Current News

Vermont Business Magazine In February, Attorney General Donovan and Chief Stevens together called upon the Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign H.716. Because the benefit would extend to Native Peoples residing outside of Vermont, the new measure would also promote a much-needed influx of new sportspeople to Vermont’s hunting and fishing communities. In addition, the bill would help Vermont partner with Native Peoples to promote environmental, educational, and conservation initiatives.

Vermont Business Magazine US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) on Tuesday spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for amendments he introduced to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would fundamentally overhaul the Pentagon budget, which exceeds $740 billion this year. Military spending, now higher than the next 11 nations combined, represents more than half of all federal discretionary spending. The Pentagon budget has exploded under President Trump, increasing by more than $100 billion in annual spending compared to military budgets under President Obama. In his floor remarks, Sanders called for a 10% cut to the Pentagon budget to invest the savings in distressed communities; the production and distribution of free face masks to every American household; and an independent audit of the Defense Department.

Vermont Business Magazine In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the SBA Vermont District Office is hosting a free webinar from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance, and any pertinent updates. Also, The SBA Vermont District Office is hosting a free daily webinar from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday to Friday to discuss Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness and other changes.

Vermont Business Magazine For the first time since June 16, the Vermont Department of Health is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 in Vermont. Also, effective Wednesday, July 1, people from low-risk counties in additional states can travel to Vermont without having to quarantine. The broader allowances are based on detailed modeling and analysis of health and population data. The additional states include Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Lake Monsters announced today that the 2020 Minor League Baseball season has been shelved, due to the impacts of COVID-19. As a result of a decision by Major League Baseball to not send players to their affiliates, there will be no Minor League Baseball games played in any city in the country this year.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Both Governor Phil Scott and Speaker of the House Mitzi Jonson held press conferences Monday and both discussed the Coronavirus Relief Fund and money spent, and not spent, toward economic recovery. The governor will again hold press conferences Wednesday and Friday discuss COVID-19 health news and the reopening of the economy. He is also expected to sign legislation recently passed by lawmakers. Bills need to be vetted on both sides before Scott can sign them. He’s not expected to veto any of the recently passed legislation, including the CRF bills.

Vermont Business Magazine Nine bills to boost energy efficiency and promote clean energy authored by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) were included in the comprehensive congressional climate action framework unveiled on Tuesday by the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. The Select Committee’s climate action framework outlines ambitious and achievable policies to grow our economy and put Americans back to work in clean energy jobs, protect the health of all families, make sure our communities and farmers can withstand the impacts of climate change, and protect America’s land and water for the next generation.

Vermont Business Magazine The East Central Vermont Economic Development District (ECVEDD) has adopted a new 5-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This plan replaces the District’s 2016-2021 CEDS, and features strategies and actions that promote regional resilience, business innovation, workforce development and retention, robust infrastructure, quality of life and place, and healthy communities.

It also prioritizes economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. The plan is available at: www.ecvedd.org/ceds

The CEDS update process was led by a Strategy Committee comprised of volunteers from communities throughout the District. Technical assistance was provided by the District partners: Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission, Springfield Regional Development Corporation, and Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation.

by C.B. Hall, Vermont Business Magazine The sale of the Marlboro College campus, announced on May 28, is moving forward – slowly. A statutory review of the deal by the Vermont Attorney General's Office (AGO) will postpone its consummation into July, past the original June 30 target date. A State Board of Education review of the plans may mean an even greater delay.

Vermont Business Magazine Three months after federal disaster declarations for COVID-19, New England States and Tribes are slowly emerging from an unprecedented public health crisis. In March, COVID-19 arrived with a devastating impact to the residents, businesses and the collective health of New England. Thousands were left suddenly unemployed, hospitals were overwhelmed with critically ill patients, and businesses were forced to close with little notice. As of June 24, over $150 million has been obligated for Mission Assignments in the region, including the National Guard. Connecticut received $30.9 million; Massachusetts received $62.8 million; Maine, $10 million; New Hampshire $17.1 million; Rhode Island $27.5 million; and Vermont $9.3 million.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Public Radio has won four national awards for its news coverage in 2019 from the Public Radio Journalists Association (formerly Public Radio News Directors Incorporated). The winning stories included an episode of VPR’s people-powered journalism project Brave Little State and This Land, VPR’s collaboration with Vermont PBS about the changing story of rural Vermont.

by Jeff Tieman, VAHHS President and CEO We cannot not let our guard down. Right now, Vermont has a low infection rate and less than a handful of people hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide. Our ICU capacity is not stressed and community transmission is not substantial. This great news is the result of our collective hard work. But we cannot let up on our commitment to known and effective prevention strategies.