By Guy Page January 22, 2020 – Reading about the Legislature’s ongoing effort to revise Act 250, Vermont’s land use and development law, is both intimidating and important. And that’s a problem. […]
Ongoing Act 250 revision focuses on climate, forests, ridgelines, and the dreaded ‘permit process’
Global Warming Solutions Act in House Energy all week
Required movie captions in theaters, police use of force, prescription drug costs, nuclear first strike, Homeless Bill of Rights, wandering livestock on House committee agendas By Mary Daly and Guy Page January […]
Right-to-Lifers fill Hall of Representatives at State House
by Guy Page January 19, 2020 – Hundreds of Vermont Right-to-Life supporters filled the floor and galleries of the Hall of the Vermont House of Representatives at the annual Rally for Life […]
Barre-Montpelier commuter rail upgrades would cost $97 mil, take 5-6 years
By Guy Page January 17, 2020 – Upgrading almost eight miles of railroad track between Montpelier and Barre to handle commuter rail would cost up to $97 million, VT Agency of Transportation […]
Fetal personhood at 24 weeks proposed in House
Rejected by Legislature last year, fetal personhood resurfaces in bill this year By Guy Page January 16, 2020 – A bill to establish the legal personhood of a human fetus at 24 […]
Democratic lawmaker warns other D’s about retail marijuana: “we are going to rue the day”
By Guy Page January 15, 2020 – A Democratic member of the Vermont House of Representatives told fellow Democrats yesterday he strongly opposes S54, the legalization of commercial cultivation, production, sale and […]
State Colleges seek legislative support
Vermont State Colleges seek $5 million more in funding to maintain tuition freeze, programs, innovation by Guy Page January 15, 2020 – A $5 million spending hike would allow the four Vermont […]
Proposed two-cent hike in heating fuel is back – along with four-cent gasoline “fee”
by Guy Page January 14, 2020 – A bill to double the home heating fuel tax and add four cents to the cost of gasoline and other transportation fuel was introduced into […]
In Committee, this week:
Prison rape culture. Who’s at Woodside and why? Social justice in schools. Pay hike for Speaker, Pro Tem, chairs? Contraception. Act 250 and slate quarries. Homeless Awareness Day. Vehicle registration fee hikes […]
Gender-neutral Constitution amendment, tax & regulate prostitution proposed
Random news, notes & observations from the State House on a Friday afternoon By Guy Page January 10, 2020 – A proposal to make the Vermont Constitution gender-neutral was introduced into the […]
Vermont should help women escape prostitution, not legalize it, human trafficking official says
By Guy Page January 10, 2020 -Vermont’s senior human trafficking official strongly opposes a bill to legalize prostitution, she told the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday. H569, sponsored by Judiciary Committee Chair Maxine […]
Sell carbon-eating value of Vermont trees? Proceed carefully, working group says
By Guy Page January 9, 2020 – Fight global warming by growing more trees and selling their ‘carbon sequestration’ value to climate-conscious carbon emitters? Vermont should move forward – carefully. That’s the […]
Opinion: A tax is a tax is a TCI
By Guy Page The sun rises in the east, the emperor really is buck naked, and the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) really is a tax. Thank you, Dave Gram! Even a […]
Worker relocation program unpopular with people who already live here, Water Cooler survey says
The Remote Worker Program paying people to move to Vermont – celebrated as a success by elected officials and set for expansion in 2020 – is highly unpopular with Vermonters, according to […]
They’re back – ‘Bill mill’ resumes activity on first day of 2020 Legislature
By Guy Page January 7, 2019 – On the Legislature’s first day back, the ‘bill mill’ resumed at a rapid pace as House Democratic Caucus leaders gave members two minutes each to […]
Agri-publicans announce three more candidates for statewide office, many for local races
by Guy Page January 6, 2020 – Many new candidates for local and statewide office today officially joined gubernatorial candidate John Klar as “Agri-publicans.” “We must pop this bloated tick on the […]
2020 Vision: special ed, pre-K, future of State Board of Education on school menu
Latest in a series about the people and priorities of the 2020 Vermont Legislature. By Guy Page December 31, 2019 – House Education Committee Chair Kate Webb (D-Shelburne) a month ago emailed […]
Firearms expert: Senate gun bill would leave Vermont churches vulnerable
By Guy Page December 30, 2019 – This weekend’s shooting at a Texas church and stabbings at a New York Hannukah celebration demonstrate that houses of worship must be able to defend […]
