Current News
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by Basil Waugh, UVM As the COVID pandemic continues, new research reveals how people in Vermont and Maine are struggling with their mental and physical health. The findings detail numerous troubling health trends—including significant increases in anxiety, depression, weight gain, substance use, chronic disease, missed medications and food insecurity—since the pandemic’s onset.
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Vermont Employee Ownership Center Executive Director Matt Cropp will cover the basics of broad-based employee ownership from Employee Stock Ownership Plans to Worker Cooperatives at noon today during a webinar. Employee ownership can be a powerful approach for start-ups and as a business exit strategy, and this is a good opportunity to dig into the details of how it works. The presentation will include ample time for questions and discussions at the end of the hour.
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Vermont Business Magazine Today Secretary of State Jim Condos announced the Office of Professional Regulation’s (OPR) adoption of Foreign Credentialing Rules which create a pathway for foreign-trained individuals to become licensed in their field in Vermont. The new rules became effective November 19 and come in response to an identified barrier to licensure faced by many New Americans and refugees.
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Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that Larry Carr was fined $6,000 for operating an unpermitted salvage yard in connection with his automotive repair business in Richford. Salvage yards serve valuable functions by recycling and repurposing old vehicle parts, but also generate hazardous materials like scrap metal, battery acid, and vehicle fluids that have the potential to contaminate soils, groundwater, and drinking water. As a result, salvage yard operators must hold municipal and state permits to operate and must follow the Vermont Hazardous Waste Management and Salvage Yard Rules to prevent contamination.
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by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting 715 cases of COVID-19 for Monday. Cases on Sunday were 806, on Saturday were 2,217 and on Friday were 1,722. The record daily high was set January 7, with 2,975 cases of COVID-19. Reported cases tend to run higher as the week goes along as people get tested and the labs report their results. Hospitalizations today set another record with 116. Federal COVID at home rapid tests are now available at COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests
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Holds Costs Below Inflation, Rate Plan Continues Commitment to Stability and Predictability for Customers
Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) filed its base rates this afternoon, seeking a 2.34% increase starting October 1, 2022. If approved by the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC), the new rates would be in effect until September 30, 2023. GMP said in a statement that the filing continues their long commitment to keep rates low and stable even when significant cost pressures exist. At the same time, the filing supports GMP’s nationally recognized work to innovate and eliminate carbon from its portfolio.
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Vermont Business Magazine Today, House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint issued the following statement on Governor Scott’s budget address: “We are grateful to see that there are many areas of agreement between the Governor’s proposed budget and our vision for delivering for Vermont’s working families this session. Our vision for investing in Vermont’s future is a reflection of our values and a belief that we can create more equitable communities for all that live and visit our great state."
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Governor offers workforce, housing, environmental initiatives, tax breaks and state debt reduction in $7.7 billion all-in budget.
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Governor Scott today offered workforce, housing, environmental initiatives, tax breaks and state debt reduction in his annual budget address, which lays out how he would spend $7.7 billion.“In my 21 years in public life, there has never been a more transformative moment. We have, within our grasp, the chance to combine good ideas, thoughtful legislation, and unprecedented financial resources into a better, brighter future – where there are good jobs, affordable homes, and every community is thriving; where every kid is getting the best education, whether they go to the largest school or the smallest; where families keep more of what they earn; and where a healthy and vibrant economy in all 14 counties allows us to protect the vulnerable and invest in the things we care about most. My friends, the budget I present to you today was built with these outcomes in mind, to make the most of this historic moment.”
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Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Mental Health has named Kelly–Anne Klein, MD, as the new medical director. Klein, a board-certified psychiatrist, comes to the department from Rochester Regional Health in New York where she served as Medical Director. Her experience also includes a full-time clinical appointment at the University of Vermont where she provides outpatient, inpatient, and emergency psychiatric services.
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by Fred Kenney The Regional Development Corporations of Vermont have been chosen by the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) to participate in the new Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP). CNPP will deliver technical assistance service contracts to aid Vermont business recovery. This program was launched as part of a national initiative introduced by President Biden and Vice President Harris whereby the VtSBDC was chosen as one of fifty-one (51) grantees nationwide to be part of the Small Business Administration’s CNPP.
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Vermont Business Magazine Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging today announced its schedule of free, virtual Medicare informational sessions to be held throughout 2022. Offered through SVCOA’s SHIP (Statewide Health Insurance Assistance Program) department and hosted by Elizabeth Greaney, SVCOA SHIP Coordinator, each Medicare class will cover a range of topics including Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), and Medicare Part D - prescription drug coverage. Educational sessions will also cover Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap), enrollment periods, and coming off of employer-based insurance.
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by Devon Green, VP of Government Relations, VAHHS Late last week, the House overwhelmingly voted to return in person today with exemptions for those who request it. The Senate will continue to work remotely. How will this hybrid legislating work? What will happen to all of the non-legislator denizens? Will this allow more or less transparency and access? Stay tuned!