Current News

House Speaker Mitzi Johnson & Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe Vermont State Colleges plays a critical role in strengthening the economic and human development of Vermont and Vermonters, and a measured, thoughtful transition will prevent a devastating vacuum of educational opportunities and jobs in significant rural areas of the state.

Leonine Public Affairs This week lawmakers got their first glimpse of the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on state revenues next fiscal year. The Legislature’s economist Tom Kavet projects state revenues will be down $143.6 million for the current fiscal year ending in June and down another $427 million for the next fiscal year starting in July. Full of references to testing, social distancing and epidemiological models, Kavet’s testimony sounded more like an update from the Health Department than the legislative economist. As Kavet put it, “current economic conditions are dominated by epidemiological and federal policy events with massive economic consequences, not business cycle economic imbalances in need of correction.”

Vermont Agency of Commerce Governor Phil Scott on Friday released Addendum 12 to the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order which includes updated mandatory health and safety guidelines for the continued phased restart of business in the state. It also provides updates on the size of work crews for outdoor businesses, construction, manufacturing, and distribution operations. As part of Addendum 12, it was announced that as businesses work toward reopening, each employer will need to develop a reopening and training plan to ensure the health and well-being of Vermonters as they return to work. In advance of farmers markets opening after May 1st, the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has developed a new set of frequently asked questions to provide clarification on published guidance. Vendors will need to significantly alter their business practices and use a “pre-order, local food pick-up” model to eliminate crowds and reduce contact with customers.

by John R Brumsted, MD By now, it’s well known that staying home saves lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. But there is an important caveat: When you need medical care, you shouldn’t suffer in silence. I’ve heard from providers across our health system who are concerned that many people are delaying necessary medical treatment. We worry about the impact this could have on our neighbors and communities. Our emergency departments and our urgent, specialty and primary care clinics are ready to care for you – whether via video and telephone visits or in-person visits when needed. Please make your safety, and your health, a priority.

by Christine McGowan, director of the Vermont Forest Industry Network As stay-at-home orders rippled through Vermont’s business community last month, one of the state’s oldest manufacturers, J.K. Adams began to experiment with cutting plastic instead of wood. “We have five Computer Numerical Control (CNC) routers and an amazingly talented workforce,” said CEO Dan Isaac, “so the question we were all asking was ‘what can we do to help?’”

Vermont Business Magazine Musical acts from across the state of Vermont are banding together to create an album to benefit the Vermont Foodbank. Starting May 4th, 2020 the album entitled Music to Feed the Soul will be available for digital download via Bandcamp. Proceeds from the album will go to the Vermont Foodbank, which is currently experiencing an unprecedented increase in demand for services due to the impacts of COVID-19. In March of this year, the Foodbank distributed an extra 370,000 pounds of food in order to meet the increased need caused by this pandemic.

by Hal Cohen, Executive Director, Vermont Adult Learning As our public health paradigm shifts with the emergence of Covid-19, many Vermonters are experiencing loss---of connection, of livelihood, of basic necessities, and some have lost loved ones. We are living with uncertainty. The road forward must be paved with time for grieving, resources for the vulnerable, and opportunities to restart Vermont’s economic engine.

Vermonters with lower educational levels, training, and/or limited language skills are more vulnerable during periods of economic insecurity. According to Advance Vermont, four out of five workers who lost their jobs during the last recession lacked high school diplomas or were low-skilled. Vermont will, likely, experience similar outcomes in the wake of the pandemic.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine As modeling indicates continued progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, Governor Phil Scott today announced a third incremental, data-driven step forward to put Vermonters back to work. Scott explained at his press briefing today that these next steps focus on construction and manufacturing. He said those two industries were chosen because they are vital to the Vermont economy getting back on track, they already are used to dealing with occupational safety regulations and that they should be able to adhere to the state's new safety measures during the COVID-19 emergency, which include wearing masks and appropriate distancing. The governor also announced that all public transit workers and customers will be required to wear masks.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported that there were 13 new cases of COVID-19 statewide for a statewide total of 879. There was one more death for a total of 50. And the number hospitalized fell to 19 from 23. There were seven new cases at the Northwest State Correctional Center in St Albans, which has seen several cases. Those inmates are in the process of being transferred to the St Johnsbury facility which is set up to handle COVID-19 cases among inmates. The St Albans Town facility is the only prison in the state to present cases. Meanwhile, as modeling showed continued progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, Governor Phil Scott Friday announced a third incremental, evidence-based step forward to put Vermonters back to work.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office has been hard at work this week protecting the rights of Vermonters and standing up for the environment. “During these uncertain times, our mission and dedication to protecting Vermonters remain steadfast,” said Attorney General T.J. Donovan. “My office will continue to do its part in the COVID-19 pandemic. Vermont will get through this together.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Labor reminds unemployed Vermonters that they must return to work if called back by their employer. While exceptions do exist for employees, such as those who have been exposed to COVID-19, or individuals who must care for a family member, those who refuse to return to suitable work may risk losing benefits. Additionally, individuals who have been laid off or furloughed, and are being paid because their employer has been accepted into the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Refusing to accept employment wages, as provided by the PPP, will also be construed as a refusal of work, regardless of whether you will make less than you would collecting unemployment benefits.

Vermont Business Magazine Community College of Vermont (CCV) has been selected as a new Second Chance Pell school by the U.S. Department of Education. CCV is one of just three institutions in New England chosen to be part of the latest expansion of the program.