressing the root cause of homelessness does not solve the problem.
Big changes at top of Corrections Dept.
State prisons in St Johnsbury and Rutland have new superintendents.
Outdoor industry professional named to Fish & Wildlife Board
A Vermont native and veteran of the outdoors industry has been named to the Fish & Wildlife Board.
Orange County senator hospitalized after suffering stroke
Sen. Mark MacDonald is recovering from a mild stroke he suffered Sunday. He needs to meet some medical milestones before returning home, his son said today.
ER doc, paramedic named to top jobs in Scott administration
An emergency room doctor with a lengthy public service career in Vermont and abroad returns to a top post in a Vermont governor’s administration.
Maple sugar producer named to VEDA board / 27 other appointments
A well-known maple sugar producer has been appointed to the state board charged with promoting economic development.
Guv’s task force addresses school, youth violence
Vermont schools aren’t always safe from violence. A new state task force will study the problem and advise changes.
Suicide in VT at 25-year high
Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in Vermont, and the second leading cause of death among people in Vermont ages 15 to 34.
Alburgh Dunes state park gets bigger
A beautiful but little-known state park in the northwestern corner of Vermont just got 164 acres bigger.
State spends $4 mil to upgrade 49 downtown buildings
The State of Vermont is spending $4.1 million to help revitalize 49 historic and/or strategic buildings in downtowns and villages.
Big, old homes in ‘historic’ neighborhoods targeted for rehab
Building new housing and renting motel rooms aren’t the only options for expanding Vermont’s low-income housing, the state’s housing commissioner says.
State’s IT chief leaves for job with tech consulting firm
The State of Vermont’s first chief IT officer is leaving government service.
Orleans prosecutor named Superior Court judge
The Orleans County State’s Attorney has been named to the Vermont bench.
Fish & Wildlife names new top Game Warden
In the last seven days, Vermont game wardens have been given new responsibilities and a new director.
DMV, game wardens, liquor control to take stronger law enforcement role
In an effort to relieve the burden on the understaffed Vermont State Police and other ‘front-line’ cops, LEOs in more specialized state agencies will be given a broader role.
AG nails another opioid settlement
Another big settlement with an opioid maker – but will the money really help fight drug abuse?
‘Elevate Vermont’ to help Small Tech get bigger with federal $$
A new program will spend state revenue to help instate Small Tech get big grants from the feds.
Vermont stiffed in flood mitigation funding
Vermont’s repetitive flood risk apparently isn’t as great as the risk in other states.
Morrison named top cop for Vermont
A former Colchester and Burlington police chief has been named Commissioner of Public Safety.
Understaffed adult prisons, no juvenile facility plague Vermont incarceration system
There aren’t enough staff for Vermont’s adult prisons. There is no permanent facility for juvenile offenders.
Block grant $$ for S. Burlington housing, other projects statewide
Gov. Scott announced more federal funding for building housing and community gathering spaces.
State announces huge pot of venture capital
Using federal pandemic recovery funds, the SOV has created unprecedented amounts of venture capital under State control.
Vermont adopts 988 phone number for mental health support and crisis
Beginning July 16, people can access the Lifeline by calling 9-8-8. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.
Longtime Montpelier lawmaker dies
A genial Montpelier lawmaker known for founding a coat drive in his late wife’s honor has died.
Hoffer: Supreme Court ruling a “dark day” for Vermont taxpayers
A Vermont Supreme Court ruling enshrouds health care spending decisions and cost increases in government-protected secrecy, the state auditor says.
Prison staff protest 12 hour shifts
The state employees’ union has called for a Day of Action to protest brutal 12 hours a day, five days a week shifts at a state prison.
Vermonter complains about high cost of fuel and everything to Gov. Scott – see what his office wrote back
Price increases “are not due to any state policy,” but the State of Vermont does offer a some programs for people hit hard by inflation.
Suzanne Young named attorney general
A former deputy attorney general and senior aide to Gov. Phil Scott will be Vermont’s first woman attorney general.
New Laws on Coyote Hunting with Dogs, Recovery of Game, and Trapping
Fish & Wildlife explains new laws on coyote hunting, recovering game, and trapping.
How Florida got housing right
Drawn by the state’s anti-lockdown and pro-freedom policies, nearly 1000 people move to Florida every day – and a new state law has new single family home construction in overdrive, Hayden Dublois reports.
Donovan resigns, takes senior exec post with Big Tech
TJ Donovan has gone to work for a Big Tech giant whose stock is in the dumpster.
What’s in the $8.3 billion state budget?
With plenty of federal money to spend, lawmakers and Gov. Phil Scott had no difficulty finding and funding problems that need fixing.