Opinion: Big City carbon tax ‘incentivizes’ rural Vermonters
By John Klar (The author, a Brookfield farmer and former pastor and dairy farmer, is a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor. Republished from American Thinker.) Progressive legislators, interest groups, and government […]
In 2020, Be Your Own Media
BYOM – how to do it, and why By Guy Page December 26, 2019 – You’ve heard the usual complaints about the media. People say they are biased. Inaccurate. Lazy. They are […]
GMTA proposes free bus fare, paid for by car owners
By Guy Page Fact One: The Feebate report, funded in the 2019 House Transportation Committee’s omnibus bill and published this October, describes how the State of Vermont could charge a higher registration […]
NEW WORKER RELOCATION GRANT PROGRAM SET TO LAUNCH
12-23-2019 – for immediate release. For information contact Nate Formalarie, Agency of Commerce and Community Development, 802-522-7323 | nate.formalarie@vermont.gov Montpelier – The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is preparing for the launch […]
Twice this month, Trump and Welch work together
By Guy Page December 23, 2019 – Maybe it’s just the Magic of the Season. Not once but twice this month Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) and President Donald Trump have collaborated to […]
Solar, wind-powered “frozen air” electricity generator proposed for northern VT
How does it work? Where would it be built? What will it cost us? By Guy Page December 20, 2019 – The first-in-the-nation “liquid air” power storage and generating plant announced Wednesday […]
Making Headlines: news & analysis of Vermont media
Newsies to hawk Times Argus on sidewalk Vermont town clerks part of Russian electoral plot? Mark Steyn doubts it State employee union head bashes Digger over Woodside coverage by Guy Page December […]
Opinion: Madame Speaker, I vote No – and here’s why
by Guy Page December 19, 2019 – Today or tomorrow, every Congressional Tom, Dick and Harriet will vote on impeachment. Some will explain their votes. I invite We the People to do […]
Klar advises incumbent Phil Scott to join Gov. Sununu of NH in rejection of TCI carbon tax
By John Klar New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s announcement that New Hampshire will not join the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a promising sign for Vermonters. It is expected that Phil […]
2020 Vision: House Judiciary bills include gun restrictions, prison for profiling cops, fines for racist intimidation
Fourth installment of 2020 Vision, a look at Vermont House committees and the legislation they may consider next year. by Guy Page December 17, 2019 – Members of the Vermont House Judiciary […]
Meg Hansen announces run for lieutenant governor
PRESS RELEASE December 17, 2019 Contact: Meg Hansen info@hansenforvermont.com, 802-622-4165 MEG HANSEN ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR LT. GOVERNOR Manchester, VT – Health policy expert and entrepreneur Meg Hansen formally announces her campaign for Lt. […]
Lawmakers, judge ask: If Woodside closes, where will delinquent youth stay?
No answers yet, but DCF seeking proposals for 5-15 beds By Guy Page December 17, 2019 – As the State of Vermont plans to close Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, no plan currently […]
Editorial: with Act 46, whole lotta hoodwinking going on
By Guy Page December 16, 2019 – A lawmaker who championed Act 46 now says he’s dismayed the 2015 school merger law is being used to shut down community schools. As chair […]
As hard-working Vermonters age into retirement, shortages in workers and revenue a concern
By Guy Page December 16, 2019 – The percentage of Vermonters in their prime working years of ages 25-64 will drop below 50% by 2030, a Dec. 6 demographic study says. In […]
Harvard study decries $64 billion ‘cost of the car economy’
Investing in public transportation a bargain, Kennedy School of Government reports says By Guy Page December 13, 2019 – A new report from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government […]
Former Vermont Yankee plant owner to donate historic home to Vernon
Entergy to Donate Historic Governor Hunt House to Town of Vernon Non-Profit Entergy, former owner of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, has announced it will donate the venerable Governor Hunt building to […]
November poll: Only 29% of Vermonters support unrestricted abortion
December 12, 2019 – for immediate release. For more information contact Guy Page, editor of Vermont Water Cooler, at 802-505-0448, pagecommunicationsvt@gmail.com Less than a third of Vermonters support unrestricted abortion through all […]
