Vermont Business Magazine Vermont has draft agreement with feds for all-payer health care model; Trustees unanimously approve merger of Johnson and Lyndon State colleges; Unilever buys Vermont's Seventh Generation; Personal income tax rallies, state GF revenues surpass targets; Airbnb to pay Vermont rooms and meals tax, back taxes get waived;; AND MORE...
Vermont has draft agreement with feds for all-payer health care model
Governor Peter Shumlin has presented a draft agreement with the federal government to make Vermont the first state to adopt an all-payer health care model. Since failing to create a single-payer health care system that would have cost Vermonters $2.6 billion in new taxes, Shumlin has been working on a slightly more modest proposal to change how health care services are paid. Under the draft agreement with the feds, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) authorizes Vermont to create an All-Payer ACO Model. The plan is described as “a test” to see if health care quality can be improved by tying payment for that care to health outcomes instead of individual health procedures, the current fee-for-service payment model.
Trustees unanimously approve merger of Johnson and Lyndon State colleges
The Vermont State Colleges System Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to unify Johnson and Lyndon State Colleges into a single accredited college with two distinctive campuses, following preliminary approval at its July 22, 2016 meeting. The Board’s decision to create a larger, stronger institution is intended to expand opportunities for students, strengthen institutional finances, and ensure continued access to high-quality, postsecondary education in the northern region of Vermont.
Unilever buys Vermont's Seventh Generation
Unilever has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Seventh Generation, Inc, the North American home and personal care products company. Based in Burlington, Seventh Generation is a pioneer in corporate responsibility and sustainable product innovations, including plant-based detergents and household cleaners. The company’s turnover exceeded US $200 million in 2015 and it has seen double digit compounded annual growth over the last 10 years. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, the Wall Street Journal reports that the deal is worth "roughly $700 million." Unilever is also the parent company of another iconic Vermont company, Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc, which it acquired in 2001.
Personal income tax rallies, state GF revenues surpass targets
Vermont tax revenues have suffered through several months below expectations, even as targets have been lowered, but in August they improved with the vital Personal Income Tax rebounding and the Corporate Tax leading the way. The one notable disappointment was the Sales Tax. The General Fund for the month of August collected $96.71 million, +$2.33 million or 2.47 percent above revenue targets adopted by the Emergency Board on July 21, 2016. This better than expected performance was driven primarily by the following tax components; Personal Income Tax at +$1.03 million or +2.47%, Corporate Tax at +$1.28 million, or +79.48% and Meals and Rooms Tax at +$1.25 million +8.35%. These gains were slightly offset by underperformances in the following taxes; Sales and Use, Inheritance and Estate and Insurance Premium.
Auditor questions DCF fraud collections, commissioner cites mission to help poor
The Vermont state auditor's latest investigation was made public in September on how much fraud plagued the Vermont Department for Children and Families. State Auditor Doug Hoffer reported that the DCF substantially investigated alleged beneficiary fraud on two of the programs, but not all, and improper payments were not effectively collected. Only 3SquaresVT disqualified fraudulent recipients for a period of time. The DCF budget in FY 2015 was $101.2 million (the fraud amount was $1.8 million on 1,036 improper payment claims over 40 months).
The auditor also questioned how hard the DCF was trying to collect improper payments. For instance, DCF could work with the Tax Department to garnish income tax refunds. He also believes that if a recipient is cheating on 3SquaresVT, it’s reasonable to investigate whether that same person is cheating the fuel assistance or another program, but DCF did not take that initiative. The auditor can investigate and make recommendations, but he does not have enforcement authority.
“Our programs serve Vermont’s most vulnerable citizens," DCF Commissioner Ken Schatz said, "and we need to make sure implementing any proposed recommendations does not inadvertently jeopardize their health and safety." He also said the percentage of fraud claims was, in any case, very low.
Airbnb to pay Vermont rooms and meals tax, back taxes get waived
The Vermont Department of Taxes and the home-hotel service Airbnb have worked out a deal in which Airbnb will collect meals and rooms tax on payment for lodging offered by its hosts. Vermont joins other states and the District of Columbia, as well as many other cities and counties, where Airbnb has agreed to collect their occupancy taxes on behalf of the hosts. Beginning October 1, Airbnb will collect and remit taxes to the state. This allows for a more streamlined booking process for the guests using Airbnb, and works to level the playing field with traditional hotels by ensuring hosts on Airbnb are collecting and remitting the taxes owed. Additionally, hosts on Airbnb will not be responsible for any back taxes they have failed to collect.
Unemployment rate up one-tenth to 3.3 percent in August
Even while many open jobs continue to be unfilled, the state’s unemployment rate rose one-tenth to 3.3 percent last month. The Vermont Department of Labor has announced that the seasonally-adjusted statewide unemployment rate for August was 3.3 percent. This represents an increase of one-tenth of one percentage point from the revised July rate (3.2 percent). After a historic period of not increasing, the state jobless rate has gone up twice in the last three months, by a total of two tenths. The national rate in August was 4.9 percent.
Rutland designated as a refugee resettlement site
Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Peter Welch have announced that: “We learned this morning that the City of Rutland will receive refugees who have fled the relentless violence in Syria and Iraq, sometimes with just the clothes on their backs. The vast majority of refugees admitted from Syria have been women and children, and when we see the photographs of children fleeing this awful tragedy, we see our own children and are called to do our part to help. We know the good people of Rutland and Vermont will welcome these newcomers into the community. Struggling families, fleeing peril and motivated to start their lives anew, always have and always will enrich America and contribute immeasurably to our state. We are also very pleased that in a separate announcement, the Department of Health and Human Service has awarded Vermont a $150,000 grant to help the newly resettled refugees obtain employment and achieve self-sufficiency."
Phil Scott to sell his share of business if elected governor
At the 70th anniversary celebration of his family business, DuBois Construction in Middlesex, Phil Scott announced his plan for a full and complete separation from the 70-year-old, central Vermont construction company he has co-owned and run for more than 30 years, if he is elected governor. "Obviously, this was not an easy decision to make, nor do I take it lightly," Scott told his employees and supporters just after noon on September 24. "Should the people of our state hire me for this important job, I will sell my portion of the company."
High court sides with Rockingham in dam dispute
The Town of Rockingham has notched a major victory in its years-long tax battle with energy giant TransCanada. The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that TransCanada’s Bellows Falls hydroelectric station should be valued at $127.4 million, just under the $130 million appraisal advocated by the town and set by a lower-court judge. The justices’ ruling stands in stark contrast to TransCanada’s proposed $84 million valuation. Though not all of that tax value lies within Rockingham’s borders, the majority of it does. Town officials see the Supreme Court’s decision as a major boost for their tax base and as a validation of their grand list. Bellows Falls is a village in the town of Rockingham.
Vermont Air Guard awards $39.8 million airport contract to NY firm
The 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG) has accepted a $39.8 million contract bid from Kubricky Construction Corp of Wilton, NY, on a major construction project for apron replacement and taxiway upgrade at the Air National Guard Base located at the Burlington International Airport.
Administration Secretary Justin Johnson will leave state government
Governor Peter Shumlin has announced that Secretary of Administration Justin Johnson will be leaving state government on Sept. 30 to join Montpelier lobbying firm MMR, LLC. At MMR, he will be heading up a new practice focused on international projects, helping businesses and governments meet their goals and obligations under the Paris climate accord signed by more than 170 countries since last November. The governor said Trey Martin, Deputy Secretary at the Agency of Natural Resources, will replace Johnson.
