Bills related to prison sentencing and transition have been introduced into the Vermont Legislature.
McClaughry: Feds gave VT 2nd most money per person in 2020
The feds sent little Vermont $4.8 billion dollars. That comes to $7,729 per person. That sum puts Vermont second among the 50 states, trailing only New York, which got $7,840 per person. Even so, the state budget department is projecting a $180 million General Fund shortfall for next year.
GOP: don’t spend Recovery $$ on mismanaged state programs
Republicans are committed to doing everything in our power to hold the line that our caucus did last year to make sure that as much money as is legally possible goes into the hands of those Vermonters who have been affected. We will avoid the temptation of some to use COVID funding as a way to channel that money back into existing state programs that have struggled because of prior financial mismanagement, not because of COVID and the response.
Pearce plan cuts pension shortfall, keeps defined benefits – but it’s not pain-free
Recommendations proposed by State Treasurer Beth Pearce would, if successfully enacted, reduce the pension fund shortfall and maintain defined benefits, she said in a January 15 report.
Scott centralizes police organization, Act 250 decision-making
Vermont’s policing and Act 250 decision-making will fall under more state control than ever, as a result of two executive orders issued by Gov. Phil Scott.
Retirement fund clock ticking towards calamity
The pension funds are just 66.4% and 52.3% funded, respectively. The clock is ticking toward calamity, including downgrading the state’s credit ratings.
Scott announces new press secretary, makes other appointments
Governor Phil Scott today announced a handful of new appointments and promotions in the Agency of Administration, Agency of Human Services and on his senior staff.
New chairs named for House Appropriations, Transportation committees
Rep. Mary Hooper (D-Montpelier) has been named chair of the House Appropriations Committee, succeeding retired chair Kitty Toll of Danville. Appropriations prepares the state budget bill, a/k/a the “big bill.” Hooper is a former mayor of Montpelier.
As Stamford defies State of Emergency, Guv claims “solid ground”
Gov. Phil Scott said today at a press conference he and his legal team “feel we are on very solid ground constitutionally” after the Town of Stamford voted Tuesday night to defy the governor’s emergency pandemic orders.
“FifthAmendmentFest” set for January 5
On Tuesday, January 5, supporters of the U.S. Constitution will gather at the Vermont State House lawn at noon for a “FifthAmendmentFest”, the second in a series of rallies to celebrate our federal and state Constitutions, including the Bill of Rights.
No pardons from guv – yet
Under Vermont law, governors may issue pardons. Gov. Phil Scott has a page on his website dedicated to applying for pardons. But as yet, Scott has yet to pardon anyone during his four years in office. But, he said at a press conference this Tuesday, he’s thinking about it.
Stamford affirms status as “Constitutional Town”
The selectboard of the Town of Stamford voted Dec. 17 to affirm the constitutions of Vermont and the United States, in response to the governor’s restrictions on gathering for worship, work and socializing.
“This is no new battle”
About 50 cold but enthusiastic supporters of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution rallied today in front of the Vermont State House Menorah and Christmas tree Friday. The event was set on the last day of Chanukah to remember the deliverance of a small but determined minority.
Scott seeking applicants for ‘Cannabis Control Board’
All three members of the newly formed Vermont Cannabis Control Board will be appointed by the governor after being vetted by the Cannabis Control Board Nominating Committee. Pay is equal to that of a Vermont state judge.
State of Vermont server taken offline after nationwide cyberattack
The State of Vermont took a server offline as a result of being among 18,000 computer users affected by a nationwide cyberattack, Chief Information Officer John Quinn said this morning.
Outed on police ‘ratline,’ Stamford gathers to light Christmas tree, anyway
“Laura, you took an oath to uphold the Constitution, I would imagine, and you guys are running over it along with the governor.” – Stamford selectman Dan Potvin
Legislature to hear economic forecast, plan to conduct business Dec. 3
Vermont’s fiscal experts will brief all legislators on the state’s economic and fiscal condition at an all-legislators’ meeting via zoom 9:30 AM, Dec. 3, according to the Vermont Legislature’s website.
Randy Brock to lead GOP Senate caucus
Sen. Randy Brock (R/D-Franklin) will be taking the reigns when new members are sworn in on January 6, according to current Minority Leader Sen. Joe Benning (R-Caledonia). Sen. Brian Collamore (R-Rutland) will continue to serve as Assistant Minority Leader.
October state revenue higher than expectations – which were set very low, administration says
The State’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts were $18.27 million, or 10.1%, above expectations in October.
Century of wildlife management celebrated at Dead Creek, famous geese viewing spot
ADDISON – Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department staff gathered with conservation partners at the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in Addison on Friday to commemorate a century’s worth of wildlife management area […]
This Week’s Top Stories
Levine, Scott advise small social gatherings – no mandate yet BY GUY PAGE ON NOVEMBER 6, 2020 Montpelier – Governor Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, today announced an advisory on social […]
Good Samaritan rescues vulnerable voter data from potential cybertheft
By Guy Page October 22, 2020 – On September 28, software engineer Jon Lynch of Colchester expressed concern to state officials that the voter portal on the Vermont Secretary of State website […]
Psychiatric survivors object to police oversight of crisis response workers
Embedding mental health workers in police won’t create necessary culture change, survivors and experts tell lawmakers – to no avail This news article was first published in the most recent edition of […]
Legislature yet to apologize for eugenics law
1931 sterilization law targeted Abenaki, mentally ill, French-Canadians By Guy Page October 12, 2020 – Today, Vermont observes its second annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which replaced Columbus Day as an official state […]
Inmates’ move from Mississippi to New Hampshire nixed
Though closer, Haverhill facility lacks adequate drug treatment program By Guy Page October 9, 2020 – Negotiations to move Vermont inmates from a Mississippi prison to to just across the Connecticut River […]
Vermont National Guard caucus formed in Legislature
Members of the Vermont Legislature have announced the formation of a Vermont National Guard Legislative Caucus in advance of an anticipated large-scale deployment of the Vermont Army National Guard in 2021, with […]
Analysis: Vermont, the Declarative Government State
Under GWSA, Vermont moves away from representative government By Guy Page September 30, 2020 – Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) could have been talking about Vermont’s Democratic legislature when he declared that today’s […]
This ain’t over, Scott signals after House overrides veto of global warming bill
But Guv praises Legislature for commercial cannabis cooperation By Guy Page September 18, 2020 – Memo to the Vermont Legislature from Gov. Phil Scott re: H.688, Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) veto […]
DMV launches new online vehicle registration
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced the launch of a new online system for temporary registrations and license plates for private vehicle sales. […]
State of Vermont imposes costly 3-acre runoff rule
Meanwhile, Burlington and other cities get away with sewer overflows, critics say By Guy Page September 4, 2020 – Vermont landowners of three or more acres of impervious surfaces must plan and […]
Commentary: Move state government out of Montpelier into rural VT
Covid-19 has shown that state workers don’t need their Montpelier-Waterbury office buildings. Why not ‘spread the wealth’ and take advantage of the strengths of Vermont’s regions? by Matt Krauss I worked for […]
Wells Beach is safe to visit – Hampton Beach, not so much
It’s safe once again to travel to Wells Beach, Ogunquit, and most other popular Maine coast beaches. But most of southeastern New Hampshire, including the seacoast – long a “safe” area for […]
Most state employees can do 100% of work at home, survey says
Remote work for state employees extended through 2020 August 5, 2020 —The Agency of Administration today announced that state employees who can telework should expect to do so at least through December […]