2020 Vision: Will Legislature consider Homeless Bill of Rights, again?
Today’s installment of 2020 Vision, a Vermont Daily Chronicle series being published this month about the upcoming session of the Vermont Legislature. by Guy Page – December 11, 2019 – Democratic gubernatorial […]
Vermont Water Cooler today…..
Vermont Libertarian Party now recognized in Vermont
photo: JT Dodge of Newbury, seen speaking at carbon tax protest at Statehouse, has been elected vice chair of Vermont Libertarian Party. PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY VERMONT LIBERTARIAN PARTY:December 10, 2019 We […]
‘Travels With Charlie” #12 bangs away at pension liability
Sometimes all it takes to understand one of Vermont’s most perplexing economic problems is a room full of drums. It’s not every day you see two gray-haired economic experts like Art Woolf […]
‘News Done Right’ Spoof video: Bernie Sanders hawks his Geezer Dream Sheets
Sure, you think ‘My Pillow’ inventor Mike Lindell is a fascist. But you’ve always hankered to buy a pillow from an infomercial. Check out “Geezer Dream Sheets” by News Done Right. It […]
Vermont faith-based communities “powerful” to help struggling veterans, VA says
by Guy Page December 5, 2019 – Vermont’s faith-based communities can help the VA help suicide-prone veterans, Dr. Brett Rusch of the VA Medical Center said today. In 2017 alone, 10 Vermont […]
TCI will be Climate Caucus “banner bill” for 2020
While Scott administration signals openness to TCI, candidate Klar firmly opposed Upgrade for Barre-Montpelier commuter rail: $67-96 million By Guy Page December 4, 2019 – The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) will […]
2020 Vision: farm & forest committee may protect farmers from nuisance suits, livestock from inhumane conditions
(First installment of 2020 Vision, a Vermont Daily Chronicle series being published this month about the upcoming session of the Vermont Legislature.) By Guy Page December 3, 2019 – Do Vermont livestock […]
Bishop Jethro James, legal pot opponent from NJ, to speak in Winooski
Wednesday 12/4: Bishop Jethro James from N.J. will attend the community dinner at the O’Brien Community Center in Winooski @ 5:50 -7:00 PM. Bishop James is a well-known leader and highly-regarded voice for how […]
VT Water Cooler Today:
Welch: Impeachment hearings ‘inspiring, discouraging’ – Essex Reporter When VT nursing homes struggle, so do residents – VPR Ski wear clothing – why buy when you can rent? – WPTZ Burlington City […]
Briefing of Legislature Wed. 12/4 to cover TCI ‘carbon tax,’ re-org of legislative offices, state revenue, economy, budget
By Guy Page December 2, 2019 – Members of the Vermont Legislature will gather Wednesday, Dec. 4 to get a pre-session briefing on important climate, clean water, and transportation initiatives, the state’s […]
AG Donovan wary of marijuana municipal veto, taxation
Attorney General TJ Donovan tell pro-legalization podcast he’s concerned VT cities and towns might veto local marijuana operations, but welcomes convicted offenders to participate in legal industry. Photo from 2017 UVM conference, […]
Pre-Thanksgiving news reports, updates, corrections
VT pensions benefit from stock market; China trade war impacts VT lumber, granite; drugs news from Portugal; State police use drones to help Secret Service; Jewish gun rights group; TCI to Legislature?; […]
VT Water Cooler Today:
DMV selling your information to insurance companies – Progressive councilor joins Burlington GOP in opposing noncitizen voting – California renewable policy causes forest fires – Scott, union fight over Woodside closure State […]
VT Water Cooler Today:
Your One-Stop Website for Today’s Top Headlines in Vermont News As carbon emissions rise, lawmakers seek reduction mandate – VPR Fake doctor pleads guilty to child porn – Times Argus What does […]
After New Year’s, VT House faces big work-related bills
Minimum wage, contractor licensing, paid family leave all on January 7 agenda (Photo credit: Vermont Department of Labor Facebook page) By Guy Page – November 25, 2019 – After the opening gavel […]
Opinion: Makes no sense to blame Trump for VT hate crime rise, Klar says
