Current News
by tim
Waterbury, Vt.-A website created to inform mothers across the nation about the quality of healthcare in each state recently ranked Vermont first in the nation for maternal and early childhood health.
MomScore, an interactive tool that presents moms and moms-to-be with relevant, comprehensive data about maternal health in their states, was created by RevolutionHealth.com, a leading comprehensive health and medical information site.
The website reviewed over 50 quality indicators of maternal and infant health from federal and state government sources, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the United States Census Bureau, and leading non-profit organizations such as the Kaiser Family Foundation and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In consultation with clinical and public health policy experts, they identified ten key indicators of maternal and early childhood health.
by tim
South Burlington, Vt. -- (May 8, 2008) -- Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300 recently participated in Green Up Day.
The Local 300 contingent, which included Jean Watkins, Matt Lash and electrical apprentices Willie Kasongo and Jared Titus, braved steady rain to pick up garbage along South Burlingtons Gregory Drive, Kimball Avenue, Shunpike Road and Williston Road on May 3. Kasongo and Titus received credit towards the yearly community service quota that all IBEW Local 300 apprentices are required to meet.
"Our members work just as passionately for the community as they do for their employers," said Watkins, IBEW Local 300s training director. "Giving back is part of the fabric of this union. Despite demanding job and classroom schedules, IBEW apprentices volunteer hundreds of hours each year."
by tim
May 7, 2008
The Honorable David A. Gibson
Secretary of the Senate
State House
115 State Street, Drawer 33
Montpelier, VT 05633
Dear Mr. Secretary:
Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, I am returning S.373, An Act Relating to Full Funding of Decommissioning Costs of a Nuclear Plant without my signature because of my objections described herein.
The safety, reliability and affordability of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station (the Yankee Station) are the most important issues related to its continued operation.
I remain unwavering in my commitment to ensuring Vermont's best interests are represented and that in every discussion of our energy future the safety and reliability of this facility come first. That is why I called for an independent safety assessment and look forward to signing legislation supporting a comprehensive audit of the Yankee Station.
by tim
Vermont's Innovative State Housing Authority Reaches 40-Year Milestone
Montpelier -- The Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) -- the first state housing authority within the continental U.S.A. -- is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2008.
Vermont broke new ground in 1968 when Gov. Philip Hoff approached the federal Agency of Housing and Urban Development with a new concept: a housing authority free to operate anywhere in the state where housing-assistance services for low-to-moderate-income residents were not available from a local authority. HUD officials in Washington extended their unanimous approval, and the Vermont State Housing Authority was created by an act of the Vermont Legislature on March 23, 1968. Other states have since followed Vermont's lead and established statewide authorities.
by tim
Honorary degrees will go to Bernd Heinrich, Lois McClure & Rev. Richard Myhalyk, SSE
Unity Dow, Botswanas first female high court judge, will address Saint Michaels College graduates at commencement May 15, 2008
Unity Dow, Botswanas first female High Court Judge, will be the principal speaker at the Saint Michael's College 2008 Commencement ceremonies. With a history of commitment to social justice, Saint Michaels College and its founding order of Edmundite priests are in sync with the philosophy of Justice Dow and her struggles for human rights and womens rights in Africa.
Justice Dow will address the 404 students expected to be present to receive bachelors degrees and the 54 who are expected to receive masters degrees, as well as faculty and staff and nearly 4,000 family members and friends assembled at the Saint Michaels College commencement exercises, Thursday, May 15, starting at 10 a.m. in the Ross Sports Center in Colchester, Vt.
by tim
May 6, 2008
CVPS: Finances, energy planning, reliability are top priorities
RUTLAND, VT. - Securing new energy sources, returning to investment grade and ensuring continued service quality and reliability will be the top priorities for Central Vermont Public Service (NYSE-CV) in 2008 and beyond, President Bob Young told shareholders at the company's annual meeting May 6, 2008.
"We're at a crossroads in planning Vermont's energy future," Young said. "That is the single greatest issue facing the company in the next five to six years."
Energy planning
Speaking from notes, Young said CVPS, state regulators and other utilities were working hard to obtain and weigh public input and examine potential energy sources in anticipation of the end of existing contracts that supply two-thirds of Vermont's electricity. Contracts with Hydro-Quebec and Vermont Yankee end between 2012 and 2016.
by tim
Douglas vetoes Yankee decommissioning fund bill
Governor Douglas, as expected, today (May 7, 2008) vetoed S373, "An act relating to full funding of decommissioning costs of a nuclear plant." The bill would have required the owners of the Entergy Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon to guarantee the full cost of decommissioning the plant at the time of its decommissioning.
The governor said forcing the owner to raise or guarantee such a fund would lead to the owner raising costs on future electricity contracts to Vermont utilities; those costs would then be passed on consumers and businesses. The plant currently is owned by Entergy Nuclear, but it wants to spin off some of its plants into their own holding company, including Vermont Yankee.
by tim
Madeleine May Kunin to Keynote
Vermont Law School Graduation Ceremony
Elizabeth Economy Will Address China's Environmental Crisis
During Commencement Week Activities
SOUTH ROYALTON, VT -- Madeleine May Kunin - known alternately as governor, ambassador, war refugee and author -- will be the featured speaker at Vermont Law School's 33rd commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17. The public is invited to attend the event, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. on the South Royalton town green.
Kunin's new book, "Pearls, Politics, & Power: How Women Can Win and Lead," has just been published by Chelsea Green. The book is described as "a call to political engagement" for the women of America.
by tim
May 6, 2008
I-89 Northbound at French Hill to be Reduced to One Lane
by tim
Statement from Speaker Symington and President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin on Governor Douglas' Veto of the Decommissioning Bill
By vetoing the decommissioning bill, S. 373, today, Governor Douglas chose to stand in the way of protecting Vermonters from the potential financial risk if the Entergy Corporation sells Vermont Yankee to a highly leveraged company. With this veto Governor Douglas showed clearly that his allegiance is to a multi-billion dollar out of state
corporation instead of to Vermonters.
When Entergy bought Vermont Yankee in 2002, they agreed to accept the responsibility for the decommissioning fund. They are now restructuring and transferring the plant to a below-investment grade corporate shell -
a move that will distance them from that responsibility.
by tim
May 5, 2008 - Stacey Steinmetz, Supreme Dreamer and Schemer at Magic Hat Brewing Company, received the Highest Achievement Award upon graduation from the Dale Carnegie Course. The class voted Steinmetz the recipient of this award for demonstrating professional development, outstanding presentation skills and interpersonal competence.
Dale Carnegie Training® offers public courses, seminars and workshops, as well as in-house customized training, and one-on-one coaching. For more information on what Dale Carnegie can do for you and your business, please visit www.vermont.dalecarnegie.com or call 800-639-1012.
by tim
JAMES
H. DOUGLAS
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GOVERNOR
State of
Vermont
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Governor Highlights Successes of Legislative
Session
For Immediate Release:
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Contact: Jason Gibbs
(802) 828-3333
Montpelier, Vt. -- In a brief adjournment address to the
Legislature today, Governor Jim Douglas highlighted the successes of the 2008
legislative session. The complete text of the Governor's address
follows.
###
JAMES H.
DOUGLAS
GOVERNOR
State of Vermont
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Governor’s Adjournment Address