Current News

VermontBiz Today the Vermont Public Utility Commission (“Commission”) issued its required update of the State’s net-metering program.  As a result of the adjustments, future net-metering systems that apply for permits on or after August 1, 2024, will see a small net decrease in compensation – less than three-fourths of a cent – compared to what existing systems receive today.  Most existing net-metering systems will see a 7.33% increase in their compensation because of concurrent increases in statewide electric rates.

VermontBiz The Attorney General’s Office announced that Stephen O’Keefe, 78, of Barre, Vermont, was arraigned today on five felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. The charges brought against the defendant are the result of a criminal investigation conducted by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which included personnel from the Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and Burlington Police Department.

VermontBiz Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined local leaders and impacted Vermonters in Johnson and Hardwick on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing flood recovery and resiliency efforts in both communities following the July 2023 flood, and how the federal government can better help the state rebuild. Senator Welch has visited and met with residents and leaders across Vermont in the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding. 

VermontBiz U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, cosponsored the Shadow Docket Sunlight Act, new legislation introduced by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), to bring transparency to decisions on the Supreme Court’s procedural docket, also called the “shadow docket.” 

VermontBiz Vermont Public has released two original short films by local content creators as part of its Made Here Fund, which aims to broaden and diversify Vermont storytelling: 

“Love of the Land”

The animated film "Love of the Land," from Vermont filmmaker Travis Van Alstyne, tells the story of Ascutney farmer Romaine Tenney, whose farm was seized by eminent domain in 1964 in order to build Interstate 91. Tragically, Tenney burned down his farm and home with himself locked inside. The film focuses on Tenney’s connection to his land, his sense of place, what progress means, and suicide prevention. This year marks the 60th anniversary of his passing. 

VermontBiz – Comcast announces expansion of smart, fast, reliable fiber-based network to Westmore, delivering its full suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to more than 400 additional residents and businesses in Orleans County by the end of the year.

“Access to advanced broadband is a powerful driver of innovation and economic growth and Comcast is committed to investing in and expanding our network in Vermont,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s New England Region. “Bringing our fast, secure and reliable Internet services to Westmore will ensure that more residents and businesses have additional broadband options for their educational, professional and personal lives, making the community an even more attractive destination to live and visit."

VermontBiz Lawmakers and immigrant community members rallied today at the Vermont State House to celebrate the passage of the “Education Equity for Immigrant Students” proposal by the legislature and to call on Governor Scott to sign the bill into law. The press conference was livestreamed and is available for viewing.

Once enacted, the bill will ensure that all Vermont residents, regardless of immigration status, have access to in-state tuition rates and need-based financial aid when attending public colleges and universities in the state. The proposal, originally introduced as H.817, was later combined with another education-related bill (S.191) and passed overwhelmingly by both houses. The bill was transmitted to the Governor on May 24th and awaits his signature.

VermontBiz The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 29, 2024, Michael Burton, 48, of Shelburne, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Burton previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

VermontBiz  Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest mountain resort in Eastern North America and a POWDR company, announces closing day for the 2023/24 winter season will be June 1, 2024, the 196th operating day of the season. This is the third year in a row Killington’s season has lasted into June on Superstar, the same trail which will host the Stifel Killington Cup over Thanksgiving Weekend 2024.  

VermontBiz Governor Scott signed S.58 yesterday, a bill that would further criminalize drug-related offenses and charge more juveniles as adults. 

The following statement was issued by ACLU of Vermont Advocacy Director Falko Schilling: 

“S.58 is one of multiple bills the legislature enacted that will send more people to prison without addressing the root causes of instability in our communities. Taken together, these bills increase penalties for low-level thefts, further criminalize drug-related offenses, call for more juveniles to be charged as adults, and again delay implementation of juvenile justice reforms. 

“S.58 perpetuates the failed war on drugs and the systemic racism in our criminal legal system, and that is nothing to celebrate. S.58 makes it easier to convict someone for knowingly possessing, distributing, or selling a regulated drug, which will put more people in prison and exacerbate existing disparities. This legislation also expands the possibilities for youth to be prosecuted in adult court, and delays–once again—implementation of Vermont’s 'Raise the Age' statutes.  

"We know from experience that mass incarceration does not make our communities safer, and neither will S.58. In the coming year, we look forward to resuming the progress of previous legislative sessions with smarter, evidence-based criminal justice reforms.” 

VermontBiz “Netanyahu must end this devastating war. Now. A redline has been crossed over and over again and the humanitarian crisis in Rafah is beyond words. The US must exert its influence to bring about an immediate end to this horrific violence, suffering, death and destruction.

“Hamas must be brought to justice for the horror of October 7, and Israel has the right, in accordance with international law, to defend itself, but that is not what we are witnessing in Rafah today. Only a negotiated ceasefire will bring about an end to the war, bring home hostages, and end the suffering of civilians. Idly standing by while children are dying, is an unconscionable decision – and one that we cannot accept. 

“Netanyahu’s current path serves to bring more death and destruction to Gaza and risks any hope of regional peace and security. The United States must use all its leverage to bring an end to this war and find a political solution that serves all Israelis and Palestinians.”

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