Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott on Thursday announced that Vermont schools will be closed for the rest of the academic year. Don Tinney, a high school English teacher who serves as the president of the 13,000-member Vermont-NEA, said: "While we are disappointed and saddened, we understand the fierce urgency of maintaining the health and safety of all our students, educators, school administrators, parents, and all Vermonters."

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy announced just before midnight Thursday that Vermont is poised to receive nearly $2 billion in federal resources in the emergency spending package poised to pass Congress this week. Chief among the federal resources coming to the state will be $1.25 billion through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, established to support state and counties that are addressing the economic devastation brought about by the virus. Leahy pushed for a small state minimum for the $150 billion fund, ensuring that Vermont would receive sufficient support.

Vermont Business Magazine The National Life Group Foundation has approved grants of $100,000 each to community foundations in Vermont and Texas as an initial investment to support Coronavirus relief.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health has reported that there are now 158 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Vermont and nine deaths as of Thursday afternoon. This is 35 more cases and one additional death. Chittenden County presents the most cases with 75, with Windsor County second at 17. There are still no positive cases reported in Grand Isle or Essex counties.

Vermont Business Magazine The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released its first round of guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), providing information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“FMLA Expansion”) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”).

Vermont Business Magazine In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) announced today the award of $100,000 in grants to the state’s nonprofit housing providers and public housing agencies. Another $20,000 will be donated to Vermont-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations selected by VHFA’s 38 staff members.

Vermont Business Magazine Tuesday, March 31 is National Equal Pay Day, symbolizing the fact that the average American woman must work three months into 2020 to earn what the average American man made in 2019.

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General TJ Donovan today joined a coalition of 27 attorneys general in calling on the US Department of Education to provide federal student loan borrowers with emergency measures to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, the coalition asks the US Department of Education to take specific steps to protect borrowers from further financial burden and debt collection due to job losses and lost wages.

Vermont Business Magazine As reports appear in the news of certain drugs being potentially used for treatment or prevention of COVID-19, the Vermont Department of Health strongly urges caution. At this time, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs specifically for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont unemployment insurance claims spiked as expected last week. The state had lagged well behind the federal government in the number claims just the prior week. But with Governor Scott's order to at first close all restaurants and now all non-essential workers have been ordered home, the claims are expected to mirror the spike in federal numbers, which increased by more than 3 million.

by Gabriella Marchesi, Community News Service A delay in plans to start construction this summer on a 110-room hotel at Burlington International Airport may be yet another of the growing economic impacts due to the drop in travel as officials try to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Vermont Business Magazine During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors close to home and connecting with nature is an excellent way to help maintain our mental and physical health. Engaging in our favorite outdoor recreation activity – hiking, camping, fishing, biking, hunting or walking in nature – does wonders for our health and well-being. No matter how you enjoy the outdoors, we urge you to practice effective “social distancing” and other measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep you, your family and your community safe.

“As more parts of Vermont see closures and recommendations for social distancing, we all need to find ways to manage the stress and uncertainty. A daily walk, run or hike can provide real benefits to your physical and mental health. Just practice social distancing while doing your favorite activity,” said Forests, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Michael Snyder.