USDA announces expanded disaster assistance for farmers and timber producers in Vermont

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that producers can apply for up to $31.7 million in assistance through a USDA funded block grant to help producers in Vermont recover from crop, timber, and on-farm infrastructure losses due to adverse weather events in 2023 and 2024.  Additionally, FSA is reopening the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) signup for the same period providing cost-share for certain restoration activities on private forestland not covered by the state block grant program. Applications for both EFRP and the Vermont Agriculture and Timber Disaster Assistance Block Grant program will be accepted from Oct. 26 through Dec. 31, 2026. EFRP applications will only cover restoration activities that are not eligible for block grant assistance.

“USDA is committed to ensuring Vermont’s farmers and timber producers receive the support they need and deserve after facing years of weather-related losses,”said Wendy Wilton, FSA State Executive Director in Vermont. “The combination of state and USDA disaster relief assistance will give impacted agricultural operations options to help with restoration and recovery efforts following devastating losses.

”Vermont Agriculture and Timber Disaster Assistance Block Grant The State of Vermont received $31.7 million from FSA to administer through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. The grant program provides disaster recovery assistance to eligible Vermont agricultural producers, timber landowners, and contract loggers who experienced qualifying weather-related losses. The program was established through federal block grant funding authorized under the American Relief Act of 2025.  Potentially eligible agricultural losses include: 

• Damage to eligible on-farm infrastructure;
• Bare-ground practices;
• Future economic loss
• Market loss
   

The timber assistance component includes: 

• Standing timber losses
• Harvested timber losses 
• Licensed Forester assessment costs
• Forest stewardship plan updates 
• Certain logger recovery costs required to reopen damaged harvest sites and restore access via reinstallation of Acceptable Management Practices.

Eligibility Eligible applicants must have been farming or operating an eligible agricultural or timber business during 2023 and/or 2024, must have experienced a qualifying weather-related loss, and continue to operate today. Losses must be connected to an eligible weather event and supported by documentation. Applicants may apply for eligible losses that have already been repaired, rebuilt, or replanted, or may attest that they will use program funds to complete eligible restoration or replanting in the future for applicable categories. This program is non-competitive; all applicants demonstrating eligible unmet loss will receive payment.  For more information or to apply visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Marketswww.agriculture.vermont.gov or contact AGR.DisasterResponse@vermont.gov.   For more timber related information, contact the Agency of Natural Resources or contact ANR.FPRFloods@vermont.gov.

Emergency Forest Restoration Program EFRP is administered by FSA and helps non-industrial private forestland owners recover from natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, ice storms, floods, and other qualifying events. EFRP provides funding and technical support for approved conservation practices that restore forest health, mitigate further damage, and promote sustainable forest management.

To assist with forest restoration related to weather events in 2023 and 2024, FSA has reopened EFRP signup for losses during those years. EFRP signup will be available to eligible owners of non-industrial private forest land in all Vermont counties.To apply for EFRP, forestland owners must submit a request for assistance to their local FSA office. The application process includes an assessment of the damage, documentation of the disaster impact, and a description of the proposed or completed restoration measures.  Applicants must also submit documentation of expenses incurred for the approved restoration activities for calculation of cost-share payments.  Detailed enrollment instructions and deadlines are available through the local FSA office.

Campaign for Vermont Announces the Addition of Pelin Kohn

Non-profit seeking to grow VT’s middle class expands its advisory council.

Montpelier, Vermont – Today Campaign for Vermont Prosperity (CFV) announced that Pelin Kohn is joining their Advisory Council, expanding the organization’s capacity to advance data-driven, public policy solutions that strengthen Vermont’s economy and communities.

The CFV Advisory Council plays a critical role in guiding the organization’s work to reconnect everyday Vermonters to their government, promote government transparency and accountability, and champion 21st-century policies that support family-sustaining jobs, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.

“Pelin brings a local municipal perspective, hands-on experience, and an earnest curiosity about government and how we can make it work better,” said Ben Kinsley, CFV Executive Director. “Her perspective will be very valuable as we work to improve government accountability, public service efficiency, and economic vitality.”

Kohn is a Montpelier City Councilor, higher education professional, educator, and author. She has lived in Vermont since 2017 and has been active in local government, education, and civic organizations statewide.

She previously served as State President of the League of Women Voters of Vermont and currently works at the Community College of Vermont. Kohn holds a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences and has a professional background in higher education leadership and administration.

“I am so excited to join the CFV Advisory Council,” said Kohn. “CFV’s focus on government accountability while pursuing pragmatic, evidence-based, solutions is something that resonates with me. I excited to get to work on government accountability and pursuing practical policy changes that will make Vermont more livable.”

As a member of the Advisory Council, Kohn will provide strategic insight and feedback on CFV’s policy priorities, including:

• Transforming education to better prepare students for a changing world while ensuring accountability for outcomes and investments.
• Expanding civic engagement to build a broad, well-informed coalition of Vermonters who are active participants in their government.
• Government accountability that allows our state and local governments to respond to well-informed Vermonters seeking change.
• Strengthening Vermont’s economy with family-sustaining jobs and opportunities in all regions of the state.
• Addressing demographic shifts by making Vermont more affordable and attractive for working families and young people.
• Promoting environmental stewardship through pragmatic, cost-effective policies and thoughtful alternatives to broad-based carbon pricing approaches.

Kohn’s addition to the Advisory Council underscores Campaign for Vermont Prosperity’s ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more secure future for all Vermonters.

CFV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to the vision of a more prosperous Vermont and growing middle class. They seek to accomplish these goals by reconnecting Vermonters to their government and advocating for more transparent and accountable policymaking.