Burlington moves to allow 14-story building
A $200 million mixed-use redevelopment of downtown Burlington cleared another hurdle September 12 when the city council voted to approve a zoning amendment that will allow developer Don Sinex to build up to 14 stories high. In a 7-4 vote, the council decided to increase the maximum building height permitted on the site of the 1970s-vintage mall from 105 feet to 160 feet, with a public hearing scheduled for September 29 before the council could finalize the plan. The Burlington Town Center plan has been met with vociferous opposition. It has the support of Mayor Weinberger. As the mayor puts it, Vermont would still have the shortest, tallest building of any state.
Burlington City Council supports $50 million infrastructure plan
The Burlington City Council has unanimously approved a comprehensive, 10-year capital plan to steward its public infrastructure for future generations. Major elements of the plan include: Street, sidewalk, fire engine, and Bike Path investments over next five years; proactive replacement of water lines over 75-years-old. Non-property tax sources are anticipated to fund over 40 percent of the capital investment. The capital plan will appear on the fall ballot for voter ratification.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock may lay off as many as 460
Dartmouth-Hitchcock will lay off at least 270 employees, and as many as 460 (3-5 percent of its 9,200 workers) by the end of 2016 and will review its clinical programs with an eye toward saving money. The West Lebanon, NH-based health care system discovered a deficit of $12 million at the end of the fiscal year June 30. A merit pay raise of upwards of $15 million due this fiscal year will not be affected.
Avangrid, Governor Shumlin break ground on Deerfield Wind farm
Avangrid Renewables representatives, joined by Governor Shumlin and local elected officials, broke ground on Deerfield Wind in mid-September in Searsburg in Bennington County. Once operational, Deerfield wind will produce enough energy each year to power around 14,000 average Vermont households with clean, renewable electricity. Avangrid signed a 25-year power purchase agreement for the project with Green Mountain Power in 2015.
Grafton likely not ready for critical turbine vote
Town officials in Grafton say they may not meet a developer-imposed deadline to vote on the controversial Stiles Brook Wind Project proposal. Developer Iberdrola Renewables (now Avangrid) has said it will abide by the results of a November vote from Windham and Grafton residents on whether the 28-turbine Stiles Brook plan — which would be the state’s largest turbine site — should proceed.
Norwich University raises $74 million towards $100 million fundraising goal
Norwich University has raised more than $74 million towards its $100 million dollar fundraising goal. The announcement was made to over 500 alumni and donors at the “All Class Partridge Society Luncheon and Year of Leadership Launch,” a Homecoming event in September. This past weekend, Norwich University hosted several thousand alumni and guests during annual Homecoming festivities. This year kicks off the “Year of Leadership,” the theme for year three in the five-year, $100 million campaign called “Forging the Future.”
Vermont sues Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche over cars fitted with 'defeat devices'
The Vermont attorney general has sued Volkswagen AG and its affiliates Audi AG and Porsche AG, as well as their American subsidiaries, for the sale and lease of diesel automobiles that were fitted with illegal “defeat devices.” The devices concealed the release of large amounts of nitrogen oxides (commonly referred to as “NOx”), a harmful pollutant, in excess of Vermont’s motor vehicle emissions standards. The state is asking for restitution for consumers who bought the cars in question, unspecified punitive damages and reimbursement of legal fees.
Champlain College, adjunct faculty union reach first contract
Champlain College and campus-based adjunct faculty, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), have ratified a multi-year contract agreement, resulting in the College’s first contract with the union. It was ratified by a majority vote and will go into effect this fall. The new minimum pay rates for campus-based adjunct faculty, assuming satisfactory performance, will rise from $3,499 to $3,825. Adjuncts who qualify as senior adjunct faculty will see pay rates of $4,100 to $4,200, an increase over the prior rates of $3,499-$3,688. Pay rates are set to increase 2.5 percent and 2.0 percent effective September 1, 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Stenger no longer working at Jay Peak
The federal receiver now running Jay Peak and Burke Mountain resorts revealed in early September that former Jay Peak CEO Bill Stenger is no longer an employee at Jay. Stenger, the face of Jay for two decades who was embroiled in the EB-5 foreign investor scandal, had the previous day issued a statement to the media indicating that he had entered into a settlement with the Securities & Exchange Commission over the civil suit they had brought against him. The federal judge has accepted the settlement. Stenger does not admit nor deny the allegations in the settlement. He could still face a penalty and the deal does not let him off the hook with regards to the suit the state is pursuing nor does it protect him from possible criminal charges. No criminal charges have been issued against anyone or any entity so far in the case, which was made public in April.
