Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Claire Cummings is stepping down after a year as Executive Director of the Vermont Democratic Party. Her departure is effective as of today, April 19, 2022. "The Vermont Democratic Party is strong and energized a year after Claire Cummings took on the role of Executive Director. Her hard work, acumen, and enthusiasm have contributed to advancing the values and goals of the Party."

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 151 cases of COVID-19 for Monday (150 Sunday.) The VDH reported three additional deaths, the first since April 7, for 626 statewide. April, with five to date, is still on track to have the fewest COVID-related fatalities since last July. As cases have risen over the last few weeks, Chittenden and Washington have reported both the most total and the highest rate per capita. Overall, cases are up 27 percent per day in Vermont over the last week. Overall testing has fallen precipitously since early fall, but was up 18 percent over the last week.

​Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), former chair and current member of the US Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, last week hosted Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cabinet Secretary Denis McDonough on a two-day visit to see firsthand Vermont’s health care system for veterans and hear directly from the veterans it serves. Throughout the trip, Sanders and McDonough met with Vermont VA leadership, veterans, clinical and non-clinical staff, union representatives, and medical students, including six veterans and military students

Vermont Business Magazine The state Senate today presented its version of the House passed "Big Bill." Governor Phil Scott had hoped the Senate version of the state budget would be closer to his own proposal, released in January. For instance, the House version did not include virtually any of the governor's $100 million in economic development. The Senate added in some of the governor's priorities, but not all. The two legislative bodies must resolve their differences before the budget is sent to the governor. Scott has twice before vetoed the budget and has said several times, including today, that he would do it again if necessary.

The governors' proposal presents a $8,165.0 million spending plan (all in) for fiscal year 2023, which starts on July 1 of this year. The Senate passed version (H.740) would spend $8,131.8 million. Both sides presented balanced budgets.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) released an independent analysis of Vermont’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program Tuesday that concluded that TIF helps Vermont meet its smart growth goals, promotes long-term planning, and contributes to net-growth in the Education Fund. The report comes as the Vermont Legislature considers expanding TIF to smaller, rural communities through “project-based TIF”. Vermont’s TIF law allows municipalities to incur debt to make public infrastructure investments and repay that debt with a portion of the increased property tax revenue sparked by the new infrastructure.

Vermont Business Magazine This morning, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) withdrew the security directive requiring masks within airports. As a result, the Burlington International Airport (BTV) will no longer require masks within the airport. Like other public spaces, individuals may choose to continue to wear masks. Additionally, please be aware that customers, airline employees and federal agency employees may be receiving this information at different times and this directive is subject to change over time. If traveling from BTV– remember to show understanding, respect and patience with others who chose to continue wearing masks in airports and on aircraft.

Vermont Business Magazine A storm slammed the region overnight and into this morning, knocking out power to thousands of customers across the region. The storm continues to move through the Northeast region, and is expected to bring snow, freezing rain, and gusty winds to Vermont through Tuesday evening. Much of the snow is heavy and wet, resulting in downed trees and power outages. GMP is urging safety for customers as crews respond to outages and encourages customers to stay off the roads if possible, as the wintry weather system will stay in the region through the afternoon. GMP crews have already restored power to over 15,000 customers and are responding quickly and safely to continued outages caused by the heavy wet snow. New outages are expected.

Vermont Business Magazine Most older drivers are very safe drivers. But the fact is, as all of us age, we may experience changes in vision, physical fitness and reflexes — changes that can affect our driving. By understanding these changes and the risks that come with them, we can help older Vermonters stay safe, mobile and independent. The Vermont Department of Health, in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, has launched an Older Driver Safety Program, which includes new resources and a webinar series that begins later this month. The program features information for drivers, their families, caregivers and health care providers, as well as policy makers and public safety officials.

Vermont Business Magazine iSun, Inc (NASDAQ: ISUN), a Williston-based solar energy and clean mobility infrastructure company, on Monday announced results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2021. iSun is also the parent company of SunCommon in Waterbury. iSun reported fourth quarter 2021 revenue of $27 million representing a $17.7 million or 190% increase over the same period in the prior year. iSun reported full year 2021 revenue of $45.2 million, a $24.3 million or 115% increase over 2020. Revenue growth was driven by the continued execution of iSun’s Commercial and Industrial project backlog, the addition of a new Professional Services revenue stream and continued deployment of iSun’s EV Infrastructure.

by John McClaughry Fifty-two years ago the Vermont General Assembly was faced with an important issue. The Gibb Commission had reported to Governor Deane Davis that Vermont was in danger of being overrun by unrestrained development, bringing a long list of challenging impacts.

The Municipal Planning and Zoning Act of 1968 had provided towns with numerous tools to use to prevent undesirable development impact. But probably two hundred or more of Vermont’s 246 towns and cities lacked any experience with those tools, and many were being overtaken by events.

Governor Davis and his Administration Secretary Richard Mallary, a former Speaker of the House, charged House Assistant Clerk Bruce Graham, attorney general James Jeffords, and Vermont Natural Resources Council attorney Jonathan Brownell with drafting legislation to deal with this problem – quickly.

Vermont Business Magazine Randy Crossman, a 63-year-old woodworker and 7th-generation Vermonter, has summited Pico Mountain 300 times in 300 days, nearing his goal to climb 365 times in 365 days. He invites the media and the public to join him at a June 18, 2022, event to celebrate his 365th climb, and possibly hike alongside him for some or all of his summit. More details will be announced soon. Crossman is an avid outdoorsman who committed to this goal to raise awareness and funds for Building Bright Futures (BBF), where his daughter Dr Morgan Crossman serves as executive director. Building Bright Futures is a nonprofit organization working to improve the well-being of young children (from prenatal to age 8) and families in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine For organizations and nonprofits dealing to survive during COVID who would like to learn from others and how they’ve faced novel ways to tell their stories and connect to community, join Vermont Independent Media’s panel discussion on Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30p on Zoom. Registration required. The event will be moderated by Joyce Marcel, journalist and president of the board of the nonprofit Friends of Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro.