Post office service going down, costs going up / Act 181 showdown / UVM wants to raid in-state scholarship fund for sports complex / whither education spending reform?

Good morning, Vermont—today is Feedback Friday on Hot Off The Press on WDEV AM 550, FM 96.1, and wdevradio.com at 11-noon, we want to hear from you today. Give us a call at 802-244-1777 because we’re pulling back the curtain on something that affects every single one of us.

Let’s start with a simple question: When does the real lawmaking actually happen in Montpelier?

Is it during those public hearings? The committee votes? The floor debates? — or does it happen before any of that, behind closed doors? Dave Soulia of FYIVT.COM thinks so. You can read all about it on vermontdailychronicle.com.

We’re seeing a pattern. Bills show up already polished, already supported, already moving. And it raises a bigger question: who helped write them?

Should lawmakers be required to tell us—plain and simple—who was in the room when these bills were drafted?

And here’s the uncomfortable follow-up:

Would Vermonters be surprised to learn just how many well-funded, out-of-state advocacy groups are shaping legislation right here in our state?

Call in—802-244-1777—because this is your government.

Now, while that’s happening at the State House, look at what’s happening in your mailbox.

The U.S. Postal Service says it’s in a severe financial crisis. They’re cutting retirement contributions, talking about raising stamp prices to 95 cents, and maybe even cutting delivery days.

So let me ask you—are you okay paying more… for less service?

Meanwhile, here at home, Compass Vermont the University of Vermont has $803 million on hand—but it’s asking lawmakers to let it tap into a state scholarship fund meant for students… to help build a sports complex.

Does that make sense to you?
Call in—802-244-1777.

And then there’s public safety.

A FedEx driver is dead after a crash involving a teenage driver—DUI is suspected. The drug was either alcohol or an illegal drug – police aren’t saying yet. Another preventable tragedy on Vermont roads.

Are we doing enough to address impaired driving? Or are we just reacting after the fact?

Let’s talk about it.

And if that’s not enough—education policy is back in the spotlight.

A school board has passed a sweeping communicable disease policy—raising the possibility of mask mandates, vaccine requirements, and more—while Vermont Stands Up is pushing back.

At the same time, Governor Phil Scott says the House discarding the mega-district map in favor of shared services is punting the hard work on education reform.

So where do you stand?

And one more: a floor fight is brewing over the road rule and rural Act 250 environmental regulations, with Republicans, the governor, and even some rural Democrats saying—it’s time for repeal.

They say trust has been broken.

Do you agree?

This is your show, Vermont.
Let’s hear from you. Call 802-244-1777.