Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released the following statement calling on Congress to reject the $10.1 billion in unconditional military aid being considered for Netanyahu’s right-wing government to continue its brutal war against the Palestinian people: The issue we face with Israel-Gaza is not complicated. While we recognize that Hamas’ barbaric terrorist attack began this war, we must also recognize that Israel’s military response has been grossly disproportionate, immoral, and in violation of international law. And, most importantly for Americans, we must understand that Israel’s war against the Palestinian people has been significantly waged with U.S. bombs, artillery shells, and other forms of weaponry. And the results have been catastrophic.

Northeastern Vermont Development Association Efficiency Vermont Flood Recovery program has been enhanced to include more incentives for qualifying equipment losses. Businesses whose heating, cooling, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment was damaged by flooding can receive a flood recovery rebate of 100% of costs up to $4,000 per product, up to four products, in addition to standard offers. Also, NVDA is updating its Regional Plan, a guiding document that outlines a vision for the region and goals to help achieve that vision. The Plan covers a range of topics, including transportation, housing, energy, recreation, and zoning. We're gathering input from our communities and you can help! Please take a moment to complete the survey before Wednesday, Jan. 3rd.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rose last week, but fatalities have moderated after a small surge in the fall. There were 3 deaths reported by the Vermont Department of Health last week and 2 the week before, for a pandemic total now of 1,083. The VDH reported December 27, 2023, that COVID-19 hospitalizations were up 11 last week to a statewide total of 51, which is the highest total in several months. COVID-19 activity remains in the "Low" range, according to the VDH. Reported cases last week were 369, up 21 for the week. 

Vermont Business Magazine Texas netted the largest number of movers in one-way U-Haul equipment in 2023, marking the third consecutive year it has finished atop the U-Haul Growth Index. Florida ranks right behind Texas among growth states for the third year in a row, followed by North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Colorado and Virginia round out the top 10 states for growth. Vermont ranked 12th, up from 30th in 2022. Vermont was the only Northeastern state in the top half of the ranking.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced two leadership appointments: Nate Formalarie as deputy commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Heather Pembrook as deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Vermont Business Magazine The Open Enrollment period for Vermont’s health insurance marketplace, known as Vermont Health Connect, is ending soon, but there is still time for eligible Vermonters to enroll or make changes to their plan. January 15 is the last day to enroll for qualified health plan coverage in 2024. Any eligible Vermonter can enroll via Vermont Health Connect by January 15 for coverage starting February 1. This year, the Department of Vermont Health Access has announced that online self-service is available through the end of Open Enrollment. Additionally, any customer currently enrolled in a qualified health plan can change their plan during this time. The Plan Comparison Tool is a resource available to Vermonters to help select the right plan for their needs. 

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $3.27 per gallon, down 2.8 cents per gallon from last week's $3.30/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.89/g while the highest was $3.49/g, a difference of 60.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.06/g today. The national average is down 17.3 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 12.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont has topped the list of Top Moving Destinations of 2023 according to the 2023 National Movers Study by United Van Lines, the nation’s largest household goods mover. In 2023, more residents moved into Vermont than out of the state, with 65% of moves being inbound.  The study showed that of moves to Vermont, moving to be closer to family (29%) led the reason for relocating to the state, followed by a lifestyle change (20%). The study also revealed a continued trend that Americans are moving to more affordable, lower-density areas across the country, and movers are also becoming more strategic with their planning, as relocation continues to be driven by factors such as the price of housing, regional climates, urban planning and job growth. 

Vermont Business Magazine Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) released the following statement on the U.S. Secretary of State’s announcement of a major arms sale to Israel this week: “For the second time in a matter of weeks, the Secretary of State has approved the sale of tens of thousands of rounds of artillery ammunition to Israel, by circumventing Congress’s right of prior review. This type of heavy ammunition has been used to devastating effect in Gaza, contributing to the death and injury of countless civilians and the displacement of an estimated 2 million people who are facing daily bombardment without access to adequate food, water, shelter, or medical care."

by Camila Van Order González, Community News Service Nathan Bean, Tsuki Puddicombe and Bailey Lefebvre had only briefly seen each other in their gyms before the Covid-19 lockdowns. When facilities closed, they were forced to find alternative ways to work out. They found themselves parallel to each other practicing the aerobatic sport of hopping ledges, scaling walls and running roofs. Buds of friendship blossomed. “We got lucky that we found each other,” said Puddicombe, a 32-year-old Stowe resident. “Because of the pandemic, everyone was bored, trying to find things to do outside.” In the years since, their informal group has become a full-fledged crew of parkour practitioners. 

by Heather Smires and Taylor Brink from ABC & LOL Child Care Center & Preschool in St Johnsbury On behalf of every early childhood educator who has worked so hard over the years to stay in the field when wages were low, stress was high, wait lists were long, and patience was short, we want to say thank you to lawmakers for stepping up and making the 2023 Child Care Bill a reality. We know there is more to do and there’s still a lot of hard work ahead to fully solve the child care crisis, but we are already seeing positive impacts from this legislation and our state’s children, families, and economy will be so much stronger for it.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Vermont Pay for Performance Program (VPFP) provides performance-based payments to Vermont farmers for reducing phosphorus losses from their agricultural fields. Applications are open January 2nd through January 31st.  To be eligible for the program, farms must manage crop, hay and/or pastureland, ensure their farm business is registered with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), have an up-to-date Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) that meets the Required Agricultural Practices for their farm size, and have updated maps for their fields.