Current News

Vermont Business Magazine US Senators Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today introduced the Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act, legislation to crack down on companies that help landlords increase rents in already high-priced markets. These services allow landlords to collude to set prices via software and price-setting algorithms. Reporting by ProPublica and other news outlets demonstrated how companies like RealPage and Yardi advertise their products as “property management software,” but in fact help landlords coordinate prices to increase rental rates in the same market. The companies collect real-time price and lease information and in return suggest rent increases. The result is less competition and higher rent prices for consumers, with reports that the practice increases rents for client landlords between 5% and 12%. 

Vermont Business Magazine At its January meeting, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board approved funding support for a diverse mix of projects that address a variety of high-priority housing needs throughout the state. The funding awarded will enable new opportunities for single-family homeownership, an increase in the state’s permanently affordable apartment stock and energy efficient mobile home rentals, access to shelter, housing and services for people experiencing homelessness, and the expansion of supportive housing for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Vermont Business Magazine Before the Legislature bans bundled Vermont Strong plates and socks, Governor Phil Scott is urging Vermonters to support victims of last summer’s flooding by purchasing commemorative Vermont Strong license plates bundled with Vermont Strong socks from Darn Tough. Recently, the Vermont House of Representatives passed legislation to ban fundraising for flood victims with bundled sales, which would prohibit the state from selling the remaining plate-sock bundles. The measure now moves to the State Senate. Vermonters can still get Vermont Strong plates and socks while the remaining limited inventory lasts!

Vermont Business Magazine The national Citizens Business Conditions Index (CBCI) rose to 51.8 in the fourth quarter, supported by continued resilience in the labor market and consumer trends. The second consecutive quarterly reading above 50 indicates that the economy exited 2023 with momentum as signs of moderating inflation support optimism for a soft landing. Local confidence increased 3.5% from this point in Vermont last year and over 6% from last quarter. 

Vermont Business Magazine Breeze Airways, the U.S.’ only NLCC, or ‘Nice Low Cost Carrier,’ today announced that it would be adding a new seasonal route to Raleigh-Durham, NC, from Burlington. The new route will have twice-weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 23, with fares from $79,* if booked by February 5 for travel by September 3, 2024. From Burlington, VT to: Raleigh-Durham, NC (Seasonal, Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 23, from  $79* one way); and Jacksonville, FL (One stop/no change of plane service, Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 23).

Vermont Business Magazine For two years, over 600 Vermonters contributed their personal expertise on food security to develop a Food Security in Vermont: Roadmap to 2035. The Farm to Plate Network’s Food Security Priority Strategy Team led the Roadmap development presented the completed Roadmap on January 24, 2024 to the Vermont Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Vermont House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. Now it is time to begin implementation. This Roadmap shows us how to ensure everyone in Vermont has the food they need and to create resilient, climate-ready communities across the state. Our Shared Goal: In 2035, all Vermonters will be food secure.

The Vermont State Police has arrested two suspects on charges related to the homicide of 17-year-old Isiah Rodriguez in Danby nearly two years ago. Additional arrests are expected as this investigation continues. On Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, members of the state police arrested 32-year-old Ashley Wicks and 28-year-old Shawn Bulson, both of Bennington, on charges of being accessories after the fact to the fatal shooting. Wicks also was charged with conspiracy to commit murder. 

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Health Network Board of Trustees has voted to elect three new members, who bring experience in advocacy, health care quality, and finance to the board. Trustees voted to elect Sandrine Kibuey, MS; Edmondo Robinson, MD, MBA; and Ian Schmidek. They will each serve four-year terms on the 21-member board, which oversees the UVM Health Network. Allie Stickney, Chair of the UVM Health Network Board of Trustees, said the new members’ respective areas of expertise will help the board make progress on behalf of patients, staff and communities in today’s health care environment.

Vermont Business Magazine For nearly two decades, Lori McKenna, MSW, a licensed clinical social worker and the clinician lead and manager of UVM Medical Center’s newly formed Dementia Family Caregiver Center (DFCC), has been working to tackle a persistent problem: at-home caregivers of dementia patients often struggle to find the support and resources needed to care and advocate for their loved ones and themselves. In a rural state like Vermont, where the majority of diagnosed dementia patients receive care at home, the Center is a critical connection for caregivers. Organizers also hope their work helps to reduce the number of dementia patients who end up as long-stay patients in acute care hospital settings.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont – Home Health & Hospice Board of Trustees recently appointed four new members who bring leadership skills and deep health care knowledge to the organization. Board Chair Pam Mackenzie says all four new members will help the organization advance its mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care wherever our community members call home. The new members bring experience to the board that will help HHH continue providing care to patients at every age and stage of life, from pregnancy and early childhood care to adults with acute and chronic illnesses and those at the end of life.

Vermont Business Magazine Copley Hospital hosted its first Brain-Injury Support Group Thursday, January 18, 2024, on the hospital’s main campus in Morrisville, VT, for people suffering from acquired or traumatic brain injuries. Acquired brain injuries can result from a stroke, tumor, or surgery, while traumatic brain injuries result from falls or accidents. Brain injuries currently affect nearly 9,000 Vermonters. Support group meetings are free and open to anyone interested in learning more about their own or a loved one’s brain injury. McCartney’s goal is simple – to help attendees build community, receive support, and feel less isolated. Meetings are scheduled to occur monthly.

by Holly Sullivan, Community News Service Schools would be required to stock menstrual products in all female and gender-neutral bathrooms used by students 8 years old and up through a House bill pitched earlier this month. Rep. Brian Minier, D-South Burlington, proposed H.699 during a Jan. 12 House Committee on Education meeting. Vermont law says public schools and approved independent schools must provide free menstrual products in the majority of female and gender-neutral bathrooms, leaving the choice of which bathrooms and period product brands up to individual schools. Minier’s bill would amend that language to include all such bathrooms, not just a majority.