Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott this morning returned without signature and vetoed H.141, An act relating to fiscal year 2025 budget adjustments. As he had stated in his press conference Wednesday, and previously, Scott opposed additional spending this fiscal year (ending June 30) on the hotel/motel program which serves the unhoused. He also opposed other non-time sensitive, but unspecified, spending items in the $162.7 million BAA, which the Legislature sent to him on Wednesday. The veto was expected. A new BAA could be negotiated and passed. 

by Tanya Marshall As the days are getting longer and snow is melting it is fitting that this is Sunshine Week – an annual celebration of government records and information as the cornerstone of government accountability and transparency. A government “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” as President Abraham Lincoln famously stated in his Gettysburg address, means people must have access to authentic and reliable records and information. Without this, we’re in the dark. As we face an increasingly complex landscape of disinformation and misinformation, access to authentic, reliable and trustworthy government records and information is more important than ever. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Suicide Prevention Center (VTSPC), a program of the Center for Health and Learning, has been prominently featured in a recent report by the Pew Charitable Trusts, recognizing its significant contributions to suicide prevention efforts in the state. ​ The report highlights the VTSPC's effective leadership, collaborative initiatives, and innovative programs that have made a meaningful impact on the integration of suicide prevention within primary care settings. ​The VTSPC operates as a public-private partnership, bringing together professionals from various sectors to advance best practices in suicide prevention. ​ Its collaborative efforts with the Vermont Suicide Prevention Coalition have been instrumental in coordinating statewide initiatives that address the multifaceted nature of suicide risk. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly today to outlaw the use of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in dental floss, cleaning products, and fluorine-treated containers—a critical step in reducing Vermonters’ exposure to these harmful substances. According to the Vermont Department of Health, PFAS exposure can lead to reproductive and developmental disorders, decreased antibody response to vaccines, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, certain types of cancer, and more.

Vermont Business Magazine Southern Vermont community and business leaders: Plan to join hosts Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) and Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC) at Mount Snow in Dover, VT, on May 20 for the 8th annual Southern VT Economy Summit. The theme of this year’s Summit, “Adapt and Thrive” is centered around the findings of the 2024 SoVermont Zone Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which stresses the need for our region to foster a shared culture of adaptation in the face of rapid economic, technological, and environmental change.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas held a reception Wednesday evening at the State House to share key findings from Vermont’s first ever Civic Health Index – a report measuring how civically engaged Vermonters are across the state and in relation to the rest of the country. The report was created in partnership with the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC), UVM’s Center for Rural Studies, SerVermont, Up For Learning, and Vermont Humanities. Leaders and representatives from each organization gathered in the Cedar Creek room Wednesday evening to give remarks and meet with legislators.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and Representative Becca Balint (D-Vermont) all oppose the continuing resolution (CR). The CR would keep the government running for the rest of the fiscal year without an actual budget bill being passed. "Since President Trump has been in office we have seen chaos, shock and heartbreak. We have seen oligarchs take over our government and the wealthiest person in the world decimate programs that provide support for a struggling working class – including massive cuts for the Veterans Administration, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Education. We have seen a move toward authoritarianism where the president is illegally usurping the powers of Congress, while his administration challenges the role of the federal courts in constraining unconstitutional administrative actions."

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has selected Major General Gregory Knight, Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, as the 2025 Citizen of the Year. He was selected for the award for his outstanding contributions to Vermont’s safety, economy, and military readiness. Through his proactive leadership, workforce development initiatives, and dedication to ensuring every soldier and airman feels valued, he has truly exemplified the spirit of service and self-sacrifice that this award honors. The award will be presented at a celebratory event on Wednesday, May 21, at Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe.

Vermont Business Magazine Lund is pleased to announce that Liz Gamache will be the agency’s next President and CEO. Gamache, a dynamic and adaptive non-profit leader, will join Lund on May 1st. Gamache joins Lund with over 20 years of experience in community and economic development and is known for her hands-on approach and results-driven mindset. Currently serving as the Chief Development Officer at United Way of Northwest Vermont, she leads fundraising and strategic business development efforts. Gamache has also held significant roles at the Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, and Vermont Electric Cooperative where she drove impactful initiatives and fostered strong stakeholder relationships. As a former Mayor of Saint Albans, VT, Liz led a multi-million-dollar downtown revitalization initiative.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont today are $3.14 per gallon, unchanged from last week. They are also the same as last month and are 11 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to AAA. The lowest price in the state this week was $2.85/g while the highest was $3.28/g. The lowest prices in the state continue to be in Rutland ($3.00/g) and Windsor ($3.05/g) counties, with prices rising as you head north to Lamoille ($3.26/g), Franklin ($3.26/g) and Grand Isle ($3.26/g). The national average price of gasoline has fallen 4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.07/g today.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Charity Clark today joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. On March 11, the Trump administration announced that the Education Department would be firing approximately 50 percent of its workforce as part of its goal of a “total shutdown” of the Department. Attorney General Clark and the coalition today filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the targeted destruction of this critical federal agency that ensures tens of millions of students receive a quality education and critical resources.

Vermont Business Magazine Yesterday in Montpelier, the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), the Preservation Trust of Vermont, and AARP Vermont convened stakeholders from across the state to discuss the future of land use in Vermont at the Smarter Growth Summit. At the Summit, a diverse array of leaders gathered to discuss if and how Vermont’s smart growth principles are contributing to sustainable, equitable land use. About 100 representatives from environmental, housing, health, transportation, planning, and economic development-focused organizations were in attendance.