Current News
by tim
by Dr John Brumsted, The University of Vermont Health Network These are unprecedented times for the UVM Health Network. After months of testing for, treating and vaccinating against COVID-19, we are seeing a new surge of cases from the highly contagious delta variant. In recent weeks, we’ve also experienced intense pressures related to abnormally high patient volumes and intense patient needs. Our patients come to us when they need us most, and long wait times for certain kinds of care are an added stress. The current situation is unacceptable to me on behalf of our patients and on behalf of our people, who continue to provide expert care while responding to every challenge.
by tim
by Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray A year and a half after the onset of the pandemic, Vermont remains in the midst of ongoing recovery efforts. While there is so much uncertainty about the future, one thing we can be sure of is that our state is in a unique position to emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever. Thanks to the hard work of our Congressional delegation, Vermont is set to receive $2.7 billion in federal aid through the American Rescue Plan as well as potential additional funds from the Build Back Better Agenda.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance Coalition (VT FaMLI), with support from Red Hen Baking Co. and Camp Meade of Middlesex, hosted over 80 people on Sunday, August 29th for “We Believe in Paid Leave” - A Celebration of Workers, Families, and Small Businesses. Participants came together to take direct action and lift up their voices to show their strong support for the passage of an equitable and robust national Paid Family and Medical Leave solution.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine A recipient of one of the largest Shuttered Venue Operator Grants awarded in Vermont is scheduled to host its grand re-opening Thursday evening in Burlington. The Vermont Comedy Club, founded and owned by Nathan Hartswick and Natalie Miller in 2015, was awarded a $408,319.65 SVOG.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today is reporting one more death for 277 statewide, with 123 total COVID-19 cases, 29 hospitalized and 8 in the ICU. See COVID and vaccination dashboards below.
by tim
Testing finds seven new incarcerated positives at Northern State Correctional Facility, zero new staff
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) is reporting seven incarcerated individuals at Northern State Correctional Facility (NSCF) in Newport tested positive for COVID-19 in outbreak testing conducted August 30. All staff results are negative.
Six of the seven positive cases are individuals who live in a general population unit where a currently COVID-positive staff member worked, and where 21 prior incarcerated positive cases were discovered in testing conducted August 23, 25 and 27. The remaining positive individual is from a unit in which there was one positive case detected August 27.
Contact tracing is underway, and the entire facility will be tested again on Thursday, September 2. The facility remains on full lockdown.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) remains focused on increasing access to health care for Vermonters. Unifying providers, payers, and statewide stakeholders are critical components to achieving the goals of health care reform which include affordability, access, and quality of care.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Mayor Miro Weinberger and Burlington Electric Department (BED) have proposed a new, $20 million Net Zero Energy Revenue Bond that would accelerate progress toward Burlington’s bold climate goals, while reducing upward rate pressure for BED customers. In addition, the Mayor and BED announced that BED’s Green Stimulus program would continue, and that Moody’s Investors Service affirmed BED’s A3 rating.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine The Task Force on the Implementation of the Pupil Weighting Factors Report will hold the first of two public hearings on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the State House in Room 11. Participants may testify in person or remotely through a Zoom webinar. Anyone interested in testifying, in-person or remotely, should sign up in advance of the hearing.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont has a once in a lifetime opportunity to make significant investments that will transform and shape the future of our state. Thanks to federal stimulus funds, a surge in state revenues, and more potential federal funds on the way, the Vermont Legislature is positioned to make historic investments in Vermont's pandemic recovery, address critical infrastructure needs, support Vermonters' health and well-being, and strengthen Vermont's communities, businesses, environment, and climate.
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine State Director, Linda Rossi, announced that Kate Paterson was selected as the 2021 State Star of the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC). The award, bestowed annually, celebrates a member of the organization’s team for exceptional commitment to small business success.
“In the one year since Kate joined the VtSBDC team she has become a major force in the organization, and we are delighted to honor her for the extraordinary work she has accomplished,” said Rossi. “As we helped thousands of small businesses face an extremely challenging year, Kate developed and implemented an array of online resources to help our advisors be exponentially more effective whether working remotely or in person. What’s more, her cheerful, can-do attitude makes working with her a true pleasure.”
by tim
Vermont Business Magazine In conjunction with Suicide Prevention Month, White River Junction and Manchester Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers are raising awareness of its mental health resources available for Veterans.