Jay Peak owner Ariel Quiros separately faces charges of fraudulently taking money from investors for his personal use. He currently is fighting the SEC in court over the charges and over the freezing of most of his assets in Vermont, his home state of Florida and in other places.
Shelburne again asks court to stop construction of salt shed
The Town of Shelburne has filed a Motion for Stay, Temporary Restraining Order, Relief from the Court’s June 29, 2016 Option, Order for Expedited Discovery and Hearing, in United States District Court for the District of Vermont. Town said in mid-September that it is seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) ordering Vermont Railway, Inc to cease developing property located at 2087 Shelburne Road. The town said the Court’s decision of June 29, 2016, was based on incomplete information and possibly purposefully false testimony by Barrett Trucking and Vermont Railway, Inc witnesses. The Court in June, without fully settling the issue, gave Vermont Railway the green light to continue construction on the salt shed and related facilities off Route 7.
Vermont Railway said in response that, “We are disappointed by the careless and incorrect accusations made by the town in yet another attempt to delay this project which is vital for the upcoming winter season." It planned an open house on September 30 and expects to operate the salt shed as scheduled.
The Town said it came into the possession of the August 10, 2016, meeting minutes of the Vermont State Infrastructure Bank, which the town says demonstrates that Barrett Trucking had received a $1,457,883 loan “to fund a portion of the construction of a transload intermodal facility located on land owned by Vermont Railway (VTR) in Shelburne Vermont” as well as additional funding from a $2.5 million loan.
Workers and families saw solid gains in 2015
After years of stagnant or falling incomes, Vermonters across the board enjoyed income gains in 2015, according to new US Census data. Median household income rose 5.1 percent last year. But low-income households made even more progress, with average income for the bottom 20 percent of households rising 8.5 percent.
Survey finds Vermont businesses less pessimistic than earlier in the year
Nearly 200 Vermont businesses completed the latest semi-annual economic survey in July regarding the outlook of Vermont’s small- to medium-sized businesses. The survey, presented by Davis and Hodgdon Associates CPAs and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, revealed that while business owners do not see improvement in the Vermont and US economies, they are less pessimistic than they were in January. The survey also revealed that health insurance costs (60.1 percent) was the top issue, ahead of taxes (49.4 percent) and finding qualified employees (48.9 percent).
VTrans secures another $16 million in federal highway funds
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has received an additional $16 million in federal highway funding after the state met all of its fiscal year deadlines for federally-funded projects. When states or other federal entities which are funded through the federal highway trust fund do not fully utilize their federal funds in a given year, the Federal Highway Administration makes those funds available to other states that have successfully obligated their allotment of federal dollars.
Public Service Dept issues draft energy planning standards
The Department of Public Service has released a public review draft of the energy planning determination standards and recommendations called for in Act 174, the Energy Development Improvement Act. The Department is due to issue final standards and recommendations by November 1. The public is encouraged to review and comment on the draft standards and recommendations through October 20. In addition, the Department will host a public hearing to present the draft standards and gather feedback in Randolph on October 11. Along with the expected expansion of solar and biogas for energy, the plan encourages expansion of in-state wind energy and conversion of fossil fuel heating systems to wood.
Lake Champlain cleanup plan sent to EPA
State of Vermont has submitted its final Lake Champlain implementation plan to the Environmental Protection Agency. The comprehensive cleanup plan addresses phosphorus pollution sources across all sectors, including agricultural, developed and forested lands, as well as roads and eroding stream channels.
