Vermont modernizes campaign finance and lobbying systems, transparency

Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas has announced major upgrades to the state’s online campaign finance and lobbying information systems, aimed at improving transparency in state politics. The upgrades will enhance the functionality and accessibility of public records related to political funding and lobbying activities.

The Campaign Finance System, which processed over 14,000 disclosure reports in the past decade, allows voters to track money flowing to candidates and officials. Similarly, the Lobbying Information System, used by 727 lobbyists representing 563 employers during 2023-2024, provides details about lobbying activities, including financial disclosures and gifts to legislators.

The modernization project, completed on schedule and within budget, was carried out by ReFrame Solutions and Stonewall Solutions following a competitive bidding process in 2023. Both systems were developed under the supervision of the Secretary of State’s Elections Division, which manages election administration and campaign finance oversight.

Elections Division Director Seán Sheehan noted that the upgraded systems will streamline the experience for both filers and the public seeking information. The new systems can be accessed at campaignfinance.vermont.gov and lobbying.vermont.gov.

Vermont teachers recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The following Vermont educators were selected as part of a group of 306 teachers nationwide to receive this prestigious award.

2021:  
Heather Morley (Champlain Valley Union, 7 – 12 Science) 
Lara White (Lyndon Institute, 7 – 12 Math) 

2022:  
Amy Clapp (Salisbury Community School, K – 6 Science) 
Mindi Wimett (White River Valley Middle School, K- 6 Math) 

2023:  
Ronald “Randy” Brown (U-32 High School, 7 – 12 Science) 
Brian Schwartz (Green Mountain Technology and Career Center, 7 – 12 Math) 

Awardees are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning, along with their ability to help students make progress in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the awards program is to showcase the highest standards of STEM teaching. Awards alternate between elementary (Kindergarten – 6th grade) and secondary (7th – 12th grade) teachers each year. 

Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States; a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF); and a trip to Washington, D.C. The teachers attend a series of recognition events, participate in professional development opportunities, and discuss how to improve STEM education with policymakers.  

Each year, PAEMST applications are reviewed at state and national levels by prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district level personnel, and classroom teachers. The final selection is made by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

Winner announced for Vermont’s Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License lottery

Travis Shine, 46, of Newfane, Vermont is the lucky winner of the 2024 Vermont Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License Lottery. 

Mr. Shine will be entitled to hunt and fish in Vermont for free for the rest of his life.   He was drawn as the winner from among 18,496 Lifetime License Lottery tickets purchased in 2024.  The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department holds the drawing annually.

“The Lifetime License Lottery gives anyone, resident or nonresident, an opportunity to win a Vermont hunting and fishing license that is valid for the recipient’s lifetime,” said Interim Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Andrea Shortsleeve.  “Even if you don’t win the license, by applying, you know you have contributed to fish and wildlife conservation in Vermont.” 

This year’s sales of the $2.00 tickets brought net sales of $36,787.50 to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department to support the department’s mission to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats.

“These funds help us to manage the state’s sportfish and game animals, protect threatened and endangered species and conserve important habitat for wildlife,” said Shortsleeve.

A person can enter Vermont’s License of a Lifetime Lottery by adding the $2.00 entry fee when they buy their license on the Fish and Wildlife Department website at vtfishandwildlife.com.  They can also enter by applying at statewide wherever Vermont hunting, fishing and trapping licenses are sold, or with a printable application available on the department website.  There is no limit on the number of times a person may enter during the year.

Surveys: Prior authorizations contribute to burnout

Health care clinicians and health care administrators overwhelmingly say that the time-consuming process and increasing volume of prior authorizations contributes to burnout of practitioners, according to the Vermont Medical Society and other health care organizations, the Journal-Opinion reported today.

The finding comes from two surveys-one of 241 clinicians and one of 65 administrators. The results found 99% of clinicians and 100% of administrators report that PAs increase burnout.

VMS also highlighted the following findings:

Clinicians report they complete 21.4 authorizations per week and spend 15.13 hours on these authorizations.

Administrators report 52.66 hours of ordering provider time and 27.21 FTEs of additional staff time spent on PAs each week in their practice.

77% of clinicians/94% of administrators say the number of PAs for medications have increased in the last year.

64% of clinicians/77% of administrators report PAs for medical services have increased.

95% of clinicians report that PAs lead to higher utilization of health care resources such as additional office visits or ED visits.

81% of clinicians report that PAs delay access to necessary care.

32% of clinicians report that PAs have led to a serious adverse event such as hospitalization or death.