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Congressional Delegation “We deplore President Trump’s decision to unilaterally halt the refugee resettlement program and specifically target Muslim countries. By imposing a blanket ban on entire nationalities of men, women and children facing horrific violence and devastation, he has allowed fear to triumph over compassion and common sense."

Leonine Public AffairsThe 2017 session kicked into high gearon Tuesdaywhen Governor Phil Scott delivered his budget address to a joint assembly of the Vermont legislature. His proposed budget surprised many lawmakers as he laid out his vision for changing the way Vermont’s public education system is financed. Leading up to the speech many lawmakers, reporters, government staffers and lobbyists mingled in the hallways and cafeteria at the statehouse to speculate on the policy areas that would be put under the microscope. By late afternoon it was clear - education financing will take center stage in 2017.

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc(NASDAQ:CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, has announced that it has priced $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of Finance Authority of Maine (“FAME”) Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Project) Series 2005R-3 (the “2005R-3 Bonds”). The 2005R-3 Bonds were previously designated as $3.6 million aggregate principal amount of FAME Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (Casella Waste Systems, IncProject) Series 2005R-1 and $21.4 million aggregate principal amount of FAME Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Project) Series 2005R-2. The 2005R-3 Bonds will bear interest at 5.25% until maturity. The 2005R-3 Bonds are expected to be remarketed on February 1, 2017.

Vermont Business MagazineVermont is the Number 9 USGrowth State for 2016, according to the latest U-Haul migration trends report.Vermontclimbed seven spots from its Number 16 growth ranking for 2015. Year-over-year arrivals of one-way truck rentals jumped 8 percent last year inVermont, and departures rose 4 percent as overall U-Haul traffic increased.Arrivals accounted for 53 percent of U-Haul traffic in 2016, includinglocations in White River Junction,RutlandandBurlington, the cities to paceVermontin its net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks.White River Junctionis the Number 2 U-Haul USGrowth City for locations with a population fewer than 10,000.

Vermont Business MagazineThe Vermont Commission on Women’s Equal Pay Compact,avoluntary online pledgeenablingVermont-based employers to learn more about and to indicate a commitment to closing the gender wage gap, just celebrated an important milestone: the 100^themployer to sign on.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont health officials hosted a community meeting in Bennington Thursday night to present the results of its PFOA blood test analysis and exposure assessment. The study was conducted as part of the State's response to PFOA contamination of drinking water wells in North Bennington. Speaking to an audience that included people who had their blood tested for PFOA, local and state officials, and other Bennington area community members, Health Commissioner Harry Chen, MD, explained that the study confirmed that drinking water from contaminated wells was the primary source of exposure to PFOA.

Health Commissioner Harry Chen, MD. VBM file photo.

Vermont Business Magazine Castleton University, in a continuing partnership with MKF Properties and Mark Foley, Jr, will expand its housing options in Downtown Rutland to include apartments in the Gryphon Building located at the corner of West Street and Merchants Row. The second floor of the building will be renovated to create 10 energy efficient apartments with a capacity for 32 students. The design and concept of the new apartments mirrors Castleton’s Foley Hall which is located directly across the street from the Gryphon Building and currently houses 39 upper-level undergraduate and graduate students from Castleton.

Gryphon Building, right, located at the corner of West Street and Merchants Row. Castleton University photo

Vermont Business MagazineThe general reaction to Treasurer Beth Pearce’s suggestion that the state cover about a quarter of the massive costs of cleaning up Vermont’s waterways with a de facto increase in the property tax was met with a collective WHAT???

Vermont Business Magazine The state's local leaders are looking help from the Legislature as they deal with the financial and human cost of opiate addiction, clean water and public safety. They also want more ability to use local tax authority to engage in economic development. The Vermont Mayors Coalition today announced its 2017 legislative session goals and its commitment to collaborate on and advocate for these areas of common interest to their cities and towns.

Vermont Business Magazine Merchants Bancshares, Inc (NASDAQ: MBVT), the parent company of Merchants Bank, today announced net incomeof $3.1 million and $0.45 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to net income of $3.9 million or $0.57 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2016 and $2.3 million in net income or $0.36 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2015. Excluding acquisition, merger, severance and retirement costs, net of tax, the Company's adjusted net income was $5.1 million or $0.73 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2016. This compares to adjusted net income of $4.3 million or $0.62 per diluted share on a linked quarter basis and adjusted net income of $3.9 million or $0.61 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Vermont Business Magazine After three years of working together resulting in improved services, higher ridership and greater financial stability, two of Vermont’s community transportation agencies have decided that a more permanent partnership is warranted. In January 2014, after an unexpected leadership transition, Randolph-headquartered Stagecoach Transportation Services (STSI) entered into a management agreement with Middlebury-based Addison County Transit Resources (ACTR). The primary goal was to help stabilize the STSI and set it back on a path of service growth. With that task achieved and numerous other benefits realized on both sides of the mountains, the two Boards of Directors are ready to look at merging into one legal entity.

Vermont Business Magazine Cathedral Square Corporation (CSC), a South Burlington nonprofit organization that develops and manages affordable senior living communities, has announced that it has received a $625,000 award from the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) to help fund a new, 39-unit residence for seniors in South Burlington’s new city center. CSC is partnering with Snyder Braverman Development Company LLC to develop the project on Market Street.