Current News

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) this week led colleagues Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in introducing the Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security (SANCTIONS) in the West Bank Act, bicameral legislation to codify the Biden Administration’s Executive Order allowing for sanctions against extremists in the West Bank who promote or engage in violence, displacement of civilians, or the destruction of property. U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-PA-12) led companion legislation in the House.

VermontBiz Magazine The latest report from the independent Vermont Public Utilites Commission (PUC) is further evidence that Act 18, commonly referred to as the Clean Heat Standard, needs to be repealed, House Republicans said today. The latest draft report by the PUC states “It is not feasible for all Low- and Moderate-Income households to participate in the program’s early years – and those not able to participate would face higher heating costs.” and House Republicans agreed. 

VermontBiz Magazine During this busy winter holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Vermont Agency of Transportation’s State Highway Safety Office, and Vermont law enforcement agencies are teaming up to remind drivers to Drive Sober this holiday season. State and local law enforcement will be participating in a high-visibility impaired driving awareness campaign from December 13, 2024, through January 1, 2025. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, drivers will see an increase of officers working together during the holiday season to take impaired drivers off the roads.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims remained relatively high last week as they have since the end of summer.  For the week ending December 7, 2024, new claims were 613, which is up 14 claims from the week before and 180 more from last year. Claims were 181 at the end of September. Meanwhile, unemployment claims and hiring have rebounded strongly across the US, as the Federal Reserve Bank cut interest rates by a robust 0.5% (50 basis points) in September and 25 basis points in early November. Economists said the positive numbers suggest that the economy will indeed negotiate a "soft landing" and avoid a recession. Recent national and international events, however, could alter that outcome. 

VermontBiz Magazine Looking toward the future, a group of 11 Vermont business owners completed the SBA’s T.H.R.I.V.E. program and celebrated their six-month journey with a graduation at SBA Vermont’s district office in Williston. T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined provides entrepreneurship education and training for executives of small, poised-for-growth companies. During the six-month program, participants acquire MBA-equivalent knowledge, amplify their leadership skills, and build relationships with a community of business peers, advisors, and experts.

by Melinda Moulton Many of us have lovely memories about Burlington, Vermont. We shopped at the locally owned stores run by our friends, received excellent medical care at the Hospital on the top of the hill, attended the schools and colleges, opened businesses that brought us economic vitality, and resided and raised our families in Burlington’s neighborhoods. So why are so many of us turning our backs on the city that has meant so much to us? Why are we acting intolerant, reluctant, judgmental, and disparaging? Burlington is one of the most beautiful cities in the Northeast.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association Twenty NEK residents have been awarded free access to an introductory online course in Solar Installation & Design, thanks to a partnership between Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) and the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD). This opportunity aims to boost renewable energy education and workforce development in the region, and it was made possible by the VCRD Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund.

VermontBiz Magazine Vermont Saves, a new retirement program administered by the Treasurer’s Office, is now open for enrollment, announced Treasurer Mike Pieciak. The program establishes a workplace retirement plan for Vermonters who are not currently offered a retirement plan through their employer. Vermont Saves earned unanimous support from the Legislature and Governor Phil Scott in 2023. A successful pilot program has been up and running for several weeks. 

VermontBiz Magazine Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on this year’s defense spending bill: “We cannot bankroll a nearly $1 trillion military budget, while we continue to underfund our schools, housing, and essential programs American families depend on. This exorbitant level of spending doesn’t serve to improve the lives of regular Americans, but rather line the pockets of the wealthy defense industry. The Pentagon has never passed an audit."

Vermont Business Magazine As the Senate prepares to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – which would approve close to $900 billion for the Defense Department, nearly $1 trillion when nuclear weapons and “emergency” defense spending is included – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) Wednesday gave remarks on the floor of the Senate outlining the dangers of further enriching the military-industrial complex.

VermontBiz Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) today introduced the Natural Disaster Education and Outreach Act and the State Climate Assessment Act, bills that would improve state-level climate research and public education campaigns to boost local resilience, recovery, and response to climate-driven extreme weather events. Senator Welch’s legislation will help communities better understand and identify the risks posed by extreme weather and provide state and local officials, small business owners, farmers, and homeowners with crucial information to adapt and respond to ongoing disasters.  

VermontBiz Magazine With no lucky winner on Tuesday, December 10, the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery is reporting that the Mega Millions lottery game is reaching a record high with an estimated jackpot climbing to $670 million tomorrow, December 13. Regarded as superstitiously unlucky, this day may prove to be lucky for one Mega Millions player.