Current News

by John McClaughry The 2022 general election campaigns are now under way, and it’s time for citizens to smoke out where legislative candidates stand on issues that they are likely to face in 2023. I say “smoke out”, because many if not most candidates are nervous about telling voters where they stand on specific issues. That’s in part due to their limited understanding of the issues, and their anxiety about having to coherently defend any clear position.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development today announced the launch of the State’s first Technology-Based Economic Development program designed to catalyze growth in Vermont’s high tech business sector through increased access to targeted technical and research assistance. Coined as Elevate Vermont, the goal of the multi-faceted program is to help accelerate early-stage technology companies and help established small businesses remain relevant in a global market.

Vermont Business Magazine Sarah Copeland Hanzas won the Democratic primary Tuesday for Vermont Secretary of State in the closest of the major races. Copeland Hanzas received 43% of the vote, Chris Winters received 41% and John Odum received 16%.

Vermont Business Magazine David Zuckerman, the former lieutenant governor, won the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor on Tuesday. He previously served two years ago before running for governor in 2020. On Tuesday he received 44% of the vote to outpace Kitty Toll (39%), Patricia Preston (10%) and Charlie Kimbell (7%).

Vermont Business Magazine State Senator Becca Balint won the Democratic Party’s primary contest on Tuesday to represent Vermont in the US House of Representatives. With 61% of the vote, she beat Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray (37%), Dr Louis Meyers (2%) and Sianay Chase Clifford (1%).

Vermont Business Magazine Brenda Siegel has been declared the winner of the Democratic Primary for Governor. Siegel will take on the Republican incumbent who has been in office since 2016. She makes history as the first bisexual woman, and first single mom to become the Vermont’s Democratic nominee for Governor.

Vermont Business Magazine Republican candidate and Army veteran Gerald Malloy has won the Republican primary nominee in Vermont’s race for US Senator. Malloy beat former federal prosecutor Christina Nolan 43% to 39% with Myers Mermel getting 18%. This leaves Vermont’s November election between Malloy and Congressman Peter Welch. Welch gained 88% of the vote in the Democratic primary on Tuesday.

Vermont Business Magazine Tuesday evening upon securing the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer, Mike Pieciak issued the following statement: "It is an honor to win the Democratic nomination for Treasurer. I am humbled voters have put their trust in me, and I look forward to building a broad coalition to win in November and tackle the issues facing all Vermonters."

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Police has arrested a woman on a murder charge in connection with a death investigation in Wardsboro. The investigation remains active and ongoing Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, and detectives are asking for the public’s help to learn more about the movements of the suspect on Monday. The victim is identified as Emmy Bascom, 42, of Guilford. An autopsy took place Tuesday at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) is accepting applications from all Vermonters with a residential rental obligation. The Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), covers up to 100% of eligible applicants' rent and utilities for up to 18 months. Assistance is administered through the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) to help alleviate COVID-19-related income pressure on tenants and landlords and restore stability to the rental community.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement on the federal Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act being signed into law by President Biden: “The CHIPS and Science Act is good for our country and good for the state of Vermont. We have a growing technology hub in the state and as we look to grow our economy, we need to retain the companies we have, and recruit new ones to expand here."