Current News

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.

by Maggie Lenz and Gwynn Zakov When the Vermont Land Use Review Board was created under Act 181 last year, it didn’t exactly arrive quietly. The law, one of the most sweeping overhauls of Act 250 in decades, was billed as a “grand bargain” between housing advocates and environmentalists. The pitch was simple. If Vermont eases Act 250 review in designated growth areas to encourage desperately needed housing, we can strengthen protections for sensitive natural resources elsewhere. In practice, it has been anything but simple. Over the last few weeks, multiple legislative committees have had direct, extended conversations with the LURB. The board was stood up midway through last session, so lawmakers are only now getting a fuller picture of how the reforms are playing out on the ground. And the timing is significant. Many legislators this year are taking a hard look back at Act 181, searching for technical fixes and bigger adjustments to make Act 250 more responsive, both to applicants and to meet the needs of Vermonters.

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) today introduced the Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act, legislation that would establish a 5% annual wealth tax on the 938 billionaires in America — who are now collectively worth $8.2 trillion. In its first year, the bill would provide a $3,000 direct payment to every man, woman and child in a household making $150,000 or less — $12,000 for a family of four — and use the estimated $4.4 trillion in revenue raised over the next decade to address the most pressing crises facing working families.

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $2.98/g, up 1.3 cents per gallon from last week's $2.97/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.64/g while the highest was $3.19/g, a difference of 55.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 5.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.94/g today. The national average is up 7.8 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 10.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.