Vermont Ag Agency files final proposed water quality rule for all farms
On September 14, 2016, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets filed the Required Agricultural Practices (RAP) Final Proposed Rule with the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) and the Vermont Secretary of State’s office. This filing represents the final step in the public rulemaking process the Agency has been engaged in since October of 2015. Public comment to the RAPs generally has been that they don't go far enough to meet the total maximum daily load (TMDL) standards set by the EPA.
The report says the EPA estimates that nutrient losses from agricultural activities represent 29 percent of the total phosphorous load to the Lake Champlain basin and over 40 percent of Vermont’s contribution to the phosphorous load to the basin. Agriculture contributes non-point source pollution to surface and groundwater from multiple sources, including cropland erosion, farmstead management, crop storage, and manure storage and application.
GMCB agrees to 3.9 percent increase for Vermont hospitals
The GMCB has announced their hospital budget decisions for Vermont’s 14 community hospitals. The FY 2017 budgets are effective October 1. The Hospitals initially requested a 5 percent or roughly $114-million-dollar increase to health care costs within the state. After a thorough review, the Board approved a 3.9 percent Net Patient Revenue increase. The Board made reductions to budgets for volume overages and bad debt and free care estimates, and adjusted for the hospitals’ physician acquisition dollars. The four-year average hospital net patient growth of 3.3 percent allowed for the hospitals’ low commercial health insurance price increase of 1.75 percent.
GMP sends Enel 17MW hydro agreement to PSB
Green Mountain Power has announced that it has filed with the Public Service Board an agreement with Enel Green Power NA to acquire 14 of Enel's small hydroelectric power stations located mainly in northern New England, with an approximate total capacity of 17 megawatts. GMP has also entered into a power purchase agreement with Enel for the rights to the output of two other Enel hydroelectric power stations in accordance with a 25-year PPA. The deal, GMP said in a statement, will create one of the lower cost renewable resources in GMP’s energy portfolio. GMP also said that it expects to sell a limited number of renewable energy credits from some of the plants to reduce costs for customers in the short term.
Vermont Chamber names Bill Stritzler of Smugglers’ Notch Resort Citizen of the Year
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has selected Bill Stritzler as its 2016 Citizen of the Year. Stritzler’s contributions to Vermont will be celebrated at an awards dinner on Wednesday, November 16 at Smugglers’ Notch Resort. Stritzler was selected by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce for the Citizen of the Year Award for his extensive community involvement and continual devotion to the betterment of Vermont.
AG joins antitrust lawsuit against maker of opioid addiction treatment drug Suboxone
Attorney General Bill Sorrell has joined 35 other state attorneys general in a lawsuit filed in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Indivior — the maker of Suboxone, a brand name prescription drug used to treat opioid addiction — and MonoSol Rx. The attorneys general alleged that the companies engaged in a scheme to block generic competition for Suboxone and have caused purchasers to pay artificially high prices since 2009, in violation of state and federal antitrust laws.
Over $4 million in transit grants will buy new buses and pilot new services
Just over $4 million in transit grants has been awarded to Green Mountain Transit and the Ascutney, Windsor and St Johnsbury regions. A $3.9 million Federal Transit Administration competitive grant was awarded to the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) for purchasing buses for Green Mountain Transit (formerly known as CCTA), the largest transit provider in Vermont. This critical funding will help with purchasing approximately 10 large vehicles to replace nearly 10 percent of their aging fleet. This will allow GMT to continue to provide Vermonters with over 3 million trips per year to jobs, schools, shopping, medical facilities, recreation and personal business.
Housing Vermont gets $2 million for affordable housing
The Vermont congressional delegation has announced a $2 million grant to Housing Vermont to help provide affordable housing to low-income families in the state. Housing Vermont is a Burlington-based nonprofit founded in 1988, which creates permanently affordable rental housing and enables investments in economic and community development to benefit Vermonters through partnerships with local organizations, public agencies and the private sector. Housing Vermont has built 5,120 affordable apartments in 171 developments throughout the state.
