Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan today joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general in urging the federal government to fully utilize the Defense Production Act to immediately prioritize the production of masks, respirators, and other critical items needed by health care workers, first responders, and law enforcement as they respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

“Gratitude to our healthcare providers, law enforcement, and first responders is not enough,” said Attorney General Donovan. “We need to ensure that those on the front lines have the equipment they need to protect themselves so that they can continue to care for the rest of us.”

Senator Patrick Leahy Today, the American people are making sacrifices to keep themselves, their family, and their communities safe. Health care providers, grocery store staff, state and local government workers, truckers, bank tellers, journalists and countless others are doing important and necessary work on the front lines of this crisis. As a Senator from Vermont, and a member of this Chamber for more than 40 years, I want to send my profound thanks.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order and directed the closure of in-person operations for all non-essential businesses starting Wednesday at 5 pm. These restrictive measures are in place to minimize all unnecessary activities outside the home to slow the spread of this virus and protect the public. These actions were implemented in consultation with the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health and his evaluation of the latest data.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported today that as of 1 pm there are now seven deaths from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which is two more than yesterday and a total of 95 positive cases. This is 20 more than Monday. Vermont is now experiencing community spread of COVID-19, which is why everyone is being encouraged to engage in their activities while keeping a safe distance from others – or to stay home when possible. This will help slow the spread of the virus and protect people who are more vulnerable.

Public Assets Institute Life in the time of the COVID-19 has upended everyone’s daily routines. It’s a wonder anyone has remembered the 2020 Census form that recently arrived in the mail. But as of last weekend, just over 16 percent of Vermonters had completed the survey. Nationally, the response rate has been 19.2 percent. April 1, just a week away, is Census Day.

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility As we navigate the adverse waters of COVID-19, we are particularly alert to the economic impact this is having on businesses/organizations, families & communities. We want you to know that VBSR is here to help. As members, the following opportunities are available to you and everyone in your business/organization.

Vermont Business Magazine The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) and the Natural Resources Board have temporarily limited public access to their regional offices due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the State of Emergency declared by Governor Phil Scott. Staff remain fully available to provide assistance and timely responses to Vermonters questions via phone or email. If a matter requires an in-person meeting, the Agency is asking the public to set up an appointment with regional office staff prior to visiting the office.

Vermont Business Magazine People's United Bank, NA a subsidiary of People's United Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: PBCT), today announced support and relief initiatives for customers, communities, and businesses experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19 that may include loss of work and business revenue, or increased requests for non-profit aid.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan today announced that his office has published the COVID-19 Pandemic Resources for Vermont Employers and Employees. The guidance, which follows a “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) format, addresses a variety of issues—such as pay obligations during an Emergency Order or harassment of workers relating to COVID-19 fears.

Vermont Business Magazine All Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) Drop-Off Centers (DOCs) will be closed on Tuesday, 3/24 and Wednesday, 3/25. This pause will enable us to deep-clean facilities, modify our facilities to provide safer interactions between our employees and the public, and provide thorough training on public interaction protocols under these unprecedented conditions.

by Jill Mazza Olson, Executive Director, VNAs of Vermont Over the last two weeks, the VNAs of Vermont has been entirely focused on helping Vermont respond to COVID-19. We helped launch a coalition of health care provider groups who are working closely together to obtain the state and regulatory flexibility providers need at this time. Our mutual goal is to eliminate all state and federal regulatory barriers to an effective response to the crisis.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Senate voted today to adopt a number of temporary emergency reforms to facilitate the functions of government and democracy during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include changes to Vermont’s open meetings law and to elections, which could include a vote by mail process. The legislation (H681) was negotiated during a series of teleconference meetings conducted in recent days by the Senate Government Operations Committee, with public access. During the 2020 pandemic, portions of the open meetings law would be waived to allow public bodies to conduct business remotely, as long as the public is ensured access to the greatest extent possible. Many meetings will also be required to be recorded.