Current News

Vermont Business Magazine This week, representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Vermont Department of Labor will host a series of Wage & Hour Employer Seminars to provide Vermont businesses with essential information on wage and hour rules and regulations. Seminars begin today: Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM,  Lyndon Institute, Lyndon Center, VT.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association Webinar: Municipal Strategies for Managing Short-Term Rentals, April 2nd, 12-1:30 pm. Short-term rentals offer local lodging options in communities where there are limited traditional accommodations, but they have the potential to introduce challenges including strains on public resources, reduced housing stock for residents, and disruptions in residential neighborhoods. A panel of four town leaders from across the region will share diverse experiences in how their communities have regulated short term rentals. 

Vermont Business Magazine The sense of belonging and connection that people feel in their community has a powerful impact on mental and physical health. At a time of polarization, disruption, and disconnection, the arts can help bring people back together to work, play, create, and solve problems collaboratively. When communities engage in the arts, they foster lasting connections and strengthen social cohesion, enriching overall wellbeing. The Vermont Community Foundation has new funding available for projects and events in the visual, performing, musical, and literary arts that create opportunities for positive social interaction, engagement, and collaboration. Nonprofits, schools, libraries, and other community and cultural organizations are invited to submit Letters of Interest (LOI) for projects that strengthen belonging and community cohesion in meaningful, lasting ways.  

Vermont Business Magazine Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump has appointed Mark Sanborn as the Regional Administrator for EPA Region 1. As Regional Administrator, Mark will lead efforts to advance the Administration’s environmental agenda across the six New England states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—and 10 federally recognized Tribal Nations. At the federal level, Mark has served in several leadership positions including as Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, and as Director of Governmental and Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Mark began his career on Capitol Hill working for U.S. Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire. 

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced he’s appointed 263 to State boards and commissions during the first quarter of 2025. Boards and commissions serve an important role in state government, giving Vermonters numerous opportunities to serve their state and communities. Giving back in this capacity creates an opportunity to listen to other perspectives and learn from one another. In turn, this helps to rebuild our sense of community and feel more connected to our neighbors. The Governor’s office is currently soliciting applications to fill vacancies and upcoming term expirations. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations remains low, at just under 5 after a spike in January. Likewise, wastewater testing indicates that virus levels fell steeply also after a spike, especially in Montpelier, but also at most test sites. They have now leveled off at low levels, as have many other indicators. The Vermont pandemic death total stands at 1,283 as of March 22, 2025, with no reported deaths from the previous week (the most recent data available from the CDC). 

Vermont Business Magazine As President Trump reportedly prepares to enact blanket tariffs that will impact trade globally and plunge the economy into chaos, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement: “It is obvious that Trump ‘couldn’t care less’ about the American people feeling the pain of his reckless tariffs. President Trump needs to get real: this half-baked trade war will only raise prices for consumers. Trump’s so-called ‘liberation day’ will throw the global economy into turmoil and leave Americans holding the bag."

Vermont Business Magazine A diverse, statewide group of 119 Vermont businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities led by the ACLU Vermont published an open letter to Governor Scott and state lawmakers today, urging them to use the power of elected office to support and protect Vermonters from harmful and unconstitutional federal actions. The letter comes in response to unprecedented attacks on constitutional rights, state and local government autonomy, and the nation’s civic infrastructure. Signatories include faith communities; non-profit organizations working in public health, the environment, civil rights, agriculture, and economic development; unions; libraries; and businesses from a wide range of sectors.

by Mike Del Trecco, VAHHS President & CEO We lost Tom Huebner this week, and it was a big blow for our state. Tom was a partner, a leader, a fixer and a believer that gifted Vermont with his grace, poise, skill and heart. Tom was forever optimistic—a devoted family man, full of love, and driven by a deep sense of purpose. That’s why he accomplished so much. His dedication to Vermont, especially to healthcare, was unwavering. He led Rutland Regional Medical Center for two decades and gave everything he had to make our state a better, healthier place. He always kept his eye on the greater good, seeking the right path forward—not necessarily the easiest or the one that best served RRMC, but the one that was honest, filled with integrity, and truly in Vermont’s best interest.

by Sara White, UVM College of Nursing and Health Sciences A new initiative between UVM’s Physical Therapy program and Winooski’s school-based health center provides free physical therapy services to students, ensuring they receive necessary care without financial or access barriers, improving recovery and performance. Access to prompt physical therapy can significantly affect recovery and performance for young people with injuries, especially student-athletes. While some schools have an athletic trainer for on-field treatment of sports injuries, many students lack access to continued outpatient rehabilitative care and guidance for injury prevention. A new initiative between UVM’s Physical Therapy program and Winooski’s school-based health center offers physical therapy (PT) services to students in need. This free program, led by Reuben Escorpizo, PT, M.Sc., D.P.T., and Heather Link, M.D., ensures students receive necessary care without financial or other access barriers.

Vermont Business Magazine Representative Conor Casey (D-Washington-4) and Senator Becca White (D-Windsor) have introduced companion bills in the Vermont House and Senate to protect consumers from misleading and inadequate coverage by Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs). House Bill 102 and its Senate counterpart would require HCSMs operating in Vermont to register annually with the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), submit financial and membership reports, and disclose their limited coverage so Vermonters can make informed decisions about their health care.

Green Mountain Care Board GMCB Board Members and meeting presenters will participate virtually. The public can also join the meeting by using the meeting link or the call-in phone number listed below. Members of the public who cannot access the meeting remotely can view the meeting at 112 State Street, 5th floor, Montpelier, Vermont.