Gov. candidate John Klar: As VT hate crime reports rose, national hate crime reports declined. So how can our officials blame Trump? by John Klar – November 25, 2019 – Vermont’s Attorney […]
Truckers want marijuana victims’ compensation fund
by Guy Page – November 22, 2019 – With increases in both crashes and collision insurance claims in cannabis-legal states, the American Trucking Association wants state and federal government to take steps […]
Opinion: ‘Gadfly’ Klar says he’s also the elephant in the elephant room
by John Klar The author, a Brookfield farmer, is a candidate for the 2020 GOP gubernatorial nomination. Video below is from his Facebook page. In a recent “piece” addressing Vermont’s Republican party, […]
VT Water Cooler headlines:
Violence at Springfield prison / Sanders has 4 million donors / Bear hound hunting editorial / anti-slavery amendment to VT Constitution Springfield state prison seeks to control ‘dangerous and escalating situation’ – […]
Vermont war on internal combustion engine fought on many battlefields
November 20, 2019 – by Guy Page – Back in WWII, many folks on the Home Front thumbtacked a world map to the wall and used pushpins to follow the advancing American […]
“Nancy Pelosi of Vermont” wants more Dem lawmakers, reproductive rights legislation
House Speaker Mitzi Johnson – “I’m the Nancy Pelosi of Vermont” – asks Shelburne donors to help defeat House GOP incumbents By Guy Page November 19, 2019 – Speaking at a Democratic […]
Analysis: Trump calls press ‘enemy of people,’ but Obama treated them that way
November 17, 2019 – by Guy Page – President Donald Trump gets a lot of flak for harping on the press. At every rally he loves to point at the reporters huddled […]
Cannabis bribery, ‘scromiting’ front page news in pot-legal Massachusetts
November 15, 2019 – by Guy Page – Marijuana cultivation and sale became legal in Massachusetts in 2016. Now, municipal officials are being investigated for soliciting and receiving big bribes from legal […]
Scott says solar industry ready to be weaned from price supports
Administration report says subsidies distort economy, favor wealthy, support purchase of power not in demand by consumers November 14, 2019 – by Guy Page – Gov. Phil Scott supports cutting price supports […]
Guv to narrow candidates for Phosphorus Reduction Initiative
Governor’s Weekly Press Conference to Detail Projects Moving to Stage Three of the State’s Phosphorus Reduction Initiative At his weekly press conference, Governor Phil Scott will be joined by leadership from the agencies […]
580 State of Vermont employees earn over $100,000
November 12, 2019 – by Guy Page – As of September 27, 2019, 580 employees of the State of Vermont annually earn more than $100,000. The 10 best-paid state employees are: Steven […]
Real estate prices in rural Orleans County go through the roof
Why it’s happening, and when and where else it’s happened before November 12, 2019 – by Guy Page – Don’t look now, but homes are selling for record prices in Orleans County. […]
Biden, in VT, compares Trump to George Wallace
Seen Fri-Sat on Twitter: Biden, in VT, compares Trump to George Wallace; Hallquist would ban carbon-emitting ‘mobile billboards’; Holcombe links Scott gun veto to mass murderer Dylan Roof; Dem party leaders ‘whining’ […]
Happy, and Sad, Veteran’s Day 2019
November 8, 2019 – by Guy Page – On Veteran’s Day we honor living veterans and remember the dead. November 11 is a day to honor people like Sidney Walton, 100, who […]
Climate-friendly housing/bus stop of the future opens in Montpelier
Taylor Street affordable housing project cost $256K per unit – not including the multi-million $$ transit center downstairs November 6, 2019 – by Guy Page – A new 30-unit Montpelier rental housing […]
Sen. Sears: drug gang activity doesn’t explain all inmate racial disparity; was McAllister suspension fair? “I don’t know”
November 5, 2019 – by Guy Page – Out-of-state, urban drug gang activity in Vermont may play a role in racial disparity of Vermont inmates, but does not fully explain it, Sen. […]
What’s on agenda for 2020 Vermont Legislature?
