Current News

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) proudly announces outstanding results from its semi-annual National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) reporting for graduates of its nursing programs. These achievements reflect the dedication of VTSU’s faculty and clinical instructors and the perseverance of students committed to entering the nursing profession. The NCLEX is a mandatory exam for nursing graduates to obtain licensure, assessing critical thinking and clinical judgment to ensure safe patient care. Passing the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) or NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse) is a requirement of beginning a professional nursing career.

Vermont Business Magazine Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) has further evolved its Family Caregiver Support Program. Back in April 2024, the agency added a part-time position to respond to the growing population of family caregivers, especially concerning the needs of their family members with dementia. The new staffing additionally provided capacity to offer personalized support for family caregivers using networks such as TCARE and Trualta.

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released the following statement: ICE is out of control, ignoring the law and our Constitution. Congress must vote NO on any additional funding for DHS. 

Vermont Business Magazine First Children’s Finance has released a new Vermont Supply and Demand Gap Analysis that shows measurable progress in expanding access to full-day, full-year child care across Vermont, while making clear that ongoing shortfalls continue to constrain workforce participation and business growth. The new analysis finds Vermont closed the gap between supply and demand by 1,992 full-time spaces between 2024 and 2026. That progress comes amid modest demographic shifts: Demand for child care declined by about 8 percent over the same period, driven by a smaller population of young children — not by reduced workforce participation among parents.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued the following Declaration of Emergency Travel Notice: Please be aware that the following vehicle types will be restricted from operation on Vermont Route 9 from 12:00 p.m. Sunday 1/25/26 until NOON Monday 1/26/26. This closure is being put into effect in anticipation of severe winter weather that will impact travel. Please note that truck deliveries of food, fuel, and medical supplies will not be subject to restrictions.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, last week announced his opposition to any government funding package that provides additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): “Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has turned the mission of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upside down, away from immigration enforcement and into an aggressive paramilitary force that terrorizes our communities, interferes with local policing, and makes our communities less safe. She has abused her authority—I will not support a funding bill that gives her a blank check to fund ICE’s inhumane tactics and excessive force."

Vermont Business Magazine Average gasoline prices in Vermont are $2.98 per gallon, down 2.1 cents per gallon from last week's $3.00/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.59/g while the highest was $3.19/g, a difference of 60.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline has risen 7.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.84/g today. The national average is up 3.6 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 23.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

Vermont Business Magazine Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity is excited to share a new homeownership opportunity for families and individuals in Central Vermont. Applications are now open for a new, affordable duplex at 804 North Main Street in Northfield. Each home is being built to be energy-efficient and easy to maintain, helping homeowners save on monthly costs. The homes are designed to be bright, comfortable, and good for the environment. Applications are due by 12:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026. These homes will be sold through Habitat’s shared-equity program, which keeps homes affordable for today’s buyers and for future families. While each home is expected to be worth about $335,000, buyers will pay a mortgage based on what they can afford. Monthly housing costs will be set at about 30% of household income, and only a $500 down payment is required for approved applicants.

Vermont Business Magazine On January 12, 2026, Adam Locklin was sworn in as the new U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) District Director for Vermont. “We are fortunate to have Adam Locklin on board to support the 82,000 small businesses across Vermont,” said Peter A. Steele, SBA New England Regional Administrator. “With 20 years of diverse professional experience, Adam is well positioned to lead Vermont’s new and experienced SBA team members to assist and empower the unique small businesses, manufacturers and aspiring entrepreneurs in the state.” In his role as district director, Locklin is responsible for the delivery of SBA’s financial assistance, business counseling and contracting programs throughout Vermont.

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The application is now open for the Local Food in Schools and Child Care Food Hub Grant. This funding opportunity will provide local food to Vermont K–12 students through partnerships with nonprofit food hubs. Food hubs can apply for funding to work with a subset of School Food Authorities (SFAs) within their distribution reach, giving each SFA a pre-determined amount of funding to purchase local food from the food hub. Funding is provided by a one-time State of Vermont legislative appropriation to the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program for Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC), which was appropriated as a result of the termination of the USDA LFSCC funding in March 2025.

by Maggie Lenz and Gwynn Zakov Last Tuesday, the Governor delivered his annual budget address to a joint session of the House and Senate, proposing a $9.4 billion FY27 budget. The numbers were sobering. Federal pandemic funds are gone. The state’s revenue forecast has been slightly downgraded by $8 million. And Vermont faces roughly $139 million in additional costs simply to maintain current state operations. Education sits squarely at the center of this moment. The Governor proposed a $105 million one time buy down to ease property tax pressure, but was explicit that temporary relief does not address long term cost growth.

Vermont Business Magazine With heavy snow expected across Vermont, Vermont Gas (VGS) wants to make sure safety is top of mind. Here are some important reminders: Keep gas meters free from snow and ice – Use a broom, not a shovel, to clear snow from your meter assembly and vents. Including: Make sure whomever plows snow knows the location of gas meters; Keep exterior sidewall vents clear – If a vent becomes buried in snow or blocked otherwise, equipment may shut down or draw exhaust fumes into a home.