Burlington to create downtown energy district to capture wasted heat
The City of Burlington wants to use waste heat from several major sources around town, which otherwise would be vented into the atmosphere, and use it to heat buildings and create hot water. Mayor Miro Weinberger today at a news conference outside the Burlington Town Center announced the formation of a unique City partnership with institutions, utilities, district energy advocates, and landowners to bring Burlington the potential for significant energy savings.
Vermont Tech celebrates 150th anniversary
Vermont Technical College has kicked off its sesquicentennial celebrations with anniversary events throughout the state at its various campus locations. Alumni and community members will be welcome to attend receptions and events in Williston, Randolph Center, Bennington and Brattleboro. Founded in 1866 as the Randolph Normal School, it served the community in educating teachers. The Randolph Center hilltop school had previously been the Orange County Grammar School from 1806-1866.
USDA announces $17.9 million for 18 water projects
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that 18 communities across Vermont are receiving a total of $17.9 million in loans and grants to improve water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure through the USDA’s Water and Environmental Program. The funding is the largest single-year investment the agency has made in Vermont’s environmental infrastructure since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
VEC distributes $500,000 in member-owner patronage capital
Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) has announced the distribution of $500,000 in patronage capital funds to member-owners in 2016. Patronage capital is each member’s share of remaining funds after the cooperative utility pays its operating expense. The VEC Board of Directors determines annually whether the co-op is in a strong enough financial position to return portions of patronage capital to members, and, if so, they decide which years and what percentage from those years to refund.
Up to $42 million in NIH grants awarded to Dartmouth-Hitchcock
Researchers at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine and Dartmouth-Hitchcock health system have been awarded up to $42 million to investigate environmental influences on child health. The highly competitive awards are part of a $157 million, seven-year initiative known as Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) that was announced in September by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
New grant program could provide up to $10 million for Waterbury Dam repairs
The US Senate passed an amendment introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) that would allow Vermont to apply for up to $10 million for repairs to the Waterbury Dam, which was built in the 1930s. The amendment was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Proposal for Vermont to buy power dams appears dead
The state likely will not buy a series of 13 power dams on the Connecticut and Deerfield rivers in hopes of stabilizing power prices. Instead, state officials are talking about pursing a long-term power purchase agreement from whoever winds up owning the properties. State officials have said that the purchase price estimated at $800 million to $1.2 billion would be too expensive for the state to undertake.
UVM alumnus commits $1.75 million to Grossman School of Business
University of Vermont alumnus Stephen Ifshin ’58 has pledged $1.75 million to support a proposed expansion to Kalkin Hall, home of the Grossman School of Business on the UVM campus. Ifshin’s commitment brings total support for the anticipated $11 million project to over $7 million. Stephen Ifshin is chairman of DLC Management Corp, which he founded with his son, Adam, in 1991. DLC Management Corp. is now one of the nation’s preeminent shopping center developers.
VPR gets $1 million matching gift from Byrne Foundation
Vermont Public Radio has received a $1 million commitment from the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation in support of the VPR Next Campaign. The Byrne Foundation gift’s intention is to inspire members of the VPR audience to participate in the Campaign. With this announcement, all gifts to the campaign moving forward will be matched by the foundation, up to a total of $1 million.
VNA Respite House opens in Colchester
The Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties (VNA) has opened the doors to the new McClure Miller VNA Respite House. The ribbon cutting celebrated completion of the 21-room Respite House which will replace the current 13-room Vermont Respite House located in Williston. Construction of the state-of-the-art building, named in honor of local benefactors and long-time hospice advocates Holly and Bob Miller and Lois McClure, began in the fall of 2015.
Vermont gets $3 million from National Housing Trust Fund
Vermont will be one of the first states in the nation to receive funding from the National Housing Trust Fund. Vermont had submitted a proposal to HUD for $3 million, which Senator Leahy and others have been advocating for since 2008 when the Fund was created. The Housing Trust Fund is the only federal program that provides new money to specifically expand affordable rental housing to extremely low-income households, most of which fall below the federal poverty line.