Broadband buildout begins in Bolton, NEK towns
The long-promised buildout of internet connection to rural Vermont towns has begun in Bolton and small Northeast Kingdom communities.
Emergency food security plan, diversity $$ for towns, low-income localvore in state budget passed yesterday
Among the interesting one-time expenses in the state budget passed yesterday is $115,000 for a State Food Security Action Plan for “times of disruption to the national food distribution chain caused by emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The pandemic shut down Vermont’s courts. Now, some question whether the case backlog should even be heard
More than 3000 criminal cases have been pending for more than two years.
State plans 7000+ antlerless deer harvest
Last year’s antlerless deer harvest was smaller than expected, due to the pandemic and other factors.
Top Scott official Pieciak leaving job
Dept. of Financial Regulation Commissioner Mike Pieciak, who updated Vermonters on the status of Covid-19 at weekly press conferences, is leaving state government.
States launch ‘border strike force’ to challenge Biden on lack of enforcement
New Hampshire, but not Vermont, has joined a 26-state initiative to slow illegal immigration.
Prisons re-opened to in-person visits
Visitors and volunteers will once again be allowed to make in-person visitors to incarcerated Vermonters.
Asked ‘What is a woman,’ Gov. Scott takes the 5th
“I just don’t know, I haven’t contemplated that,” Gov. Phil Scott replied.
Newport prison superintendent on leave, won’t return
The superintendent of Vermont’s northernmost prison has been placed on leave and won’t return, state officials said today.
‘Government consultant’ seeks $48 billion in late-night calls to Vermont legislators
A Missouri man is being sued by VT AG TJ Donovan for persistent late-night calls seeking exorbitant sums from Vermont legislators.
Vermont officials highlight White House warning on Russian cyberattack
The White is warning state governments and industry against a possible Russian cyberattack. The State of Vermont’s chief information officer wants people to take it seriously.
$1.5 million State House cafeteria redesign panned
Should the Legislature spend $1.5 million in federal $$ to redesign the State House cafeteria? Gov. Scott thinks not but lawmakers say it will add much-needed space for committee rooms.
Opioid settlement upped $1.2 billion
Vermont AG TJ Donovan and other AGs get another $1.2 billion out of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family for their role in the opioid crisis. The Sacklers also must “express regret.” But the deal doesn’t send them to jail.
Mountain medic appointed to Vermont House
Mountain safety expert and former Lyndon State College Prof. John Kascenska replaces former Rep. Patrick Seymour (R-Sutton) who recently resigned.
State $$ for your failed well or septic system
The State of Vermont is providing $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support low- and moderate-income Vermont homeowners in repairing or replacing their failed or inadequate on-site water or wastewater systems.
Daughter of refugees from Communist China named to VT Supreme Court
A woman whose parents fled Communist China has been named to the Vermont Supreme Court.
Guv, Legislature mum on DHS ‘domestic threat actor’ bulletin
Neither Gov. Phil Scott nor the Legislature have much to say as yet about the Feb. 7 Department of Homeland Security bulletin promising action against online critics of government policies.
Newport gets $1.5 mil from Quiros settlement
State of Vermont converts $1.5 million of the financial settlement from the fraudulent developer of Newport into grants to actually develop Newport.
Homeland Security declares Covid, election ‘misinformation’ a terror threat
According to DHS, the real threat is ‘the proliferation of false or misleading narratives, which sow discord or undermine distrust in U.S. government institutions.”
Prison guards, inmates suffering: UVM study
Volunteer groups want to help reduce the mental and emotional health crisis now plaguing the state’s prisons.
VT cannabis regulators reject doctors’ plea to reduce THC level
The state regulators of Vermont’s new cannabis industry won’t reduce the legal amount of THC – even though Vermont’s doctors say it is sending people to ERs with severe mental and physical problems.
Late on the mortgage? State offers $30K of pandemic money
Federal ARPA $$ will provide grants of up to $30,000 per Vermont household towards overdue mortgage payments, utility bills, property taxes, and property association charges.
Survey: VT state employee happiness, morale dropping
Morale and job satisfaction among Vermont state employees are dropping, according to a state survey.
Scott appoints MVU hoop coach to Swanton House seat
Governor Scott has appointed of Matthew Walker to fill the Swanton-Highgate House seat vacated by Rep. Brian Savage.
Pension deal reduces liability; Senate considers tax on services
A Senate committee is considering taxing professional services.
With price of average VT home $369K, Guv wants $145 mil to add housing
Gov. Phil Scott bemoans the high price of housing. His solution budgets lots of federal money.







