Current News

Late Thursday night, Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) released the statement below following passage of bipartisan legislation to raise the debt ceiling and avert a US default. The Senate vote avoided a filibuster by 3 votes (63-36). The House passed the bill by a wide margin (314-117). The measure has now passed both chambers and has been sent to President Biden. He is expected to sign it and address the nation at 7 pm Friday night.

Vermont State Police On June 1, 2023, at approximately 2304 hours the Vermont State Police responded to a natural gas tanker that had caught fire and exploded on Route 7 near Dakin Farm Road in the Town of Ferrisburgh. The tanker had been traveling southbound on Route 7 when a motorist behind the tanker observed sparks coming from under the trailer. The motorist was able to get in front of the tanker, stop it and alert the operator to the fire. The operator was able to get out and away from the tanker before it caught fire. No injuries occurred as a result of this incident. Route 7 is now back open.

Vermont Business Magazine With the beginning of summer and anglers fishing from shore, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reminds people that open fires and swimming are prohibited at all Vermont state fishing access areas. Open fires and their remnants, create unsafe areas for other anglers and boaters to use and enjoy.  The remnants of these fires are also unhealthy for the animals and fish that live in the adjacent waters.  Fish and Wildlife cleans up the toxic waste left by open fires on state lands annually at considerable expense.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott signed several pieces of legislation into law today. He also let the gun bill H.230 to become law without his signature not because he opposed the purpose of the bill but because of a question over its constitutionality, which he believes will be resolved one way or another in the courts, as it is sure to be challenged. He vetoed S.6, An act relating to law enforcement interrogation policies because it expands protections to young adult offenders up to the age of 22, which could undermine public safety. He also vetoed H.305, An act relating to professions and occupations regulated by the Office of Professional Regulation, because it could limit opportunities for military professionals.

Vermont Business Magazine On Wednesday, the University of Vermont Health Network filed a proposal with the Green Mountain Care Board aimed at improving access to mental health care throughout the region, as well as reducing pressure on strained inpatient capacity, using $18 million that the Network has committed to mental health. The plan was developed in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health, which shares the goal of increasing capacity for mental health services, particularly those that will reduce the need for inpatient care.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Women’s Fund, a component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, has announced the recipients of its 2023 annual grant round. A total of $412,135 was awarded this year, the largest amount ever distributed by the philanthropic resource dedicated to women and girls.

Vermont Business Magazine To expand lifestyle medicine and “food as medicine” knowledge across the state, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is offering free continuing education credits. Presented by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), this new course will offer certification scholarships to credentialed providers statewide. The complimentary 5.5 hours of CME/CE content provides a foundational, evidence-based introduction to the field of lifestyle medicine with a focus on nutrition.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced continued progress towards the implementation of the Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance Plan (VT-FMLI). The Department of Financial Regulation approved the VT-FMLI insurance coverages and rates filed by The Hartford, a private insurance carrier who was selected to deliver and administer the program benefits. Phase 1 of the three-phased program goes into effect on July 1, 2023, when State employees are enrolled in the program.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) led colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm today, urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to consider Transmission Developers Incorporated’s (TDI) application for funding to develop the New England Clean Power Link The 1,000 MW project has received all required permits that allow it to bury two six-inch-wide cables an estimated 150 miles, all in Vermont. Approximately 100 miles are permitted to be buried under Lake Champlain and the balance buried underground in existing rights-of-way. The $1.6 billion merchant line will be privately financed and will not use taxpayer dollars. 

Vermont Business Magazine New England is expected to have sufficient resources to meet consumer demand for electricity this summer under typical weather conditions, according to ISO New England Inc, the operator of the region’s bulk power system and wholesale electricity markets. Tight supply margins could develop if forecasted peak system conditions associated with above average hot and humid weather occur. Under typical weather conditions, electricity demand is forecasted to reach 24,605 MW. Above-average summer weather, such as an extended heat wave, could push demand up to 26,421 MW. More than 30,000 MW of capacity is expected to be available.

Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (AAFM) is pleased to announce that the Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) program is open now for applications from Vermont farms to support the installation of soil-based agronomic practices that improve soil quality, increase crop production, and reduce erosion and surface runoff. Farms are encouraged to apply now for funds to support the installation of field conservation practices this summer through next spring (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024). The deadline to apply for rotational grazing payments is June 15, 2023. 

Representative Becca Balint “My bottom line will always be: how can I deliver the best results for Vermonters and the American people. After taking the time to ask the hard questions, I decided to vote “Yes” on this agreement to avoid default and the job loss and economic distress that comes with it."