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
Lawmakers gather tomorrow for 2024 preview
Legislators and press will learn tomorrow about the state of the economy, the ‘budget context,’ federal aid, and the latest on the housing and flood crises.
State Prosecutor Sarah George rebuked by law enforcement over criticisms of traffic stops
When an impaired driver doesn’t get pulled over for a a non-moving violation, the next thing that happens could be far worse.
Juvenile holding center to open soon in Middlesex
The 2020 closing of Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center in Essex left a vacuum in care for Vermont’s most troubled children when they require full-time oversight
State kicks off Vermont Strong holiday campaign to raise $1M for flood recovery
Gov. Phil Scott today announced a six-week holiday campaign to raise funds for Vermonters and businesses impacted by summer flooding through sales of Vermont Strong license plates and socks.
Lawmakers question proposed Fish & Wildlife regs for hunting coyotes, trapping
Should dogs used for coyote hunting always be within eyesight/shouting distance? Is trapping as constitutionally-protected as hunting? These questions and others divide the more pro-hunting Fish & Wildlife Dept. and the more hunting-restrictive Legislature.
Public defender, family court judge among five Superior Court appointees
Gov. Phil Scott has named five appointees to sit on the Vermont Superior Court bench, where if approved by the Legislature they’ll pull down $250,000/year.
Vermont publishes roadmap for ‘age-friendly state’
Age Strong VT is intended to serve as a roadmap for building an age-friendly state.
VT police oversight board bans reporting illegals to ICE – or does it?
Illegal immigrant advocates want the State of Vermont to continue to refuse to cooperate with federal immigration officials. It’s unclear if a state criminal justice council agreed last week.
Langdon Street in Montpelier gets flood recovery $$
Funky Langdon Street in downtown Montpelier will get state funding to mitigate future flood damage and restore three commercial units and 16 apartments.
Anti-trapping, hunting groups seek last minute changes in proposed regs
Thursday a 3rd public hearing on new rules for trapping, coyote hunting will take place, 34+ speakers weighing in. A proponent of trapping says opponents want “death by a thousand cuts” for trapping.
VTrans resorts to chicanery to stop Smugglers Notch stuckages
The choice of chicanes followed lengthy brainstorming of many options and a driver survey that drew more than 300 respondents.
Roper: Survey says! Vermonters really don’t support state energy policy
DPS poll/focus groups will be spun the other way, but this is what people said.
Vermonters’ rate affordability over emissions reduction, State survey shows
The Vermont Department of Public Service (PSD) has released a new report that presents insights into the public opinion on renewable electricity in Vermont.
Roper: VT Renewable Energy Standard: A “shell game” of “picking winners & losers”
Winners: major donors to the Democrat and Progressive parties and their candidates. Losers: those who may supply better, cheaper, more reliable electricity but don’t support those politicians.
Vermont, N.H. AGs to board boat and “perambulate the border”
In 1935, a Special Master appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the Vermont-N.H. border was the low-water mark on the Vermont side of the Connecticut River. Today, the AGs for both states will get on a boat and confirm the border – again.
Lunge reappointed to Green Mountain Care Board
A universal health care insurance advocate under the Shumlin administration has been reappointed to the Green Mountain Care Board.
Key House lawmaker would penalize gas-guzzlers
“The priorities have been so skewed,” Brattleboro Rep. Mollie Burke said. “People think they have the God-given right to go whenever they want to go.”
Vermont has given 3,534 electric vehicle rebates since 2019
State incentives are available for new vehicle purchases or leases of eligible EVs with a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $50,000 or less.
Former LAPD, Keene State cop named interim Capitol Police Chief
Williams managed a $20 million budget as a lieutenant in the L.A. Police Department, and has led five police departments.
Secretary of Education job posting is revealing
“The Secretary will be dedicated to reducing educational inequities in all schools, particularly in communities that have experienced the most substantial demographic declines.”
Roper: PUC stands for People Utterly Clueless
None of this speaks well of the competency with which this program will be managed. And it is going to be exceedingly complicated.
DEC report highlights distrust, waste and water concerns in three communities
Report also describes a sense of distrust with civil services and plans for a new app to make it easier to see alerts and records and file and follow complaints.
Roper: Conflicts of interest in the Renewable Energy Standard Working Group
These are the most egregious conflicts of interest on the committee, and you can count on them to shape policy in ways that funnel money to their doners through mandates and subsidies.
Future Generations Commissioner pushes no-car society, universal basic income
Investing in EV infrastructure is not the answer at all, Howe said. “We’re all still stuck in traffic, not talking to each other, in EVs rather than our diesel vehicles.”
Despathy: The need for independent spirit, representation and bravery
Bottom line: We need statesmen, not politicians.
Despathy: Echo chambers, social engineering and legal plunder
Elected legislators are there to serve the people so why do so many Vermonters feel attacked, ambushed and abused during the legislative session?
Keelan: Let’s bury the hatchets
Let’s put those hatchets away and get on with what we must do. Make it possible for young people to afford to live and work in Vermont.
