Current News

Vermont Business Magazine The US Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that it invested over $365 million in Vermont and New Hampshire communities in Federal Fiscal Year 2016 in housing, community and economic infrastructure through USDA Rural Development. The federal investment touched 465 communities, nearly every Vermont and New Hampshire town, and focused on increasing residents’ wellbeing by reducing poverty and investing in opportunity sectors including local food systems and renewable energy.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office has issued a summary of propane rights and responsibilities. “Vermont has a robust set of propane rules, both to protect consumers and to promote fair competition among propane dealers. With another heating season upon us, we want to remind consumers of their rights and what to expect from a propane dealer,” said Attorney General Bill Sorrell.

by Ben Kinsley I, along with many Vermonters, read recently that the State Board of Education and its chair Stephan Morse were declaring victory for the controversial Education law known as Act 46. It “has been a huge success and does not require significant revision,” Morse said. Having followed Act 46 very closely through the Legislature and hundreds of hours of testimony, I was astounded. Act 46 is hardly a “huge success” by any objective measure. It is unlikely that we will have any reliable data on Act 46’s success until several years after the 2019 implementation date.

Vermont Business Magazine A national report released yesterday measures the 50 states on six performance indicators. The Commonwealth Fund concludes that, when it comes to health access and affordability, Vermont is first in the nation. While the entire country has made significant gains in health access since the Affordable Care Act created health insurance marketplaces, Vermont has risen to the top. In 2014 Vermont ranked fourth on the annual scorecard, then moved up to second in 2015 before claiming the top spot this year.

Vermont Business Magazine These photos from James Dwinell are of the new, temporary Cornwall/Salisbury bridge replacing the burned covered bridge, which was consumed last September. They started erecting yesterday, the bridge will be up today, then planking, and guard rails, open the middle of next week, the project manager said. VTrans was on scene too. The project manager said that the permanent bridge would replace this one two to five years hence.

Vermont Business Magazine The ability to clear US Customs at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is one step closer to becoming reality with President Obama having signed into law a bill ratifying the new preclearance agreement between Canada and the United States. The signing of the new law was commemorated earlier today by US Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) at Burlington International Airport, as the first Porter Airlines flight of the season arrived. The law is part of an effort to make travel between the two countries more convenient for travellers while also further enhancing bilateral trade relations and reinforcing national security. 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Peter Shumlin has appointed Rutland Attorney Elizabeth Mann and Addison County State’s Attorney David Fenster to fill two vacancies on the Vermont Superior Court. Mann is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen Manley. Fenster is filling a newly created position.

Vermont Business Magazine The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB Boston) has announced that 45 initiatives will receive $56.4 million in grants, loans, and interest-rate subsidies through its 2016 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) allocation. These funds will finance 1,100 units of affordable rental and ownership housing for households earning at or below 80 percent of area median income in seven states, including $2.9 million in projects for Vermont. Vermont projects are located in Brattleboro, Middlebury, North Bennington, Plainfield, and Rochester. 

by Fred O Williams Vermont has the 14th-lowest credit card debt burden in the US, according to a new CreditCards.com report. The study compared the average credit card debt and the median income in each state. Dedicating 15 percent of income to credit card debt (as experts recommend), the typical Vermont resident would get out of debt in 15 months and would pay $563 in interest. Vermont has the nation’s 29th-highest average credit card debt ($5,244.05) and its 24th-highest median income.

Vermont Business Magazine The Department of Financial Regulation has been notified that a number of Vermonters have received questionable phone calls from people claiming affiliation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT). The caller offers a special program regarding pain management and opioid prescriptions and asks the consumer to disclose personal information to determine qualification for the program.

It has been reported that in some cases, the caller ID has displayed the name “Margarita Man.” Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is not affiliated with any such pain management or opioid drug program and did not authorize these calls.

DFR reminds people to never give out personal information unless you are absolutely certain you are speaking to a trusted source. If you are unsure in any way, call your insurance company directly using the number provided on your insurance card.

Vermont Business Magazine The recent arrival of cold temperature has formed early-season ice on Vermont ponds, lakes and rivers. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds winter enthusiasts that ice should never be considered safe and ice conditions vary. "We are urging all outdoor enthusiasts - people going ice fishing, cross-country skiers, hikers, and snowmobilers -- to be extremely cautious and prepared if they are going to venture out on any ice," said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter. "Ice conditions can vary dramatically on different parts of a lake. Remember, even though it may look thick enough on the surface, moving water from currents, rivers and springs can cause ice to form unevenly."

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has named Chuck Ross director of UVM Extension, Tom Vogelmann, dean of the college, announced today. Ross is currently secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, a position he has held since 2011. Prior to his role as secretary, Ross served for 16 years as state director and senior advisor under US Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont).