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Vermont Business Magazine Governor Scott on Wednesday vetoed S.18, An act relating to banning flavored tobacco products and e-liquids. In a letter to the General Assembly, he said: "Admittedly, I’ve struggled with this bill, as it seems hypocritical and out of step with other initiatives that have passed into law recently and over time. To be clear, I too feel we have an obligation to protect our children, but it must be balanced in such a way that we honor the rights and freedoms of adults to make decisions about their individual lives... From my perspective, this bill is inconsistent with other laws related to legalized substance use. In 2020, the Legislature legalized the commercial sale of cannabis, including edibles and other flavored products, which are now widely available, despite the known risks to youth and their developing brains. Yet, to my knowledge, I’m not aware of an initiative to ban such products, even considering their obvious appeal to minors and negative health impacts." The American Heart Association Vermont strongly opposed his decision.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont House of Representatives has taken a significant step to combat the state’s housing crisis with the passage (97-42) of H.829, which proposes to invest $100 million a year over the next 10 years on a broad range of housing needs. The legislation, primarily supported by creating a new income tax bracket for the wealthiest Vermonters, represents the latest in a series of House-approved bills committed to building affordable housing and ensuring that rental and homeownership are accessible for all Vermonters. The bill outlines a ten-year plan to expand affordable housing options and essential housing services. It makes strategic investments in an updated Middle-Income Homeownership Program, bringing units online quickly through the successful Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP), a new eviction protection program, increased permanent housing options for older Vermonters and Vermonters with developmental disabilities, refugee housing, and other housing needs. 

VermontBiz is proud to announce the 2024 Best of Business Awards (BOB Awards) winners. This awards program celebrates the best Vermont companies in more than 100 business-to-business categories. VermontBiz readers chose the winners! Starting on January 1, 2024 and closing on March 1st, VermontBiz surveyed its magazine and digital subscribers. We asked our readers – the business leaders of Vermont – who they trust to provide their services in over 120 different categories. After over 79,000 votes we compiled the go-to list in the state for everything from Best Landscaping Company and Best Digital Media Agency to Best Vermont Made Product.

Leonine Public Affairs There were lengthy floor debates in the House and Senate last week. The House stayed for multiple late-night sessions to clear bills that piled up after the crossover deadline. Last Wednesday the House spent more than six hours on one bill - H.687, which would modify the state’s development, permitting and environmental laws. The House approved proposals to increase the corporate tax rate, create a new top marginal income tax bracket for high earners, increase the property transfer tax, change certain communications taxes, increase fees on securities and investment products and eliminate certain tax deductions. All told, these changes account for almost $150 million in new taxes. By last Friday afternoon the legislature had passed H.883, the FY2025 Budget Act or “Big Bill” as it is unofficially known. Governor Phil Scott heavily criticized legislators for the proposed tax increases, noting the new tax proposals would stack on top of large property tax increases and a new payroll tax for childcare that will go into effect this summer. Republican lawmakers echoed his concerns throughout the week on the floor and in the press. 

Vermont Business Magazine The Made in Vermont Marketplace is an extraordinary opportunity for Vermont companies to showcase their Made in Vermont products to an audience of thousands of prospective customers in one weekend. The trade show is dedicated to promoting the great variety of Vermont-made products ... from furniture, specialty foods, clothing, wines and so much more! Only Vermont based companies that make their products in Vermont are eligible to exhibit. Show hours are Saturday, April 6th 9 am - 5 pm and Sunday, April 7th 10 am - 4 pm.

Vermont Business Magazine Today the Vermont Senate passed S.259, a bill to establish a Vermont Climate Superfund, on a tripartisan vote of 26-3-1. This fund will hold the largest fossil fuel companies accountable by recouping expenses for the harm caused to Vermonters and the State as a result of the climate crisis. The bill is cosponsored by legislators representing all 14 Vermont counties. Under S.259, fossil fuel companies that have produced more than one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions between January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2024, would have to pay fines proportional to the damages they’ve caused. Funds will pay for climate mitigation and disaster recovery efforts in Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine Today the Vermont Senate passed Proposal 3 on a unanimous, tripartisan vote of 29-0-1. Proposal 3 proposes to enshrine in the Vermont Constitution the right of Vermont workers to organize and collectively bargain. Proposal 3 would ensure that Vermonters’ current labor rights are not eroded by future political action. Proposal 3 would ensure workers have the right to choose whether or not to form a union and would protect the authority of chosen unions to effectively represent the interests of their members. In order to amend Vermont’s Constitution, a proposal must be initiated by the Senate, approved by two thirds of the Senate, and approved by a majority vote in the House. If successful, the proposal must then pass the succeeding Senate and House with a majority vote before being considered by Vermont voters in the General Election.

Vermont Business Magazine April 8’s solar eclipse will be an event to remember in parts of Vermont that will be along the path of totality – especially if viewers know what they’re looking for in the sky. Saint Michael’s College Professor and astrophysicist Alain Brizard, Ph.D., will provide that context during a talk on April 3 at 5 p.m. on campus, answering questions including “why is this happening?” and “why are solar eclipses so rare?” His talk will be free and open to the public. Brizard will further explain why the eclipse could be especially spectacular this year as the sun enters a phase of maximum activity. He will talk about what this will look like during the eclipse and what being able to see this activity means for scientists like him.   

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power is alerting customers that forecasters are calling for high winds starting Wednesday in many portions of Vermont, followed by heavy precipitation through Thursday which could fall as potentially damaging heavy wet snow. GMP’s Field Operations team tracks multiple forecasts for days in advance of severe weather and in addition to GMP’s own internal crews, GMP has more than doubled its field force with external crews to respond as needed.

Vermont Business Magazine H.879 would create an Emergency Temporary Shelter Program with the intent that “unsheltered homelessness be eliminated in Vermont and interim shelter opportunities be available to provide a stable pathway to permanent housing for all Vermonters experiencing homelessness." It would also create an Emergency Temporary Shelter Program Advisory Committee made up of individuals with lived experience of homelessness to provide advice and recommendations to the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families regarding the implementation, administration, and operation of the Emergency Temporary Shelter Program. The House passed the measure in a 105-37 vote.

Vermont Business Magazine Today the Vermont Senate passed S.310, a bill to support the State’s resilience and response to natural disasters. S.310 creates the Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Fund to assist municipalities with infrastructure projects, creates stronger coordination of first responders, includes public works employees in planning and benefits, requires more comprehensive local & regional emergency planning, updates and clarifies stormwater utility statutes, improves emergency communications translation & interpretation services, supports the state swift water rescue operations, and provides additional support to all communities that were flooded last year.

Vermont Business Magazine A measure that would increase taxes on Vermont’s wealthiest residents gained final approval from the Vermont House today. The bill, H.829, now moves to the Senate. If enacted, the bill would create a new tax bracket, increasing tax rates by 3% on marginal income over $500,000. This tax change would raise over $74 million annually in state revenue and only affect the top 1.1% of Vermont taxpayers. The revenue is intended to fund long-term housing investments. H.829 will now move to the Senate for consideration.