GMCB approves emergency CON for Burlington Labs
Faced with the imminent demise of an important resource in the fight against opiate addiction, the Green Mountain Care Board has approved Burlington Labs' Emergency Certificate of Need. The health care regulator agreed that it was urgent to approve the CON because of its tenuous financial situation and the important role Burlington Labs plays in opiate treatment statewide. It will also save 140 Vermont jobs.
Feds kick in $1.4 million to help redevelop Burlington's Moran plant
The US Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.4 million grant to the city of Burlington to help restore, redevelop, and enhance resiliency of the Moran Plant, a former Municipal Electric Generating Station and nationally recognized historic site.
Howard Center, union ratify contract
Howard Center management has confirmed that the agency’s Board of Trustees have approved a two-year contract with Local 1674 of AFSCME Council 93, which represents 723 Howard Center direct care workers, 112 of whom are members of the union. The agency, based in Burlington, employs over 1500 employees.
Two NEK farms get USDA funding to expand value added products
US Department of Agriculture officials from across the country visited the Center for an Agricultural Economy in Hardwick in September to announce grant funding to two farms connected with the Center: Snug Valley Farm of Hardwick and Sweet Rowen Farmstead of Glover. Both farms received Value Added Producer Grants from the USDA to strengthen their businesses through product development, distribution and marketing. Snug Valley Farm will get nearly $200,000 and Sweet Rowen Farmstead will get nearly $50,000.
VSAC gets $2.8 million Talent Search grant
The Vermont congressional delegation has announced that Vermont Student Assistance Corp. will receive $2.8 million over six years to encourage more Vermont students to pursue higher education. The federal education grant will serve over 1,000 students at 40 Vermont schools. In a visit to Burlington High School, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) said the Talent Search grant will ensure that more Vermonters earn a postsecondary degree or credential needed for their future careers.
FairPoint upgrades service in 38 towns
FairPoint Communications has completed broadband expansion projects in 38 towns in Vermont. As a result of these upgrades, faster broadband speeds are available to approximately 39,250 locations in these communities – including some addresses for the first time.
HHS awards $548,467 for health centers’ IT enhancements in Vermont
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M Burwell has awarded $548,467 in funding for 10 health centers in Vermont for health information technology enhancements. In total, the announcement includes $87 million in funding for 1,310 health centers in every US state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the Pacific Basin.
Northern Power revenue down, trading expected to resume
Northern Power Systems Corp of Barre has released its financial results and completed its quarterly filing requirements for its second quarter ended June 30, 2016. The company expects trading to resume. Northern Power was required to re-file its 2015 financial reports because of an error in when some foreign revenues could be accounted for. In so doing, the quarterly reports were delayed and trading was curtailed. The 2015 report was issued in July 2016. Northern Power is best-known for its remote generation systems, in particular its 100 kw wind turbines. Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2016 were $8.7 million, compared to $13.0 million in the second quarter of 2015, and $5.2 million in the first quarter of 2016. GAAP net loss for the second quarter of 2016 was $2.5 million, compared to a net loss of $2.7 million in the prior year second quarter, and a loss of $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2016. Order backlog at June 30, 2016 was approximately $33 million as compared to $40 million at June 30, 2015, and $29 million at March 31, 2016.
Champlain Housing Trust exceeds governor’s goal for housing homeless
The Champlain Housing Trust has exceeded a benchmark set by Governor Shumlin to house more people who are without a home. In April, 2016 the Governor signed an Executive Order which “calls for owners of housing that receive state funds to make available at least 15 percent of their portfolio of housing units to Vermonters experiencing homelessness.” The Housing Trust identified 16 percent of the residents of its rental portfolio fitting the criteria under the Order.
