Current News

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations is down. Hospitalizations fell to just over 5 after a recent spike. Wastewater testing indicates that virus levels fell steeply also after a spike, especially in Montpelier, but also at most test sites. Still, virus levels are higher than they were last fall. The Vermont pandemic death total stands at 1,276 as of February 22, 2025, an increase of 3 from the previous week (the most recent data available from the CDC). The VDH is no longer reporting COVID fatalities and cases in Vermont. 

by Devon Green, VAHHS Town Meeting Week, an oasis amidst the legislative chaos where everyone empties the State House and goes home to participate in Town Meeting Day on Tuesday. It’s also a great opportunity to recharge before the firehose that is the policy bill crossover deadline next Friday. Speaking of firehoses, see below for all that happened last week, including: Health Care Reform Bill: The Senate Health and Welfare’s health care reform proposal has finally gone from an outline to a bill. It eliminates the audit requirement and oversight of hospital board strategic plans. It includes beginning implementation of reference-based pricing for FY 2026 hospital budgets and reference-based pricing for nonhospital services. It also requires all hospitals to be in global budgets by 2030 regardless of the AHEAD model and addresses administrative versus direct care compensation.

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) on Monday released the following statement introducing the American people to the background and history of Russian dictator, and apparent ally of President Trump, Vladimir Putin: "Donald Trump’s attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump is dividing the Western alliance, and undermining Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. His actions may prolong the war by convincing Putin he can manipulate Trump into a deal with concessions he couldn’t win on the battlefield. Trump is cozying up to Vladimir Putin – so, who is Putin?"

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Tuesday will deliver livestreamed remarks following President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress. His response will stream live on the Senator's Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram accounts.

Vermont Business Magazine A longtime social worker and complex care manager at University of Vermont Children’s Hospital has been named Mental Health Advocate of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Health of Vermont (NAMI) for her care and support of pediatric patients and their families. Kate Cappleman Sinz, LICSW, a social work care manager with the Integrated Care Management program at UVM Children’s Hospital Pediatric Primary Care, works with young patients and their families across a broad spectrum of needs. From families in need of housing support after being evicted during winter months, to young adults struggling with suicidal ideation, Cappleman Sinz blends hope and compassion with an exhaustive knowledge of local and regional support systems and resources.

Vermont Business Magazine Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) announces she will not attend President Trump’s joint address. She will instead join programming that will provide real time fact-checking, a Democratic pre-buttal and live reactions. She will join Senators Murphy, Schatz, Markey and Alsobrooks along with other elected leaders, political commentators, and Move On, an organization focused on mobilizing for political progress. 

Green Mountain Care Board GMCB Board Members and presenters will participate remotely through Microsoft Teams. All topics and times listed on agendas are approximate and subject to change. Members of the public who cannot access the meeting remotely can view the meeting in a public space. Please call (802) 828-2177 or email us at [email protected] for the location details.  

Vermont Business Magazine The American Red Cross in Vermont is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March. One-third of people lack access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects 1 in 10 people and nearly a quarter of those living with it have been undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being. This new offering is among the longtime work of the Red Cross to support the health of communities, which also includes disaster relief efforts such as basic disaster health and mental health services among other assistance.

VermontBiz Vermont Governor Phil Scott tapped a maple tree at Pure Gold Sugaring in Sutton today to recognize the beginning of this year’s maple season.  With the weather still chilly but the sun growing stronger by the day, the governor joined the Solinsky family and Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts to tap a maple tree and join in the tradition of Vermont’s maple season while celebrating this important industry to the state’s economy and culture.   

“This important event recognizes Vermont’s maple industry and the hard-working families that produce the best maple in the world,” said Governor Scott. “The Solinsky family, and so many families like theirs, work to make sure our state is producing the highest quality maple syrup. Their hard work and dedication year-round is why we continue to lead the nation in maple production and excellence.”

VermontBiz The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is kicking off National Consumer Protection Week, March 2-8, 2025, with a warning about the dangers of imposter scams. Imposters are scammers who work very hard to convince consumers they are a friend or relative, or that they are from a legitimate source, such as a bank or government agency. These fraudsters then take personally identifiable information (PII) and use it to steal victims’ money.

VermontBiz The Northern Forest Center has completely transformed historic Bertrand's Hall on Railroad Street in downtown St. Johnsbury. The refurbished building will have nine market-rate apartments and two commercial suites. The Northern Forest Center, a non-profit organization based in Concord, NH, has been investing in property redevelopment, across northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, contributing to downtown revitalization. The beautiful refreshed building, with modern amenities and historical character, will attract and help retain area employees. Applications are being accepted and long-term occupancy is expected in April.

VermontBiz Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced Allison Hope, Executive Director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, will join Senator Welch for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday evening.  

Vermont’s maple industry—as well as farms and businesses across Vermont—are bracing for the economic fallout of the Trump’s 25% tariff on Canada, which will go into effect tomorrow. Sugar makers expect the cost of Canadian-made sugaring equipment to dramatically increase. Bulk maple sales to major retailers like Costco, Target, and Whole Foods rely on both U.S. and Canadian producers and most of the equipment needed to produce syrup is manufactured in Canada.