Current News

VermontBiz Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be forced to end the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) because Congress failed to vote on an extension of the internet affordability program. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), lead sponsor of bipartisan legislation to extend the program, released the following statement: 

“Broadband access is one of the few things we can still find bipartisan agreement on in Washington—yet the Affordable Connectivity Program could very well be the next victim of Congressional dysfunction. The program has bipartisan support. There is frankly no reason to accept the failure to act on it."

VermontBiz Outstanding achievements and innovations within Vermont’s tourism and hospitality sectors were honored at the 39th annual Vermont Tourism Summit. Several industry leaders received awards recognizing their outstanding contributions to culinary arts, sustainable practices, community engagement, and the future of tourism in Vermont.

VermontBiz American Airlines has unveiled strategic schedule changes at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (Leahy BTV) aimed at bolstering capacity and enhancing connectivity in key hubs across the United States. June 2024, Airlines will roll out notable increases in capacity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which will greatly benefit Leahy BTV travelers.

VermontBiz Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bills, passed by the General Assembly.

When signing S.191 Governor Scott issued the following statement:

“New Americans have been through so much before getting to Vermont, and this bill will help to expand opportunities for them by furthering their education and training for new skills that lead to good paying jobs. At a time where we continue to see our population getting older, and our workforce declining, we need to do everything we can to reverse these trends and support good careers for all Vermonters.”

When signing S.204 Governor Scott issued the following statement:

“Making sure our kids have a strong foundation of reading skills is critical to their long-term success in the classroom and beyond. This bill continues to build on the work we have done to improve student literacy. The Agency of Education will support Vermont schools and educators as they tackle this important challenge and implement this new law.”

VermontBiz Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) issued the following statement in reaction to a jury finding former President Donald Trump guilty of all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of a hush money scheme:

“All of the evidence was presented by both sides and ultimately the jurors decided – that is a fair justice system at play, and the former president and his supporters must respect that. As I have said throughout the former president’s legal proceedings: no person is above the law, including a former President of the United States.

“Donald Trump spent this trial attacking the Judge, the prosecutors, the witnesses, the jurors, and others who were not remotely involved in this case. Unfortunately, this behavior is part of a dangerous pattern of inciting his supporters to target those with whom he disagrees, as we all remember from January 6th. Those who worked on this case, and heard the facts of this case, should be protected through the next steps of this process and beyond.”

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.