Current News

by Devon Green, VAHHS A huge thank you to the House Health Care Committee, which advanced H.573, a bill that allows PAs to perform the initial determination that an involuntary patient in need of mental health treatment requires inpatient care. The bill seeks to reduce patient wait time for care and reflects the changes put into place by Act 123 of 2020. In addition to VAHHS testimony, Philip Schafer, PA, Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant, Grace Cottage Hospital, Trey Dobson, MD, Emergency Medical Physician, Dartmouth Health, and Liz Couto, BSN, RN, CEN, Chair, Director, ENA-Vermont also testified. The bill passed out of committee with a vote of yes from nine members and two members absent.

Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Board of Trustees today reelected Cynthia Barnhart to serve as chair and welcomed two new members following a special meeting. Barnhart, now serving her second year as chair, was first elected to the Board on August 1, 2014, then re-elected in December 2019 and October 2024. Her current term expires in March 2030. Barnhart is the Abraham J. Siegel Professor of Management Science and Professor of Operations Research at MIT. She previously served as MIT's provost, chancellor, as associate and acting dean of MIT's School of Engineering, and as co-director of the Operations Research Center and the Center for Transportation and Logistics at MIT. Barnhart graduated from UVM with a BS in Civil Engineering in 1981 and earned an SM and PhD at MIT.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is pleased to announce 7 awards totaling $272,895 to provide farm to school training, technical assistance, and resources to schools and early childhood programs across the state. This grant opportunity is a new offering from the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program, which is an annual state-funded grant program that connects Vermont youth with local food and farms.  The new Farm to School Service Provider Grant will grow the support system for schools and early childhood programs, at regional and statewide levels, so that services are more accessible to schools and early childhood programs across the state.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations have edged back up to over 5 cases statewide. Other indicators through wastewater analysis show COVID-19, Norovirus and especially RSV in Vermont and nationally are active. There were no measles cases after one reported in Vermont in February in Washington County and the rate nationally is low. While there have been no measles virus detected last week, COVID virus, RSV and Norovirus were high at all the Vermont wastewater testing sites. There were 2 COVID outbreaks last week (4 the week before), with 2 in Long-Term Care Facilities and 0 in schools. Outbreaks increased slightly from mid-summer and have recently increased, especially in residential care facilities

Vermont Business Magazine The cost of long-term care services in Vermont increased year-over-year, according to the 2025 Cost of Care Survey conducted by CareScout. Vermont is in the top 10 highest costs in all categories nationally, including ranking 7th in private room nursing home care at $186,333 per year. The annual survey, one of the most comprehensive of its kind, tracks median costs for long-term care services across the country, highlighting the financial impact of aging for individuals and families. Nationally, long-term care costs remain elevated across care settings, reflecting years of inflationary pressure, workforce challenges, and growing demand as the population ages. However, findings suggest the pace of increases may be moderating across many care types, following several years of sharper growth.

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has issued a proclamation recognizing March as Red Cross Month to honor the 288 Vermonters who deliver care and comfort through the American Red Cross of Northern New England. “In March, we recognize members of the American Red Cross of Vermont who make its humanitarian mission possible through actions of kindness and necessity,” Governor Scott said in the proclamation. “The services of the American Red Cross of Vermont have contributed to the strength of Vermont communities, including countless pints of blood collected from individuals aligned with its humanitarian mission. The collective efforts of the American Red Cross of Vermont are symbolic of the strength of Vermont communities as no one has to face emergencies alone.”

Vermont Business Magazine Many people living in Vermont are eligible to get thousands of dollars in tax refunds from the government, even if they earned little or no income last year. Some residents may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or the Vermont Child Tax Credit. Every year, more than $15 billion in federal tax benefits go unclaimed in the United States! In 2025, 32,700 Vermonters received an average Earned Income Tax Credit of $2,228 and a Child Tax Credit of $1,000 per child 6 years or under .

Vermont Business Magazine The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce hosted its Mid-Session Legislative Breakfast this week at the Bennington Elks Carriage Barn, bringing together local employers, nonprofit and community leaders, and a delegation of Bennington County Senators and Representatives for a candid discussion on Vermont’s policy direction at the midpoint of the legislative session. The breakfast centered on the shared challenges shaping the region’s economic outlook: affordability and property taxes, the pace and complexity of permitting, transportation funding sustainability, workforce and housing pressures, and the need for a clearer statewide economic development strategy. 

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Vermont producers now have access to new federal support as USDA opens enrollment for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program and the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. These programs will distribute $12 billion in one-time bridge payments to help farmers manage rising production costs and ongoing market disruptions. Payments will be based on a set price per acre of each crop.  The FBA program will distribute $11 million to farmers who grow the following commodities: Barley, Chickpeas, Corn, Cotton, Lentils, Oats, Peanuts, Peas, Rice, Sorghum, Soybeans, Wheat, Canola, Crambe, Flax, Mustard, Rapeseed, Safflower, Sesame, and Sunflower. Farmers must enroll by April 17 to be eligible for payments.

SBA Vermont District Meet the new staff members, learn about SBA’s latest initiatives, products, and services, and connect with the dedicated district office team. The open house will take place at the SBA Vermont District Office in Williston.  

Vermont Business Magazine Among the longest‑serving hospice volunteers in the nation, Charlotte Kenney, Jan Watt and Lil Venner have each devoted more than 45 years to UVM Health – Home Health & Hospice because, they say, helping patients and their families make the most of the time they have left of this earth is a privilege, rooted in grace and connection. The notion that hospice work is defined by sorrow, is rejected by all three dedicated volunteers. "What I'm doing is enabling this person to live fully until the very last second," says Kenney. "So, to me, that is not sad."

Vermont Business Magazine Todd Daloz, a veteran public servant with years of experience in public health, safety and state leadership has joined the Board of Trustees for University of Vermont Health – Central Vermont Medical Center. Daloz, who joined the board earlier this month, brings deep experience in Vermont’s legal, health and human services systems, as well as strong ties to communities across Central Vermont. He has served as a board member for Montpelier Alive, the Vermont Humanities Council, and the Vermont Board of Bar Examiners.