Despathy: I’m an outsider inside the State House. Here’s what I see
New Democrat lawmakers join a party tribe while their constituents suffer.
At first Truth and Reconciliation Commission, participants identify their race, white privilege
The commission’s executive director was thanked for stating her white privilege.
State: Casella must remove flood control berm
Vermont’s biggest solid waste handler lacked proper permitting to build its post-flood berm in Montpelier.
Priest, former Burlington councilor named Franklin County State’s Attorney
Veteran prosecutor Bram Kranichfeld has been tapped to take command of the troubled Franklin County State’s Attorney’s office.
Hoffer: Dam safety revisited
Government can proactively take steps to mitigate the risks or severity of disasters, especially in terms of critical infrastructure. Unfortunately, prevention is often underfunded and unappreciated.
Impeachment committee shuts down Lavoie inquiry
The Vermont House Impeachment Inquiry Committee has ended its investigation into embattled Franklin County State’s Attorney John Lavoie in the wake of his resignation.
MacDonald: Vermont doesn’t have a sales tax holiday because …
The present make-up of the legislature is veto-proof Democrat majorities which means that if Vermonters want a break from rising taxes, any taxes, they will need to vote for new candidates.
State funds up to $11K for trading flood-damaged cars for EVs
“We hope these incentive changes will make a difference in curbing the worst effects of climate change,” Transportation Secretary Joseph Flynn said.
Vermont regulators approve double-digit health insurance hikes
“While we were able to reduce these rate requests, we know that Vermonters will still struggle to pay for their health care,” Board chairman Owen Foster said in a statement.
Vermont #1 worldwide in niche ‘captive insurance’ industry
As the global captive insurance industry meets this week in South Burlington, Vermont can rightly claim: We’re #1!
New disaster license plate says Vermonters are tough, too
Vermonters aren’t only strong – we’re tough, too. Or so the new license plate says.
$20 million just the start for business flood recovery, Scott says
When the program opens, businesses will be eligible for a grant of 20% of the net documented uncovered damage to their physical property up to a maximum of $20,000.
Scott administration considers flood-plain home buyout
The governor called on Congress to pass supplemental (additional) funding for buyouts in of homes in chronic flood zones.
Scott relaxes DMV, prescription medication, other state regs due to flood emergency
The State of Emergency has led to a temporary suspension of state government regulations, deadlines and requirements.
$20 million in quick flood aid to businesses
The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program will be administered by the Department of Economic Development and provide $20 million in grants directly to impacted businesses and not-for-profits who suffered physical damage due to the severe flooding.
New State website helps flood recovery efforts
“We will have a forward-facing application that they can file an initial claim through, and the difference between today and Wednesday will not change the timeliness,” DOL Commissioner Harrington said.
Newly-created job will prepare budgets for Legislature’s staff offices
The 12 separate offices in the Vermont Legislature will soon have their very own budget development staffer.
EB-5 investors accept four cents on the dollar
The settlement “removes the State’s exposure to financial risk,” Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark said.
Vermont revenue comes under target in several categories
While revenue did fall short for the general fund, Secretary of Administration Kristin Clouser said the transportation and education funds met their monthly targets as $197.5 million was collected.
Scott bemoans one-party rule, but says answer isn’t necessarily more Republicans in Legislature
After hearing Scott explain what a governor couldn’t do, WCAX reporter Calvin Cutler asked the popular incumbent Republican governor what he could do.
IT outages, performance issues challenge state agency charged with expanded cybersecurity role
Yesterday, key state websites were down for 10 hours due to a vendor mistakenly cutting a fiber-optic cable in Washington D.C.. Tomorrow, the Chief Information Officer retires. Today, Gov. Scott answered questions about the state IT agency’s performance.
483-ton power transformer to clog I-89 traffic this weekend
The Vermont Agency of Transportation wants you to know that traffic will be very, very slow on I-89 South between Milton and Barre for about eight hours this weekend.
Legislature’s Impeachment Committee continues to exclude public from hearings
A legislative committee charged with deciding whether to impeach two elected county officials has barred the public from its inquiry meetings – much to the dismay of the Vermont press corps.
Scott signs biggest transportation budget bill ever
The “T-Bill” calls for pavng 450 miles of the state’s highways, and also spending big on public transit, rail, bike and pedestrian paths, and charging stations.
‘Equity’ state’s attorney named Superior Court judge
Northfield’s police chief strongly disputes Thibault’s charge of ‘disparate treatment’ of two Black and Hispanic men arrested on drug charges over the white women driving the car.
‘This guy is still a judge!?’ senator fumes about easy-bail jurist
The $200 bail for DeGreenia wasn’t the first controversial catch-and-release of Jiron’s brief judicial career.
State of Vermont advertises for permanent bureaucrats to plan, implement S.5
A help wanted ad placed by the State of Vermont says, “The recently enacted S. 5 requires the establishment of a clean heat credit evaluation program, a technical advisory group, an equity advisory group, a credit tracking and trading system, and a registration system.”
UPDATE: Spray painting at lawmaker’s residence says, “It must be nice to have a home”
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.










