Current News

Vermont Business Magazine In 2025, private health insurance plans will cost an average of $621 per month, or $7,452 per year - rising 7% from 2024 according to a new report from insurance research site ValuePenguin.com. Four consecutive years of rate increases led to a 15% increase in health insurance premiums since 2022. Residents of 42 states will see higher premiums in 2025 - driven by the rising cost of medical care around the country. Vermont's 27% rate increase will mean health insurance in the state will cost a record $13,884/year ($1157/month) - the highest in the country. 

Vermont Business Magazine Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS), southeastern Vermont’s non-profit community mental-health agency, is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Paul Boutin to Chief Medical Officer (CMO). This milestone reflects HCRS’s commitment to enhancing access to high-quality medical and mental health care for people and families across southeastern Vermont. Dr. Boutin has been a vital member of HCRS since 2013, bringing his expertise and compassionate approach to his work with children and adolescents at the Brattleboro and Springfield offices. In his role as Medical Director, he oversaw the agency’s Medical Division, which includes psychiatrists, nurses, and medical assistants. Beyond this, Dr. Boutin has been a trusted advisor on agency policies, ensuring alignment with best practices and the highest standards of care.

Vermont Business Magazine The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives for all, has awarded  Community Bank Silver recognition in the 2024 Well-being Works Better Scorecard, representing a notable commitment to the health of its workforce and community. Built on the Association’s 100-year history of saving and improving lives, the Scorecard brings together emerging research and input from leading experts to help employers create a healthy and effective work environment. Organizations can earn a recognition level of Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum based on their adherence to the Association’s science-backed recommended practices in areas such as health equity, burnout prevention, compensation and benefits, and more.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) announced Monday the submission of a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed to address deficiencies with Vermont’s existing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permit program over the next four years. The proposed work will ensure agricultural water quality protections meet Clean Water Act obligations through an ANR-led and managed CAFO program. The CAP was submitted in response to a directive from the EPA to revamp Vermont’s CAFO program to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act following its review of a petition submitted by the Conservation Law Foundation. The plan is now with EPA for their review and comment, with feedback expected in early 2025.

Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced that Emily St. Peter, 46, of Rutland, Vermont, was arraigned today on one count of felony Medicaid Fraud. The charges brought against Ms. St. Peter are the result of an investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU), which found Ms. St. Peter had falsely billed Medicaid for services that she did not provide, as a caregiver for an individual in the Rutland area, defrauding Vermont Medicaid of over $18,000 in public health care funds.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.10 per gallon, down 3.1 cents per gallon from last week's $3.13/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.69/g while the highest was $3.36/g, a difference of 67.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.97/g today. The national average is down 8.7 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 17.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Commissioner of Finance & Management Adam Greshin has announced a public forum for comment on FY 2026 State budget development. The governor is required to enable public participation in the development of goals and in the general prioritization of spending and revenue initiatives. Members of the public with thoughts, comments, or suggestions regarding the development of the FY 2026 budget are invited to participate via an online survey or through a link to a brief budget presentation and public comment page. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Shires' Holiday Inn Tours kicked off with a record-breaking start this past Saturday, December 7, delighting guests and supporting local charities in our community. With 162 attendees—up from 113 last year—this beloved tradition has raised an impressive $2,500 so far.  The organizers of the event, The Shires Destination Marketing Organization and the Manchester Business Association, will continue the tradition of passing along all proceeds to the Manchester Community Food Cupboard, the Arlington Food Shelf, and Bennington County Meals on Wheels.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Farm & Forest Viability Program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board has grant awards available for on-farm capital improvement projects that make a positive impact on water quality. These grants are designed to help farm businesses undertake projects that improve on-farm water quality, help farms comply with water quality regulations, and improve overall farm viability. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $50,000, and all awarded funds require a 1-to-1 match.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont House Democratic Caucus met on Saturday to elect its leadership team for the upcoming legislative biennium and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the critical issues facing Vermonters across the state. The caucus nominated Representative Jill Krowinski, the incumbent Speaker of the House, to continue her role. The final vote for the position will be held the first day of the legislative session by the Secretary of State. Speaker Krowinski, who has served as Speaker for four years, expressed her gratitude and commitment to leading the House through the challenges ahead. 

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) this week filed a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to establish term limits for U.S. Supreme Court Justices. The amendment would institute nonrenewable, 18-year terms for new U.S. Supreme Court Justices, with a new term starting every two years. The Senators’ amendment aims to restore confidence in the Court, eliminate political gamesmanship from the nomination process, and reinforce judicial independence. Public trust in the Supreme Court has eroded in recent years. Following the 2024 Supreme Court term, only 16% of Americans had “a great deal of confidence” in the Court. The vast majority of the country supports the establishment of term limits for Supreme Court Justices and 49 of the 50 states have determined judicial term restrictions are appropriate for those serving on their highest court. 

by James Rea, UVM Leahy Institute The Ford Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the University of Vermont’s (UVM) Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships to expand its statewide summer internship program and amplify the Institute’s efforts to provide clear, accessible data to feed economic and community development work throughout the Green Mountain State. The Ford Foundation grant will allow the Leahy Institute to add a second cohort to its Statewide Summer Internship Project. The program sends UVM students to rural Vermont communities for eight weeks of employment, community engagement and learning.