Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released the following statement regarding Trump's widespread tariffs on more than 60 countries. "Most importantly, what Trump is doing is illegal and another step toward authoritarianism. In pushing his tariffs, he is usurping the power of Congress and abrogating existing agreements under “emergency” provisions - when there are no real emergencies. In other words, he is incorporating more and more power into his own hands. That is unacceptable."

Vermont Business Magazine The leadership of University of Vermont and UVM Staff United announced that they have reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement. The agreement is subject to ratification by the union’s membership and approval by the UVM Board of Trustees. Specific terms of the tentative three-year agreement will be released after the approval and ratification process is completed.

Vermont Business Magazine The Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont announced a community engagement session on Monday, April 7th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at the South Burlington School District Office (577 Dorset Street, South Burlington VT). 

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Federal Credit Union in the month of March 2025 donated a total of $9,000 to Vermont nonprofits, administered by the Vermont Federal Foundation (Vermont Federal's 501(c)(3) non profit charitable organization).

Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Charity Clark today joined a coalition of 19 state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against President Trump, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the federal Election Assistance Commission, and other Trump Administration officials over Executive Order No. 14248 (the Elections Executive Order). The coalition argues the Elections Executive Order is an unconstitutional, antidemocratic, and un-American attempt to impose sweeping voting restrictions across the country. Among other restrictions, the Elections Executive Order attempts to conscript State election officials in the President’s campaign to impose documentary proof of citizenship requirements on voters. It also seeks to upend common-sense, well-established State procedures for counting ballots — procedures that make it easier for Americans to exercise their right to vote. 

Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced a slate of bipartisan bills to lower the cost of prescription drugs, including several sponsored by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont). “We’re facing an affordability crisis right now, and the cost of health care and prescription drugs is adding to the pain. The importance of lowering the cost of drugs, helping more generics enter the market, and taking on pharmaceutical middlemen is something we can all find common ground on,” said Senator Welch. “I'm pleased to see our bipartisan bills advance out of the Judiciary Committee this morning. Vermont patients, seniors and families will benefit from these commonsense bills, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join us in passing this legislation.” 

Vermont Business Magazine Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain with 159 stores across the Northeast, is hiring for 16 new stores as part of a major expansion effort. The company is in the process of acquiring 15 former Big Lots locations and will open up to 22 new stores in 2025, including new entries into Maryland and Delaware. Hiring is now underway for 16 locations with each store offering approximately 30 temporary positions to start, as well as part-time, full-time, supervisory, and leadership opportunities.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has announced the recipients of more than $5.7 million in federal funds for municipal grant projects through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Municipal Highways and Stormwater Mitigation Program (MHSMP). AOT received applications for projects that totaled more than $11 million in requests. “These projects are essential for Vermont’s transportation infrastructure,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “Improvements to sidewalks, bike paths, and shared-use paths provide Vermonters more transportation options and improve their quality of life.”

Vermont Business Magazine After filing Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs) to block the sale of two of the most egregious Trump Administration offensive arms sales to Israel, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today rose to bring the JRDs up for a vote by the full Senate. The sales would provide almost $8.8 billion more in heavy bombs and other munitions to Netanyahu, including more than 35,000 massive 2,000-pound bombs. The first resolution, S.J.Res 33, would block a sale of $2.04 billion for 35,329 MK 84 2,000 lb. bombs and 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads. The second resolution, S.J.Res.26, would block $6.75 billion for 2,800 500-pound bombs, 2,166 Small Diameter Bombs, and tens of thousands of JDAM guidance kits. All of these systems have been linked to dozens of illegal airstrikes, including on designated humanitarian sites, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties. None of these systems are necessary to protect Israel from incoming drone or rocket attacks.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, a coalition of service industry professionals, lawmakers, and gun safety advocates gathered at the Vermont State House to urge the Legislature to approve Burlington’s charter change (S.131), which would ban guns in bars and was overwhelmingly supported by 86.6% of Burlington voters in 2025. Advocates are also calling for the passage of H.45, which would establish a statewide prohibition on firearms in bars. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth underscored the need for action, pointing to both common-sense gun safety principles and real-life tragedies that have occurred in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Over 100 manufacturing industry leaders gathered at the State House on April 2 to engage with legislators and raise awareness of the collective contributions of this industry to the Vermont economy. Vermont Manufacturing Day, convened by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Vermont, Regional Development Corporations of Vermont, and Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center, brought businesses together to increase awareness, build relationships, and tell the story of the industry. The Vermont Manufacturing economy has a $3 billion annual economic impact (over 8% of the state’s GDP), supports 30,000 jobs, and represents 10.5% of Vermont’s workforce. Businesses, legislative leaders, and Administration officials collaborated for a day of advocacy to elevate the collective contributions of the manufacturing sector to Vermont. 

VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce revealed the ranking of the top 65 Best Places to Work in Vermont 2025 at a ceremony on April 2 at the Hotel Champlain in Burlington, VT. There were over 535 people in attendance. “With Vermont’s tight labor market, businesses are finding it difficult to fill open positions. These businesses can say to perspective employees that their company has been chosen as a best place to work in Vermont. This will give them a leg up on recruitment,” said John Boutin, publisher, Vermontbiz. The number 1 company in each category are: Small (15-99 employees) – Northeastern Reproductive Medicine; Medium (100-249 employees) – New England Air Systems; Large (250+ employees) – Stantec Consulting Services.