Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Patrick Leahy welcomed the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Monday announcement that Vermont will receive an allocation of $4 million in fiscal year 2018 to fight the opioid epidemic across the state. The funding, a significant increase over past years, is part of a new State Opioid Response Grant program created as part of the Leahy-negotiated 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act signed into law this spring. Vermont’s $4 million grant is a direct result of language that Leahy fought for in the bill guaranteeing each state at least $4 million to fight this deadly crisis.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont ski industry fought through uneven weather throughout the 2017-2018 season to post a small increase in visitors. According to Ski Vermont, the state managed 3.97 million skier days, a 1.2 percent increase from the previous season. Ski Vermont revealed the results as members, supporters and friends of the Vermont ski and snowboard industry gathered last week at Stowe Mountain Resort for the Vermont Ski Areas Association’s 49th Annual Meeting. Alpine and Cross-Country members, associate members and marketing partners were among those who celebrated what turned out to be a successful season.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) announced late last week that the Interior and Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations bills approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee include significant wins for Lake Champlain. Leahy, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has long fought for resources to protect Vermont’s ‘great Lake.’ The Interior and CJS bills approved by the Appropriations Committee include at least $12.5 million for Lake Champlain, and include funding for other competitive grant programs for which Lake Champlain protection work is eligible. The Lake Champlain Program would receive $11 million for fiscal year 2019, a $2.6 million increase from the fiscal year 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Public Assets Institute On Vermont’s jobs front May was a down month in a year of ups and downs. The number of nonfarm payroll jobs fell by 500 last month, after increasing by 600 in April. Employers reported 314,600 nonfarm jobs in May—1,400 more than last May. Meanwhile, Vermont’s unemployment rate remained at 2.8 percent in May.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pozo was transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center after sustaining injuries in a single-bicycle accident in Keene, NY, on Sautrday. Physicians treating him in the intensive care unit for a head injury and broken bones are optimistic about a full recovery. However, del Pozo may remain at the UVM Medical Center for a sustained period. Deputy Chief Jan Wright is serving as Acting Chief of the Burlington Police Department.

“Our thoughts are with Brandon and his family at this time,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “Chief del Pozo has done so much for the community, and we look forward to him returning to command. Until then, I have full confidence that the Burlington Police Department will continue to keep the city safe and perform at the high, effective level that Burlingtonians expect.”

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is encouraging members to conserve energy tomorrow, Monday, June 18, between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. This is when demand for electricity is expected to spike as a result of high temperatures throughout New England

Leonine Public Affairs Governor Phil Scott vetoed H.13, the second version of the FY2019 budget bill last week. The move was not surprising and results in the legislature and governor being no closer to resolving their disagreements than they were a week ago. With July 1st and the beginning of the new state fiscal year only 13 days away, the state is inching closer than ever to a government shutdown. Most onlookers still find it hard to believe the impasse will actually result in a shutdown and that something will have to give in the next two weeks. That said neither side shows any indication of backing down.

Vermont Business Magazine The Burlington School District (BSD) announced Monday morning changes to personnel positions within the District. Burlington High School (BHS) Principal Tracy Racicot will take over as the Director of Burlington Technical Center (BTC), a position she held previously. After two years in leadership positions within the District, Noel Green, currently Assistant Principal of BHS, will take over the BHS helm as Interim Principal. The changes will take place over this summer break.

Noel Green, BHS photo.

Vermont Business Magazine On Monday, June 4 convened the third annual 2018 Vermont Mentoring Symposium at the Waterbury State Office Complex. This day-long conference is the only professional development and networking opportunity of its kind focused on youth mentoring in Vermont, and brought together nearly 60 youth mentoring program staff, board members, and supporters from across the state for a day of networking and professional development.

Vermont Business Magazine The Northeast boasts the highest wages and the highest benefits in the nation. Within the region, New England is the highest paid, while the Mid-Atlantic states provide the most expensive benefits. Private industry employer costs for employee compensation among the four regions of the country ranged from $30.68 per hour in the South to $41.48 in the Northeast during March 2018, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC) today announced the addition of an exciting new benefit for co-op members: special discounts at businesses across the region. The new VEC Member Discount Program offers a wide range of deals, including bargains on outdoor fun and entertainment, clothing and shoes, hardware, motorsports gear, and more.

Vermont Business Magazine Unfortunately, as the Administration and others have noted, H.13 leaves in place an automatic $23 million (5.5 cent) property tax rate increase on non-residential payers - our rental property owners and renters, camp owners, and employers. Without a commitment from legislative leaders that we can achieve level property tax rates, or an amendment that would prevent the automatic 5.5 cent property tax rate increase on non-residential payers, I cannot support H.13. As a result, pursuant to Chapter II, Section I I of the Vermont Constitution, I am returning H.13, An act relating to making appropriations for the support of government, without my signature because of my objections described herein.