Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Federal Credit Union and WCAX-TV have concluded their second annual Great Vermont Coat Drive, collecting more than 1,000 new and gently used coats to help Vermonters in need. Building on last year’s success, this year’s drive saw an increase in early contributions, with Vermont Federal members donating coats even before the official launch. All collected coats will be distributed through Lund, the Vermont Department for Children and Families, as well as regional non-profit organizations.

Vermont Business Magazine Casella Waste Systems, Inc (NASDAQ:CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today announced an offering of up to $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of Vermont Economic Development Authority Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2022A-2 under an indenture between the Issuer and the bond trustee, dated as of June 1, 2022. The Bonds represent the drawdown (which would no longer be available to the Company if not occurring by June 1, 2025) of the remainder of the Vermont Economic Development Authority Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds Series 2022, the initial proceeds of which, in the amount of $35.0 million, were loaned to the Company in June 2022. 

Vermont Business Magazine As Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress attempt to advance legislation to give massive tax breaks to billionaires and undermine Social Security, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee's Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy, and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), introduced the Social Security Expansion Act. The legislation would expand Social Security benefits by $2,400 a year and ensure Social Security is fully funded for the next 75 years by applying the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000. Importantly, this legislation would not raise taxes by one penny on the over 91 percent of American households who make $250,000 or less.

Vermont State Police Following autopsy at the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington, the deceased individual is identified as Jeremiah Wild, 29, of Craftsbury. The autopsy determined his cause of death to be thermal burns and smoke inhalation. The manner of death is classified as undetermined. VSP’s investigation is ongoing, but the death is not considered suspicious.

Vermont Business Magazine National Life Group continues its commitment to ending childhood hunger by naming the Vermont Foodbank as the sole recipient of the 2025 National Life Group Do Good Fest. The announcement comes alongside a $29,674 donation raised through the company’s Share the Good program, which matches associate donations to charities. Beth Rusnock, President of the National Life Group Foundation, and Executive Director John Mullett presented the check to Vermont Foodbank CEO John Sayles, marking another year of partnership in addressing hunger in Vermont. This initiative is a core aspect of National Life Group's mission to support nonprofits focused on community development and ending childhood hunger, two issues central to the company’s values.

Vermont Business Magazine Each year, the Legislature must approve a mid-year budget adjustment to account for shifting needs and ensure fiscal responsibility. While House leadership agrees with almost all of the Administration’s proposed budget adjustment, key differences remain - particularly regarding a short-term extension of housing support for Vermont’s most vulnerable populations, investments in affordable housing, and critical funding for communities still facing flood recovery. Today, the House Speaker, Rep. Jill Krowinski reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to passing a responsible FY25 Budget Adjustment Act (BAA) that prioritizes the well-being of Vermonters while maintaining a balanced budget. 

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims increased for the week ending February 22, 2025, and climbed over 400 as activity holds at seasonal levels. New claims were 415, up 88 claims from the week before and are 3 fewer from last year. The stability of the last few weeks should last until the end of the ski season. Claims, which tend to be lowest in the summer, were 181 at the end of September 2024. This does not yet take into account, if there will be an effect, the dismissal of federal workers by DOGE.

Public Assets Institute If you’re following the national news, you’ve probably heard that Congress is in the midst of the budget reconciliation process. What is reconciliation, and how will it impact Vermonters? Reconciliation is a budgetary process Congress can use to fast-track changes to federal spending and revenues. For lawmakers in the majority, it is popular and effective because it requires only a simple majority in the Senate—51 votes—rather than the 60 typically needed to advance legislation. Vermont should bolster state-level programs that help the most vulnerable Vermonters meet their basic needs. Targeted investments will be crucial to offset expected federal cuts to food security, healthcare access, and other necessities. For instance, over a third of the 140,000 Vermonters currently enrolled in Medicaid are at risk of losing some or all of their benefits. 

Vermont Business Magazine The House Democratic Caucus held a press conference Wednesday to update Vermonters on our commitment to making sure students have the resources they need to be successful, and that we have a sustainable and affordable funding formula to pay for our public education system. While the Governor’s plan outlines significant structural changes—moving to five districts, a base funding amount of $13,200 per pupil, and a two-year transition—many critical questions remain. Committees are seeking clarity on funding for school construction and deferred maintenance, the impact on special education, inclusion of Career and Technical Education (CTEs), Pre-K alignment across districts, and how employee pay will be handled. 

Vermont Business Magazine Public education advocates gathered at the Statehouse Thursday to demand greater accountability and transparency in how taxpayer dollars are used in Vermont’s education system. The event was organized by Friends of Vermont Public Education (FVPE), a newly formed nonprofit committed to protecting and strengthening Vermont’s public schools. Speakers raised concerns over the current system, which allows taxpayer money to flow to private schools without oversight or accountability. They warned that Governor Scott’s proposed statewide voucher program would only make a bad situation worse.

Vermont Business Magazine Kinney Drugs, with pharmacies across Vermont, has opened both walk-ins and appointments for a second dose of seasonal COVID-19 vaccine for eligible individuals. In October, the CDC recommended that individuals aged 65 and older and those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of seasonal COVID-19 vaccine two to six months after their last dose. Patients in one or both groups who were vaccinated against COVID in the fall may now be due for a second dose. Kinney Drugs gladly accepts walk-ins; however, appointments are encouraged to ensure the promptest service. The COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with all other approved vaccines.

Vermont Business Magazine The Board of Managers of the Vermont Bar Association has adopted the following statement: The Vermont Bar Association (VBA) honors its mission: "[To] promote the highest standards of skill, ethics and professionalism within an inclusive legal profession; foster understanding and respect for the rule of law; support equal access to a fair and effective system of justice; and provide valuable resources to its members." The VBA stands in support of the rule of law, an impartial and independent judiciary, and the separation of powers amongst the co-equal branches of government. Our nation was built on these principles, and our commitment to these democratic ideals remains steadfast.