Climate change, plastic, Act 250, insanity defense, prisons, distracted driving, marijuana, State House “CEO” may see action by 2020 Legislature November 4, 2019 – by Guy Page – Vermont Legislature reconvenes Tuesday, […]
Billado re-elected Saturday as VT GOP chair; women fill next two top spots
Vermont GOP re-elected Deb Billado of Essex Junction to another term as party state chair
Last Friday, employees at 200 Vermont companies didn’t get paid. What happened?
October 31, 2019 – Guy Page – On Friday, October 25, at 5:30 pm an East Montpelier woman employed by a local not-for-profit called the Vermont Daily Chronicle to report that she hadn’t received […]
Klar Klarifies
GOP guv candidate explains why he voted for Bernie – but never again By John Klar Having announced my bid for the Vermont Republican nomination for Governor on Monday, a stir has […]
When Vermont women interact with male drug dealers, they lose
By Guy PageOctober 29, 2019 – When drug dealers ply their trade in Vermont, everyone else loses. But recent news reports suggest that often, women are the biggest losers. Sometimes the […]
Gorgeous autumn scenes from VT Ag Agency: “A Vermont Fall: Bittersweet Beauty”
Brookfield farmer, author John Klar seeks GOP nomination for governor
The following announcement was posted on the Green Mountain Republicans Facebook page tonight: John Klar will announce his Republican candidacy for Vermont Governor at noon on Monday, October 28, at the State […]
Senator, EAI prez talk plastic, nature and freedom in Elmore
October 25, 2019 – for immediate release For more information contact Brad Ferland at 999-2633, bferland@together.net Permission given to publish press release and/or video Link to video: https://youtu.be/0p4fWpnfSps ‘Travels with Charlie’ video series goes to […]
Video: Bag Creature from Lake Elmore
Featured Video: Episode #10 of Travels with Charlie – the Plastic Ban
Former Sen. Norm McAllister cleared of all criminal charges; Senate suspension remembered
October 24, 2019 – Guy Page – Yesterday, a Vermont District Court jury in St. Albans found former state senator Norm McAllister innocent of the prohibited act of soliciting a woman for prostitution. The […]
State House to close Monday for 2-3 weeks – new backup power system being installed
October 24, 2019 – Guy Page – The Vermont State House will be closed, beginning Monday October 28, for about three weeks, because the building’s power must be shut off to facilitate […]
TCI ‘tax’ on VT gasoline, diesel sales would nick drivers for up to $72 million/year, maybe without vote from Legislature
October 23, 2019 – Guy Page – Monday night, after Rep. Sarah Copeland-Hanzas (D-Bradford) called for a law requiring Vermont to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, someone at the VT Climate […]
The Catastrophy Starts Tomorrow: exercise simulates storm aftermath
For Immediate Release Monday, October 21, 2019 Contact Mark Bosma, Vermont Emergency Management 802-839-6717; Mark.Bosma@vermont.gov Montpelier, Vt. – Nearly 500 emergency responders and officials from local, state and partner agencies will test their disaster recovery […]
Feature Video: Goldens at Play
Five initiatives climate activists will push in 2020 – and what they will mean to Vermonters
October 21, 2019 – Guy Page – When the Legislature convenes in January, Vermonters can expect a full-court press to impose added costs and restrictions on many fossil fuel products and benefits. […]
House bill could shed light on inmate racial disparity
October 18, 2019 – Guy Page – The Judiciary Committee of the Vermont House of Representatives next year is expected to take up a criminal justice data collection bill, a senior legislator told […]
Trump challenger Weld tells county GOP he supports national carbon tax, impeachment
10/17/2019 – Bill Weld – the man who would beat Trump – sees Vermont as perhaps his second best chance to win a state in the 2020 Republican presidential primary, after his […]
75 years ago today, bomber crashed into Camel’s Hump – how one man survived
Printed verbatim and with much gratitude from the Burlington (VT) Area History Facebook Page, overseen by Bob Blanchard. This month marks the 75th anniversary of the crash of a bomber into Camel’s […]
State panel ‘toying’ with elimination of State Board of Education
10/16/2019 – Guy Page – The Vermont Sunset Advisory Commission is considering recommending the elimination of the controversial Vermont State Board of Education (SBE), Co-chair Sen. Jeanette White (D-Windham) said today. “We’re […]
Does VPIRG really have ‘special interest’ ties? You decide…..
