A Vermont native and veteran of the outdoors industry has been named to the Fish & Wildlife Board.
Outdoor industry professional named to 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.
House, Senate GOP leaders agree with Scott: grow workforce and housing, cut taxes
GOP leaders in the House and Senate said ‘amen’ to Gov. Phil Scott’s plans announced Tuesday to increase housing and the number of workers, and cut taxes. The Democrat leaders in both houses liked Scott’s plans, too.
Spend big fed $$ to overcome chronic worker, housing shortages, Scott proposes
Vermont’s housing and worker shortages aren’t going away. Time to hit them with unprecedented amounts of federal dollars, Gov. Phil Scott recommended Tuesday in his budget address.
Pension deal cuts $2 billion from $4.5 billion shortfall
There’s finally a deal to cut billions from the State of Vermont unfunded pension liability. Now just $2.5 billion to go.
Scott names Superior Court judges
Beth Novotny, Heather Gray, and Justin Jiron have been appointed to Vermont Superior Court judgeships.
State House vax passport rule to be decided
Legislative committees are set to act on a recommendation barring from the State House lawmakers who won’t show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or submit to a PCR test.
State House vax passport for legislators, staff, maybe general public under consideration
Will lawmakers, staff, and even members of the general public need to show proof of vaccination or take a PCR test before entering The People’s House in January?
Scott to address world leaders tomorrow at Biden’s ‘Summit for Democracy’
Joe Biden and Maine Gov. Janet Mills will speak for U.S. governors at Joe Biden’s virtual ‘Summit for Democracy’ tomorrow.
State $$ to help mom ‘n pop landlords rehab old housing
The State of Vermont has ticketed $5 million of federal recovery money to help restore rundown buildings into much-needed housing.
Cannabis Control Board takes industry side on 60% THC limit
Vermont doctors say THC concentration above 15% causes mental and physical health emergencies that are burdening Vermont emergency rooms. The industry says diluting below 60% is too expensive. Guess whose side the state’s Cannabis ‘Control’ Board is taking?
VT AG Donovan goes after Meta, Instagram
TJ Donovan says Meta’s own info shows Instagram is causing depression, eating disorders, and suicide.
Vermont highway, bridge condition in lower half of U.S. states
Vermont ranks 30th overall in quality of highways and bridges. We’re #1 in one important area and almost dead last in others.
It’s official: Special Session Monday
The Vermont Legislature will gather Monday, Nov. 22 to consider municipal mask mandate legislation.
VT public school teachers, state workers underpaid? It’s a myth, new study says
It’s a myth that Vermont state employees and public school teachers are underpaid. They’re in the top quarter of Vermont wage earners, a new Campaign for Vermont study says.
Castleton slate quarry explosives license revoked
Vermont Department of Public Safety has revoked the explosives license issue to the proprietor of a Castleton quarry.
Liberal D/Progs demand new State of Emergency, mask mandate
Liberal D’s and Progs demand another State of Emergency and a universal mask mandate. The nation’s highest vaccination rate and all of the vax mandates just aren’t working, apparently.
Single member House district plan sent to Towns for review
Every Vermont municipal Board of Civil Authority will review an advisory plan for single-member districts only in the Vermont House of Representatives.
Climate Council holds BIPOC-only public hearing
When the State of Vermont says people shouldn’t participate in a public meeting because of the color of their skin, that’s called discrimination.
Vaxxed Canadians may visit U.S.
The Biden administration decided yesterday that vaccinated Canadians may enter the U.S. for ‘non-essential’ (family visits, tourism, etc.) travel.
Climate Council BIPOC-only public hearing cancelled for ‘Zoom security issues’
A Vermont Climate Council public hearing not open to white people was cancelled at the last moment Tuesday due to ‘Zoom security issues.’ It’s been rescheduled for next Tuesday.
Biggest-ever permanent hike in VT ‘food stamp’ payments begins Friday
The 21%, permanent boost in 3SquaresVT payments more than replaces the ‘temporary’ 15% hike implemented during the pandemic, and set to expire September 30.
EB-5 settlement $$ available in Newport
Grant money from the EB-5 Court Settlement is available to Newport businesses and organizations. Newport Renaissance, Take Two.
Pandemic aid to businesses $4.4 million over – and may need to be paid back
A state agency disbursing federal pandemic relief aid to Vermont businesses may have paid out $4.4 million more than merited. And that money may need to be paid back.
Vermont to welcome 100 Afghan refugees
100 Afghan refugees – reportedly eager to find jobs – will be resettled in Vermont. Plenty of work here for people who want it.
Here’s your chance to tell Legislature how to spend millions in federal money
More than $1 billion is coming to Vermont from the federal government. The Legislature is asking you how to spend it.
Masks on at State House
A strict masking policy is now in effect in the Vermont State House.
Finding common ground on single-seat districts
Ethan Allen Institute President Rob Roper, liberal VPIRG, and Vermont’s racial equity director agree: single-member legislative districts are preferable to multi-seat districts.
‘Food stamp’ increase to continue through October
Federal enhancements to monthly ‘food stamp’ benefits will continue through October.
Cyber-security briefing shut down for fear of Zoom leaks
It’s not safe to discuss the State’s cyber-attack defensive strategies on Zoom.
State pays commuters to carpool, walk, bike
The climate-conscious State of Vermont will now give you a $75 gift card for commuting to work in something besides your Single Occupant Vehicle.
Fed money to build VT housing for needy
$13 million of non-pandemic federal money has been allocated to build housing for the needy across Vermont.
High school debater turned lawmaker challenged on worker shortage, police defunding
Rep. Becca White began public speaking career as a champion debater while a freshman at Hartford High School. Now she’s talking about the employment crisis (not enough meaningful work) and the Pledge of Allegiance (doesn’t like “under God”). One thing she won’t discuss: defending local police against their critics.
Adult day centers get $5 mil
The State of Vermont is distributing $5 million in a second round of federal pandemic funds to adult day centers to provide financial stability after an extended shut down due to COVID-19.
Disabled homeless to benefit from settlement
A legal settlement expands emergency housing services for disabled Vermonters.
State employee union wants more childcare benefits
Some state employees already receive $300/week reimbursement for child-care. Now their union wants more.
Vermonters earned less but spent more in July, thanks to fed $$
Vermonters’ overall personal income was down in July. One-time federal money stimulated personal spending and sales tax receipts.
New chair sought for Act 250 oversight board
Gov. Scott is looking for a new chair for the Natural Resources Board, which oversees Act 250.
Scott welcomes Afghanistan refugees
Gov. Phil Scott has asked the State Department to send Afghan refugees to Vermont.
Juvenile detention center hearing August 25
A privately-run youth detention center in Newbury would replace the closed Woodside facility in Essex Junction.
State names new refugee office head, hopes for busy year
The Dept. of Health official building BIPOC partnerships during the pandemic will lead the state’s refugee office.
Fact check: “Not one press person has shown up” for State House advisory meetings – FALSE
Actually, Madame Chair, one press person DID show up.
State spending rose 25% in last two years – and more is coming
State spending jumped 25% in two years. That’s not even counting a dozen more pending, huge expenses.
Biden names VT gay marriage lawyer to U.S. Appeals Court
President Joe Biden has named the architect of Vermont’s gay marriage law to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Former GOP lawmakers named to Act 250 board
Two former GOP lawmakers have been named one of Vermont’s Act 250 review boards.
EBT families’ food benefits rise
The federal government has authorized the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Agency of Education (AOE) to provide temporary food benefits to students (Pre-K to grade 12) who would normally receive free or reduced-price meals at school.
