Current News

Vermont Business Magazine FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced today that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the state of Vermont to supplement state, local and tribal recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe flooding beginning on July 7, 2023, and continuing. The President authorized the federal cost-share for emergency protective measures to be increased from 75% to 100% for a 30-day period of the state’s choosing within the first 120 days from the start of the incident period. 

Vermont Business Magazine Following historic flooding that has occurred throughout Vermont, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Dam Safety Program will be performing follow-up inspections in the coming days to identify dams that may have been impacted. The Dam Safety Program will be prioritizing inspection of dams that have the potential to impact life and property such as homes and roads. Inspections are being performed by trained engineers at no cost to dam owners. There are over 400 dams located within Vermont that impound enough water to pose a risk should the dam fail. A large number of those dams are owned by private individuals.

Vermont Business Magazine Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont and their partner Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan jointly pledged $100,000 to the VT Flood Response and Recovery Fund 2023 to support the state’s recovery and rebuilding after the devastating July floods. Additionally, employees from both the Michigan and Vermont plans are making individual contributions to the recovery that will be matched.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported July 12, 2023, that COVID-19 hospitalizations fell to a statewide total of 7. COVID-19 activity remains in the "Low" range, according to the VDH. There were 4 COVID-related deaths reported in the most recent statement for a pandemic total of 989 as of July 8 (this is the most recent update). Fatalities have slowed. VDH reported 15 COVID-related deaths in March, 20 in April, 10 in May and 9 in June (the fewest since the summer of 2021).

Vermont Business Magazine Due to the flooding and ongoing recovery work statewide, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is postponing the public meetings that were planned for tomorrow, July 19. The virtual meetings have been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 2 at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Zoom links for the revised dates are available on the project website. The online survey remains active until the end of this month.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (VAHHS) today announced that its non-profit hospitals submitted what are among what they called the most complex and challenged budgets in recent history to the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB), following years of negative margins and challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, the FY 2024 budget margins are approximately 2 percent across the entire system. The budgets represent only what is necessary to begin the process of recovery from years of pandemic response, workforce crisis and caring for an older and sicker patient population.

by Michael Del Trecco, President & CEO, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems As I followed the news since the arrival of a dangerous storm and subsequent historic flooding throughout the state, I was profoundly moved by the rescue crews who plucked their neighbors from harm’s way and the many ordinary Vermonters who clamored to volunteer to help—even before the waters receded. It’s during times like this that I’m most proud to be a Vermonter.

Vermont Business Magazine KeyBank Foundation, the non-profit charitable foundation of KeyBank, has made a $30,000 donation to the American Red Cross-Northern New England Region to support flood relief efforts in Vermont. The funds will be directed by the Vermont Red Cross chapter to assist residents and communities throughout Vermont that have been impacted by the heavy rains and flooding over the past couple weeks. 

Vermont State Police Law enforcement and first responders from throughout Vermont, New England and beyond joined the Rutland City Police Department and greater Rutland community to pay their respects to fallen Officer Jessica Ebbighausen. Officer Ebbighausen’s funeral will take place today from 10-11:30 a.m. at the University Pavilion at Vermont State University, Castleton Campus, located at 360 South St. in Castleton.

Vermont Department of Labor As you may be aware, the unprecedented weather conditions have caused significant disruptions throughout the state. Please be advised that Unemployment Insurance claimants who typically receive paper checks may see a multi-day delay in payment. If you are an existing claimant, please continue to file as usual through the claimant portal. Also, Workers’ Compensation administrative offices are experiencing a temporary interruption due to recent flooding. 

The Vermont Secretary of State’s Office is reaching out to let you know about changes in our operations, with resources if your business has been impacted by the flooding, and information about volunteering to help those impacted. Like so many others in our mighty little state of Vermont, the Secretary of State’s Office in Montpelier has been flooded and while it does appear that we may have been more fortunate than many, we are currently unable to access our regular offices on State Street in Montpelier.

Vermont Business Magazine The American Red Cross is committed to helping Vermont families recover from last week’s catastrophic flooding event – and our operation continues to grow as we reach more affected communities every day. When an emergency happens, the Red Cross delivers help to whoever needs it. More than 200 Red Cross volunteers from across the country have deployed to the Green Mountains to feed, shelter and support Vermonters during their time of need.