October 15, 2019 – Guy Page – In a recent “Dialogues with Meg Hansen” video interview entitled “Dark Money in Montpelier,” Ethan Allen Institute President Rob Roper claims the Vermont Public Interest Research Group […]
Vermont suicide rate highest among Native Americans
10/14/2019 – Guy Page – Today is Indigenous People’s Day, the first since the 2019 Legislature turned Columbus Day into a state holiday honoring pre-European dwellers, and their descendents, of the land […]
Feature Video: VPIRG “Dark Money in Montpelier”
In 2017, the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) hired 36 lobbyists and reported a total revenue of nearly $3 million, which goes very far in a small state like Vermont. This […]
ACLU says decrim will reduce inmate racial disparity – but what’s causing it?
10/10/19 – Guy Page – The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont (ACLU) said Tuesday the Legislature could cut Vermont’s prison population in half if it will: Decriminalize the sex trade Decriminalize […]
VT gasoline sales 2.5X higher than estimated
By Guy Page October 11, 2019 – Today Headliners catches up on corrections, clarifications, and comments received from our growing list of readers. For example: After reading the 10/7 column and 10/8 follow-up on the proposed “stealth” […]
Video: Travels With Charlie
In Episode #9 of TNR’s acclaimed video series “Travels with Charlie,” host Charlie Papillo goes back to school. He, Vermont Education Secretary Dan French, and former school board member Jay Eshelman talks […]
Press Release: Planned Parenthood PAC fundraiser honors AG TJ Donovan
10/8/2019 Press Release – from Vermont Right to Life Committee October 8, 2019 For further information: Sharon Toborg (802) 249-6939 Planned Parenthood PAC fundraiser to honorAttorney General T. J. Donovan forpromoting unrestricted, […]
Of Haircuts, and Haircuts
Say Goodbye to the “Men’s Haircut”? And schools and social services will need more money to pay increased transportation costs, if TCI ‘stealth’ carbon tax takes effect. By Guy Page October 8, […]
‘Stealth’ carbon tax details published
By Guy Page October 7, 2019 – More details have emerged about a planned “stealth” carbon tax on the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel for Vermont drivers. The Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) […]
2nd Amendment experts fire back at Donovan ammo background check
By Guy Page October 4, 2019 – Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan’s proposed federal law requiring mandatory background checks on all purchases of ammunition would unnecessarily increase consumer costs and red tape, […]
AG Donovan wants federal background checks for buying ammo
By Guy PageOctober 2, 2019 – Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan has asked the U.S. Congress to enact mandatory background checks on purchasers of ammunition. In a Sept. 23 letter, Donovan and 21 […]
VT Medicaid funding for youth sex change surgery poised for approval
By Guy PageOctober 1, 2019 – A proposed Vermont Medicaid regulation expanding coverage for gender-change surgery to also cover minors will receive final review at a legislative hearing Thursday. The regulation, rule HCAR […]
Bernie leads Biden by just one point in Water Cooler survey
VTWatercooler.com surveyed 279 Vermonters over 9/9/19-9/11-19 regarding their candidate and issue preferences in the presidential primaries. The phone sampling was collected via Interactive Voice Response from 10,000 randomly selected households with registered voters, […]
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