Current News

by Susanne Young, Secretary of Administration Recent tax changes championed by Governor Phil Scott are helping to make Vermont more affordable for families and small businesses, grow the economy and better protect the vulnerable. This Administration has worked hard to ensure the budget did not raise any general fund taxes or fees and held the average statewide property tax rate level for residential property owners. That was unprecedented. This year’s budget held the line and did not raise taxes or fees while keeping the statewide residential property tax rate level for a second year in a row.

Vermont Business Magazine Despite gaining the support of a majority of senators voting, an amendment to bolster election security efforts by the states, offered by Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), was blocked Wednesday by Senate Republicans. Leahy’s amendment would strengthen election security ahead of the 2018 midterms by providing $250 million in grants to states.

The amendment to one of the four annual Appropriations bills pending on the Senate Floor fell on a vote of 50 to 47, gaining support from a majority of senators but failing to reach a 60 vote threshold. Leahy’s amendment would have assisted states in improving election cyber security and replacing outdated election equipment.

Vermont Business Magazine The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing Wednesday afternoon to consider legislation authored by US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) to expand access to dental care for veterans. “The goal of my legislation is really pretty simple: to improve and expand access to dental care for veterans throughout the country,” said Sanders.

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) today filed emergency regulations and proposed final rules in response to the United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) June 19 final rule on Association Health Plans (AHPs). The emergency rule is effective immediately. Both rules filed today govern only fully-insured AHPs (i.e. AHPs that purchase coverage from an insurer and do not self-insure).

by Mark Curran Vermont faces numerous environmental challenges but there are two that need our immediate attention. Greenhouse emissions and resulting climate changes are something all Vermont businesses need to address. Unfortunately, Vermont cannot go it alone and it requires an international effort to slow global warming. Clean water should be our next priority and with the help of our New York, New Hampshire and Canadian neighbors we can make near term improvements to Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River. Our numerous interior lakes are our sole responsibility to keep in pristine condition.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Scott announced today the appointment of Megan Sullivan as the Executive Director, Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC). Sullivan has excellent economic development experience, the governor said, having worked at the state level and in her current role as the Vermont business liaison for Congressman Welch. She previously worked at the Agency of Commerce as both a generalist and in the Procurement Technical Assistance Group.

Sullivan will start in her VEPC position on August 27 and said, “It is an honor to accept this appointment from Governor Scott. I am thrilled to begin working with the Vermont Economic Progress Council to advance investment in our communities and help spur the creation of high quality jobs for Vermont.”

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power President and CEO Mary Powell was named one of CEO Connection’s 2018 Most Influential Women of the Mid-Market for the third year in a row. The 25 CEOs on the list have demonstrated leadership that goes beyond their businesses to help improve lives and benefit greater society. CEOs were selected to recognize how they influence change, innovation and standards of excellence.

Other CEOs on the list this year (see below) include Sally Smith of Buffalo Wild Wings, Lesa France Kennedy of International Speedway and Martine Rothblatt, who first founded Sirius Radio and is now the founder and CEO of United Therapeutics Corp., the company that created groundbreaking treatments for primary pulmonary hypertension.

Vermont Business Magazine A project led by the University of Vermont Health Network to improve care for critically ill patients who need to be moved urgently among hospitals in our region is marking major steps forward in August. First, a 24/7 Regional Transfer Center is now in operation, which is improving the efficiency and coordination of patient transports. In addition, the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART) air ambulance program is partnering with the network to expand its service to Burlington. Training flights will start this week, and patient transports are expected to begin in mid-August.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced he’s appointed 98 Vermonters to State boards and commissions from March through July. Boards and commissions serve an important role in state government, giving Vermonters numerous opportunities to serve their state and communities. The Governor’s Office is currently soliciting applications to fill vacancies and upcoming term expirations.

Vermont Business Magazine Rutland City’s Center Street Marketplace Park will officially open to the public on Tuesday, August 7th, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new park's completion. The Ceremony will be attended by US Senator Patrick Leahy, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Deputy Secretary Ted Brady, Rutland City Mayor David Allaire, Recreation and Parks Director Kim Peters, as well a state and local stakeholders and residents. The construction of the City Park, located in the heart of Downtown Rutland, was recently completed and following the ceremony the site will be open for public use and enjoyment.

Senator Patrick Leahy Today, I urge the Senate to agree to a vote on my amendment to secure our elections. The Senate must act as a coequal branch of government in defending against a threat to our democracy. The threat is very real. Our intelligence community unanimously agrees that Russia interfered in the 2016 elections, and that there is an imminent threat to the 2018 elections. Just last week, we learned that Russian hackers targeted the office of a sitting United States Senator. We cannot ignore a threat that has reached this very chamber, and we must take immediate action.

Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Telecom is the first Internet Service Provider in New England to be awarded the Fiber Broadband Association’s (FBA) All-Fiber Certification for its commitment to ensuring their customers get the fastest, most reliable broadband available. The All-Fiber Certification is available to FBA members who demonstrate a high-level strategic commitment to fiber deployment by ensuring 90-percent or more of their networks rely on fiber optic infrastructure. Burlington Telecom’s infrastructure is 100-percent fiber optic.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be recognized by the Fiber Broadband Association as one of the first All-Fiber Certified service providers,” said Stephen Barraclough, General Manager. “Every day, we work to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers, and this one-of-its-kind certification further demonstrates our commitment to building a better, more connected broadband future.”