Current News

Republican Governor's Association All Republican governors joined together in a statement in support of Jewish Heritage month and to stand in solidarity with Israel on the 77th anniversary of Israel’s independence (Israeli Declaration of Independence, May 14, 1948). “As public servants and governors, we are proud to recognize May as Jewish American Heritage Month. We encourage all Americans to honor and celebrate the profound historical, cultural, and economic contributions of Jewish Americans who continue to enrich our communities and strengthen our nation. In our classrooms and at the kitchen table, we encourage our citizens to learn more about the strong heritage of our nation’s Jewish American community that has long been a part of our nation’s fabric, beginning with the Revolutionary War."

Vermont Business Magazine Each year in May, the University of Vermont hosts the Spring Move Out Project (SMOP) in collaboration with the City of Burlington, local organizations, and Champlain College to make student move out easier for everyone. Moving out? Bring reusable items to the Spring Move Out Project (SMOP) Events on May 15 and May 22. Whether you're moving out or you just want a little more elbow room, the 25th Annual Spring Move Out Project is the time and the place for unloading unwanted (but still usable) household goods. Students bring clothing, books, household items, furniture, and non-perishable food items down to this annual community swap. Leftovers will be donated to local charities and reuse stores.

Vermont Business Magazine US Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) today joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) in introducing the End Price Gouging for Medications Act. The bicameral bill would lower prescription drug costs for all Americans and end pharmaceutical price gouging by requiring drug companies to offer medications in the United States at no more than the lowest price per drug in twelve other similarly developed countries—Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. 

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced her intention to appoint Kara Alnasrawi as the next Director of the Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO). Alnasrawi currently serves as the Director of the Department of Business & Workforce Development (BWD), and the Church Street Marketplace. Alnasrawi was first appointed as the Executive Director of the Church Street Marketplace in 2019. She was then appointed to lead the newly created Department of Business and Workforce Development in 2022. Alnasrawi holds a master's degree in political economics and recently earned an executive certificate in economic development from the Harvard Kennedy School.  

Vermont Business Magazine Facing ongoing federal attacks on sexual and reproductive health care providers, Vermont lawmakers have taken bold, decisive action. With Governor Scott’s signature, S.28 is now law, reinforcing Vermont’s steadfast commitment to protecting both patients and providers of legally protected health care, including abortion and gender-affirming care. Scott signed S.28 into law Tuesday. S.28, An act relating to access to certain legally protected health care services

by Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak Let me start as directly as I can: I’m sorry, Canada. You didn’t elect our president, but you’re paying the price for his policies. In Vermont, we’re feeling the consequences too. Trump’s reckless tariffs are more than economic burdens; they’re straining relationships that have taken decades to build. They’re making life harder for communities on both sides of the border, undermining the trust and goodwill that have defined our partnership for so long. In this moment of division, I’m here to say: Vermont chooses a different path. We choose to stand with Canada. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is seeking grant applications for infrastructure projects that improve access and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. In 2024, the Agency awarded more than $7 million for bicycle and pedestrian construction and planning projects throughout the state. The AOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program improves access and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians through the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects. The program improves transportation options for commuters, visitors to the state, and recreational users. As was the case in 2024, the 2025 grant cycle incorporates funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), which serves to fund projects designed to reduce transportation emissions.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced that Trint Johns, 20, of Montpelier, Vermont, was arraigned yesterday on one felony count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct with a Child, two felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, and one felony count of Promoting a Recording of Sexual Conduct. The charges brought against Mr. Johns are the result of a criminal investigation, including the execution of search warrants conducted by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which included personnel from the Attorney General’s Office, Vermont State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations. The investigation was initiated when VT-ICAC received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip had been forwarded by the police department of Kernersville, North Carolina.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) Tuesday gave remarks on the floor of the Senate opposing Trump's "big, beautiful" budget reconciliation bill which will cut Medicaid, nutrition, education, and other programs for working families. The American people, whether they are Democrats, Republicans or Independents, understand that we have a corrupt campaign finance system which allows billionaires and their lobbyists to play an enormously powerful role in electing candidates, defeating candidates and in crafting legislation. This is true of the Democratic Party and it is true of the Republican Party. Today, with Republicans in control of the White House, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House, we are seeing how this corrupt process plays out for the priorities of the Republican party and for their billionaire campaign contributors.

Vermont Business Magazine For the fifth consecutive year, Governor Phil Scott has issued an official proclamation recognizing the second week of May as Inclusion Week in Vermont. First proclaimed in 2021, Inclusion Week continues to affirm the state’s commitment to welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, traditions, and abilities to live, work, and raise families in Vermont. The Vermont Declaration of Inclusion Initiative applauds the governor’s action and his ongoing commitment to inclusion, especially at a time of national uncertainty. 

Vermont Business Magazine Tim Lopez and Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s will join industry powerhouse Kathy Marchetti (Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam, Noah Kahan, etc.), music educators, musicians and music fans on the judging panel for Beats for Good, the high school musician contest to open the National Life Group Do Good Fest. High school musicians from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Plattsburgh, New York, have until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, to submit their video for a chance to perform at the festival and win cash prizes. The grand prize winner will open Do Good Fest and receive $5,000 for their school’s music program and a $1,500 personal prize. Runners-up will also earn funds for their schools.

by Hannah King When we talk about access to justice, we are talking about something foundational to democracy: the idea that everyone, regardless of income, status, or circumstance, should be able to understand and exercise their rights under the law. At the Vermont Bar Foundation, we fund legal services that make this promise real for thousands of Vermonters each year. And as new data from Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) makes clear, the economic return on this investment is not just powerful - it’s transformative.