Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Vermont Community Foundation announced nearly $500,000 in grants and mission investments to support Vermont communities responding to the spread of COVID-19 in Vermont. The first $380,000 in grants from the VT COVID-19 Response Fund will complement federal aid and focus on extending and expanding the capacity of nonprofits that provide basic needs to vulnerable populations, specifically the elderly and those who rely on the social safety net for human necessities.

Vermont Business Magazine USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.

Vermont Business Magazine Representatives Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) today introduced legislation in the US House of Representatives to create a $2 billion Keeping Critical Connections fund at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The fund would compensate small broadband providers that provide free or discounted broadband services for low-income families or students impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

“With millions of people required to stay home and students across the country learning from home, broadband access is essential,” Welch said. “Small providers get it – the service they provide is a lifeline to parents and children who need to learn, work, and stay connected with loved ones during these difficult times. This bill ensures small providers can continue to provide their essential service during and after this crisis. We should pass this bipartisan bill immediately.”

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan today issued a letter to Amazon, Facebook, eBay, Walmart, and Craigslist urging the businesses to more rigorously monitor price-gouging practices by online sellers using their services. Attorney General Donovan, who was joined by 32 attorneys general from across the US, is calling on the online retailers and platforms to make several changes to stop price gouging in real-time.

Vermont Business Magazine The most recent update from Vermont Department of Health on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is that 123 people have tested positive and there are now eight deaths. Also, Governor Phil Scott issued a "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order last night, meaning that only essential workers should be going to their place of business. If you are able to work remotely, you may do so. Vermonters are being asked to stay home as much as possible to keep everyone safe during this pandemic.

Yesterday Vermont’s Department of Corrections announced the first case of COVID-19 inside the Northern State Correctional Facility, and another person is under observation. This news comes as a growing number of states are taking action to reduce their prison populations to address the heightened risk of COVID-19 spreading to prisoners, workers, and corrections officials, and to the public at large.

Vermont Business Magazine Associated Industries of Vermont (AIV),VMEC, State of Vermont Regional Development Corporations (RDCs) and other partners are working together to identify Vermont manufacturers and other businesses who can currently supply, or could convert operations to supply, products and services in the COVID-19 crisis.

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.