Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermonters who were misled by TurboTax into paying for free tax services will begin receiving restitution checks in the mail this week as the result of a multistate settlement. The settlement, announced in 2022, applies to certain consumers who paid TurboTax’s owner Intuit to file their federal tax returns for tax years 2016, 2017, and 2018 when they were eligible to file for free through the IRS Free File Program. More than 10,000 Vermonters will receive checks of $29 or $30. Eligible consumers do not need to file a claim. Instead, they will receive notice by email from the settlement fund administrator, Rust Consulting, and will receive payment automatically. Checks will be mailed out by the settlement administrator over several weeks, beginning this week.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Vermont Senate voted 20-7 to advance H.126, an act related to community resilience and biodiversity protection. The legislation is intended to protect Vermont’s forests, wildlife and rural community resilience in the face of climate change, The House already passed a similar version of the bill on a strong 108-36 vote. The Agency of Natural Resources and Vermont Housing and Conservation Board support the bill.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Economic Development (DED), alongside the Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC), announced a new partnership to provide technical assistance and development services to Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) business owners and professionals statewide. The initiative, established by Act 183 of 2022, is part of the State of Vermont's commitment to build on local, state, and national efforts to advance equity and to increase meaningful inclusion and representation of BIPOC communities. An appropriation of $250,000 American Rescue Plan Act dollars will provide outreach, support, training, technical assistance, networking, and resource navigation for BIPOC business owners and workers.

Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC) are pleased to announce the appointment of John Russell as chair of the Vermont Economic Progress Council. John Russell was first appointed to the VEPC Board by Governor Phil Scott in April 2019. Russell represents Rutland County on the VEPC Board and is president of Russell Construction Services, Vermont’s oldest general contractor. Governor Scott has also appointed two new members to VEPC, Kim Gobeille and James (Jamie) Stewart, and has reappointed Thad Richardson for another 4-year term. The legislature has also recently appointed two new members to VEPC: State Senator Thomas Chittenden and State Representative Emilie Kornheiser. VEPC oversees the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive (VEGI) program and the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Medical Center will expand access to robotic surgical services in response to patient needs with the arrival of a second da Vinci XI robotic surgical system, which began serving patients Monday. Robotic-assisted surgery in areas such as gynecological, urological, thoracic, colorectal, ENT and bariatric specialties can lead to better overall surgical outcomes for patients and reduce blood loss, complications, scarring and length of stay in the hospital. With the second robot delivered and set to begin surgeries starting Monday, UVM Medical Center will have two robots in simultaneous use, more than doubling the number of these types of surgeries that can be performed in Burlington each year, advancing the UVM Health Network’s efforts to improve access to the highest quality specialty care, and supporting efforts to recruit talented clinical staff.

by John McClaughry The red hot policy issue in the state right now is S.5, the (un)Affordable Heat bill passed by the Democratic supermajority in the House and Senate. Governor Scott vetoed it last Thursday. Largely out of sight, the annual transportation bill (H.479) has easily passed both chambers and is now the subject of a committee of conference to negotiate the final version, which should appear this week. The theme of this bill indicates how “climate change” has become its leading concern, inasmuch as transportation is the leading cause (40%) of carbon dioxide emissions. The bill contains a great deal of spending to retard climate change while avoiding politically dangerous ideas like driving up heating fuel prices to reduce thermal emissions (S.5).

Vermont Business Magazine May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of older people across America. In Vermont, this is a population that is growing. According to the US Census, 28.4% of people in Vermont are over the age of 60. As older Vermonters live longer, healthier lives, they are helping build strong and vibrant communities by contributing their time, talents, and accumulated experiences in so many ways - through work, artistic creation, civic engagement, and volunteering to name a few. Support for an aging population does present challenges – What will it take to ensure all Vermonters have equitable opportunities, including for financial security, independence, health and wellness, social connection, housing, and transportation? A 2023 University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies poll found 64% of Vermonters are concerned that the state does not have adequate resources to address the needs of a growing older population.

Vermont Business Magazine National Life Group’s executive leadership team will volunteer at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center’s (MSAC) FEAST Kitchen, which provides nutritious meals in person and delivered via Meals on Wheels to seniors and families in the Montpelier community on May 9. Aligned with National Life’s corporate cause to help end hunger and to help kick off its first week of service since before the pandemic, a group of eight leaders along with other National Life volunteers will assist in preparing and handing off meals for delivery.

by Devon Green, VP of Government Relations, VAHHS S.36, the workplace violence bill, has passed both the House and the Senate and is going to the governor’s desk. Thank you to all the health care providers who contacted legislators—they heard you. I especially want to highlight and thank all of our witnesses. Your testimony was heart-wrenching, and it made the case for S.36 undeniable. S.36 is just one step in addressing workplace violence. VAHHS will be working with VPQHC over the summer and fall to determine what resources are needed and what recommendations should be made to the legislature next year.

Vermont Business Magazine Girls on the Run Vermont has received a $5,000 grant from Rite Aid Healthy Futures designed to combat health disparities and advance fitness and friendships among adolescent girls. The announcement comes as Girls on the Run councils across the country prepare for their spring 5Ks, end-of-season events that are trademarked for their powerful positivity and celebratory atmosphere. Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a leader in positive youth development, and its experience-based curriculum creatively integrates running to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident. The organization currently operates 171 local councils across the United States and Canada, serving nearly 200,000 girls annually.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Philip B. Scott has declared May 2023 Physical Fitness and Sports Month in Vermont, encouraging Vermonters to be active this spring. The proclamation was requested by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a physical activity promotion and advocacy group comprised of volunteers appointed by the Governor and representing a broad spectrum of Vermonters. The proclamation aligns with the national designation of May as Physical Fitness and Sports Month, an effort by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to raise awareness about the benefits of physical activity.

Vermont Business Magazine A new report shows that Champlain College is making an impressive annual impact on the State of Vermont—$446 million worth in 2021. The report, “The Economic Impact of Champlain College on Burlington and Vermont,” assesses economic-related contributions from the College, including spending, knowledge, local government, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. For instance, the college is a net importer of skilled talent to Vermont — almost 20% of Champlain College students come from Vermont, and nearly 40% of graduates stay in Vermont after graduation.