Vermont Chamber’s Megan Sullivan Named Among Nation’s Top 100 Lobbying and Advocacy Professionals

National recognition highlights Sullivan’s leadership and advocacy on behalf of Vermont businesses

BERLIN, VT (October 26, 2026) — Megan Sullivan, Vice President of Government Affairs and lead lobbyist for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, has been named a 2026 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE). With more than 50,000 state and federal lobbyists nationwide, Sullivan being named among just one hundred honorees is a significant professional distinction.

Sullivan leads the Vermont Chamber’s government affairs work, directing legislative strategy and representing Vermont businesses at the State House. Her work brings the experiences and priorities of employers into policy discussions that shape the state’s economy.

NILE received a record number of nominations this year, supported by impressive letters of recommendation from colleagues, clients, Members of Congress, senior government officials, and former Cabinet secretaries. Honorees were selected through a blind peer review process recognizing professional accomplishments, innovation, integrity, and service to their communities. Sullivan is the first Vermont based lobbyist to be recognized with this award.

“Megan brings expertise, sound judgment, and determination to her work every day,” said Amy Spear, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “She listens closely to our members, understands what policy decisions mean for their businesses, and works tirelessly to turn those insights into effective advocacy. This national recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to have her leading our government affairs work.”

This honor underscores the value of experienced, trusted advocacy as Vermont businesses navigate rising costs, workforce shortages, housing constraints, and other barriers to growth. Through Sullivan’s leadership, the Vermont Chamber connects member input and economic analysis with a collaborative legislative agenda focused on strengthening Vermont’s business climate.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be recognized with this award and by the incredible support my nomination received from my peers, colleagues, and policymakers,” said Megan Sullivan. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with businesses of all sizes, across industries, and in communities throughout Vermont. “Strong advocacy starts with listening to businesses that make living, working, and thriving in Vermont possible. That experience has shaped my approach to advocacy and reinforced my belief that the people navigating the challenges of running a business deserve a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect them.”

About the Vermont Chamber of Commerce

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the Vermont economy. Trusted by the businesses that make living, working, and thriving in Vermont possible, we prioritize collaboration and uphold the core values that define our state. As the preeminent not-for-profit business organization, we advocate, build community, and provide resources for businesses statewide. 

Open Enrollment for Vermont Health Connect Starts on November 1

Changes for 2027 and What Vermonters Need to Know

Waterbury, VT –  Vermont’s open enrollment period for 2027 plans starts on November 1. During open enrollment, Vermonters can sign up for or change their qualified health and dental plans through Vermont Health Connect. Open enrollment ends December 28, but only Vermonters who enroll by December 15 will have coverage starting January 1, 2027. The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) advises that Vermonters should go online now and use DVHA’s plan comparison tool to find the 2027 health coverage that best fits their needs.

“The Department is encouraging everyone to go to VermontHealthConnect.com and use our plan comparison tool to find the 2027 health coverage that works for you,” said DVHA Commissioner DaShawn Groves, “We’re once again facing an open enrollment period with federal changes that present unique challenges. It’s important to stay covered, and the best way to do that is to explore your coverage options now, before the December 15 deadline.”

There are several federally mandated changes to plans available through Vermont Health Connect to be aware of this year:

Shorter Open Enrollment:

• Open enrollment for 2027 plans will be shorter than in previous years. This year’s open enrollment period ends on December 28. DVHA encourages Vermonters to sign up by December 15 for coverage starting January 1, 2027.

Some non-citizens and immigrants will no longer be eligible for financial help:

• Starting in plan year 2027, only lawful permanent residents, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants will be able to get financial help to pay for a Qualified Health Plan. Additional categories of non-citizens will become ineligible for financial assistance but may still be able to get a Qualified Health Plan at full cost.

Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC) repayment caps removed

• Beginning with the 2026 tax year (filed in 2027), if customers underestimate their income when signing up for a Qualified Health Plan, they will have to pay back the FULL AMOUNT of premium tax credits received when they file their taxes.

Additional information about these federally mandated changes can be found on the DVHA website: Health Insurance Changes: Stay informed! | Vermont Health Connect.

Most Vermonters enrolled through Vermont Health Connect qualify for financial assistance. All plans offered through Vermont Health Connect cover the same services but differ in monthly premium costs and out-of-pocket costs at the time of service. For more information and some examples of different plans, family configurations and costs, visit https://info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/compare-plans.

“Around 80% of Vermonters enrolled through Vermont Health Connect already benefit from financial assistance,” Said DVHA Deputy Commissioner Lesie Wisdom, “You can shop DVHA’s online plan comparison tool now to see what plan options meet your needs, and how much financial assistance is available.”

It’s easy to sign up and review options:

• Create an account and apply. Tell us about your household. You will be screened to see if you are eligible for financial help to help pay for a health plan.
• The easy-to-use 2027  Plan Comparison Tool is designed to help you choose a health plan that best meets your financial and medical needs.
• Assisters are professionals who are trained and certified by the Department of Vermont Health Access to help Vermonters enroll and maintain health coverage. They can answer questions and walk you through an application. Assisters work for various agencies in the community, such as hospitals, health care providers, and community-based organizations.
• Learn how to calculate if employer-sponsored insurance is affordable or if you can get financial help through the marketplace with this online tool.

Vermonters who want to learn more can join DVHA’s Open Enrollment Virtual Town Hall at 12pm on December 3.

For additional information visit www.VermontHealthConnect.gov, call the Customer Support Center at 1-855-899-9600, or contact an in-person Assister near you.