Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Riley Allen of Montpelier to serve as a member of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Allen has served as deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Service since 2017. From 2004-2008, he served as director for regulated utility planning. From 2008-2010 he served as a hearing officer and senior policy advisor to the Public Service Board (now the PUC).

Vermont Business Magazine AARP Vermont is encouraging residents who are without access to high-speed internet, or struggling to afford it, to look into the recently launched Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. The EBB is a $3.2 billion Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help Americans access the affordable, high-speed internet they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vermont Business Magazine The DeWitt Block, a long-empty piece of Flat Street’s history in downtown Brattleboro, is being given a new life. Standing next to the Brattleboro Transportation Center, the former Sanel Auto Parts store was constructed over 100 years ago as a grocery warehouse and, though it has received interest from investors over the years, a good match for its potential hadn’t materialized until now.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) Friday announced legislation to expand on the success of the universal free lunch approach recently extended by the USDA, and bring long-term relief to millions of food-insecure families. The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021 would permanently provide free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to all school children regardless of income, eliminate school meal debt, and strengthen local economies by incentivizing local food procurement.

Vermont Business Magazine The Summit on the Future of Vermont on May 26-27 will bring Vermonters together virtually to consider “The Vermont Proposition” – a set of bold and transformational ideas for the state’s economy, environment and people by mid-century. The Summit is produced by the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD).

For 30 years this non-profit and non-partisan organization has supported progress in issues ranging from wood products to downtown revitalization, rural energy development, the digital economy, and Vermont’s working landscape.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Regular weekly unemployment claims continue to grow to their highest levels this year and remain at a very high level, as claimants were required to refile based on their annual eligibility. The Vermont Department of Labor has also reverted to call-in only for new claims, as the online system has been barraged by large numbers of fraudulent filings. In addition, Commissioner Michael Harrington is urging the Legislature to change the law regarding how employers are charged to meet UI Trust Fund obligations. Employers didn't cause the pandemic and the Trust Fund is bouncing back on its own anyway without imposing higher UI rates. The law needs to change by next Friday to avoid that.

Vermont Business Magazine Castleton Center for Schools, the region's leader in professional development for educators, is offering a broad spectrum of graduate-level courses this summer to meet the needs of pre K-12 educators and administrators. Online registration is currently open for more than 75 summer courses offered by the Center for Schools, with classes starting now through Mid-August.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) visited five locations in Addison County and Rutland County on Wednesday: two federally qualified health centers, a parent child center, a high school, and a medical center.

Vermont Business Magazine As part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, Comcast today announced it has equipped four nonprofit organizations in Vermont with WiFi-connected "Lift Zones". The free WiFi coverage provided by Comcast at these community centers is expected to help hundreds of low-income students get online and do their schoolwork.

Vermont Business Magazine Eight mobile clinics in Essex County and one in Caledonia County this weekend will also offer Johnson & Johnson vaccine. You can make an appointment for the events at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. They will also have some walk-in slots available. On Saturday, May 8, clinics will also be held at the Bear Ridge and Devils Bowl Speedways, with no appointment needed. The VDH is also reporting today 44 cases of COVID-19 and one more death for 249 statewide.

Will Bolster Vermont’s Substance Use Treatment And Prevention Response

Vermont Business Magazine At a State House press conference Thursday, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that Vermont will receive $12 million in COVID relief funds that will help communities strengthen their responses to substance use disorders and address new challenges brought on by the pandemic. Leahy was joined by Governor Phil Scott, Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray, and Vermont’s Health Commissioner, Dr Mark Levine, for the announcement.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont is offering special COVID-19 vaccination opportunities starting Friday, May 7, with a drive-through clinic at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This clinic will have the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. You can register through the Health Department website, or just “drive in,” no appointment necessary. On Saturday, May 8, clinics will also be held at the Bear Ridge and Devils Bowl Speedways, with no appointment needed. These walk-in only clinics, held in partnership with the speedways and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams, will also have Johnson & Johnson vaccine.