Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The Treasurer’s Office announced today that starting in calendar year 2026, the state’s retired teachers currently receiving health insurance from Vermont Blue Advantage (VBA) will be covered by equivalent plans provided by HealthSpring. The decision to switch providers was made after VBA proposed a near-50% rate increase for CY2026, despite agreeing to a 10% cap rate increase in their contract with the state. By moving to HealthSpring, premium rates will only increase 16.2% this January. The change will impact over 7,000 retired teachers and beneficiaries in Vermont who currently receive their health insurance from VBA.

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released a video statement responding to rising political violence in America: "I want to say a few words regarding the terrible murder yesterday of Charlie Kirk — someone whom I strongly disagreed with on almost every issue but who was clearly a very smart and effective communicator and organizer — and someone unafraid to get out into the world and engage the public. My condolences go out to his wife and family."

Vermont Business Magazine At the end of August, Vermont Natural Resources Council officially completed work on the removal of the Breadloaf Dam and restoration of a section of Brandy Brook and its floodplain.  Project partners were Middlebury College, SLR Consulting, Goodhue Excavating, Vermont Emergency Management through the Flood Resilience Community Fund, NEIWPCC in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The dam removal and stream restoration took 23 days, and the restoration of the river channel and floodplain will continue as the free-flowing brook now has the space to adjust its size and pattern as flows, sediment, and large wood can naturally move through the area.

Vermont Business Magazine With drought conditions existing throughout Vermont, state officials are asking Vermonters to report drought impacts. This includes wells or water supplies running out or tasting different, damage to crops and other farm losses, low water levels in lakes, rivers, or recreational areas, and any health issues related to water quality or availability. Vermonters should also consider voluntary water conservation efforts at home. 

Vermont Business Magazine At the Emergency Board meeting held in July, an updated FY2026 revenue forecast was adopted that is -$7.5 million less than the forecast used to construct the FY2026 budget adopted by the Legislature. The vast majority of the savings are internal to the Vermont AOT, such as delay in the Springfield garage upgrade ($2 million). As for projects, some funds for tree cutting ($415,000), culvert maintenance ($300,000) and mowing ($200,000) will be reduced. The biggest public project is a delay in the Rutland train station platform project ($500,000). The T-Fund is projected to be short -$7.8 million in FY27 and was -$7.4 million below projects for FY25, which ended on June 30.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds hunters that the new deer regulations approved by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board this year do not take effect until 2026. The department has received questions from hunting outfitters and sporting groups about a specific part of the new regulations: the change that will allow hunters to use antlerless permits during the regular November season starting next year.  The department issued antlerless permits for 2025 earlier this week, prompting questions from the hunting community about what seasons those permits may be used for this year.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) announced that best-selling author, ultramarathoner, and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Mirna Valerio is the keynote speaker of this year’s annual Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference. The one-day-only conference, which will also feature remarks from Senator Welch, will be held in Randolph on September 27th. Registration for this free event is open now. Mirna will be joined in conversation with Julie Kelley, Rural QueenB Media founder and former reporter.  

Vermont Business Magazine The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) is inviting public input on its draft 2025 Solid Waste Implementation Plan (SWIP), which guides how the District will help meet the goals of Vermont’s Materials Management Plan (MMP) and Act 148, the state’s recycling and composting law. Every five years, CSWD updates its SWIP to put state and district priorities into action.

Vermont Business Magazine The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) has partnered with the Vermont Language Justice Project (VLJP) to produce a new series of “How-To Recycle Right” videos, now available in 15 different languages. This initiative is designed to ensure that all residents—regardless of the language they speak—have access to clear, accurate information about how to recycle properly in Chittenden County. The video series is available in the following languages: Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), English, Burmese, Dari, French, Kirundi, Mandarin, Maay Maay, Nepali, Pashto, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, and Vietnamese. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont have risen 3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.19 per gallon today, according to AAA. Prices in Vermont are 9 cents/g higher than a month ago and stand 12 cents/g lower than a year ago. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1cent per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.19/g today, according to AAA. The national average is up 6 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement on the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001: “Twenty-four years ago, the September 11 terrorist attack shook the world. Although many of us clearly remember that day, we now have an entire generation with no memory of that Tuesday morning. They don’t remember the confusion and disbelief as the nation witnessed both towers crumbling to the ground or the fear that ensued after the Pentagon was struck and United Airlines Flight 93 went down in a field in Pennsylvania. They have no memories of the solemn quiet that grasped the nation that night as millions watched the news, coming to the realization that thousands who left for work that day weren’t coming home, nor were hundreds of firefighters, police, or first responders."

Vermont Business Magazine From food waste to the mattresses used across University of Vermont Medical Center’s inpatient care units, the hospital’s Environmental Services (EVS) team is focused on finding every opportunity to recycle, compost and reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfills. That dedication – and the EVS team’s remarkable record of sustained success and improvement – is now being honored by one of the region’s leading solid waste, recycling and resource management service providers. Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is highlighting UVM Medical Center’s EVS team for excellence in health care sustainability with its 2025 Sustainability Leadership Award. The award recognizes partners and customers who exemplify achievements in reducing waste, increasing recycling and advancing the circular economy.