GMP, SunCommon launch Vermont solar storage partnership
Green Mountain Power and SunCommon will partner to allow customers to store their solar power for security during a power outage. The first of its kind program in Vermont partners a utility with a solar company to offer home storage that both strengthens the grid and allows homes to power from solar during outages. Through the program, Vermonters can add a SunCommon solar system and the Tesla Powerwall to their homes with no upfront cost and a fixed monthly payment.
Tourism Dept to award $75,000 in matching grants through Market Vermont
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing has announced that it will award $75,000 in dollar-for-dollar matching grants through the Market Vermont program to help Vermont-based organizations and businesses promote themselves outside of the state. Applicants may seek up to $10,000 for their project.
Onyx buys SunEdison assets in Vermont
Onyx Renewable Partners LP, a leader in the development and finance of commercial and industrial (C&I) and small scale utility solar projects in North America, has announced it has closed a deal to acquire a portfolio of C&I assets from SunEdison for an undisclosed amount. The portfolio consists of assets in California, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Details of the projects in Vermont were not immediately available.
Shumlin announces plan to allow lamprey treatment
Governor Peter Shumlin has approved a plan that would allow for lamprey treatment of the LaPlatte River – a tributary to Lake Champlain that has become a major source of lamprey – while protecting the drinking water supply serving the Champlain Water District. Joining the governor at the announcement was Jim Fay of the CWD, a representative of Senator Patrick Leahy’s office, Bill Archambault and Brad Young of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and state Natural Resources Agency and Health Department officials.
Porter Hospital's annual campaign boosted by $100,000 in challenge grants
Two major and anonymous financial commitments totaling $100,000 have been committed to Porter Medical Center in Middlebury in the form of “challenge grants” intended to encourage others to support the upcoming “People for Porter” annual campaign. Through these challenge grants, every donation made to Porter between September 15 and December 31 will be matched on a 2-1 basis by these donors according to Porter’s Vice President for Development Ron Hallman.
English and math testing up from last year
The new math and English standardized test scores for Vermont showed better results in nearly every category versus last year. However, the state Education secretary is downplaying any apparent improvement because the testing is only in its second year and she wants to use the new scores as the baseline going forward. As they were last year, the English scores showed greater proficiency among Vermont students than the math scores, except for the youngest students, with the discrepancy generally growing over time.
Seven non-profits get USDA grants to preserve affordable rural housing
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued $314,084 in grant funding to assist 58 homeowners preserve their homes during a news conference at the Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) in Montpelier. Seven Vermont and New Hampshire non-profits will use USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grants to make loans and grants to homeowners and rental apartment owners to make life-safety and other needed repairs.
Plaintiffs dismiss GMO labeling lawsuit against Vermont
In light of the new federal law establishing a “National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard,” the Grocery Manufacturers Association and other plaintiffs have agreed to voluntarily dismiss their lawsuit challenging Vermont’s Act 120, the state's GMO labeling law. As part of the stipulated dismissal, the attorney general secured plaintiffs’ agreement to pay the State $17,569.55 towards the costs incurred in defending Act 120.
Jim Hall promoted to president of The Vermont Country Store
The Orton family, proprietors of The Vermont Country Store, has announced that the company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Jim Hall has been promoted to president of the 70-year-old business. “Our family has been very impressed with Jim’s skills and successes in his role as COO, and we are thrilled to offer him the opportunity to lead our company,” said Eliot Orton, chairman of the company’s board of directors.
Kelly Brush Ride raises $425K for adaptive sports, ski racing safety
Fundraising for the 11th Annual Kelly Brush Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations surpassed $400,000. The ride supported the Kelly Brush Foundation’s mission to empower those living with paralysis through sport and recreation and to improve ski racing safety. More than 700 cyclists and 30 handcyclists, along with more than 100 volunteers participated in the event that was held on September 10 in Middlebury. The total amount raised was $425,000.
Franklin County woman convicted in $100,000 Medicaid fraud scheme
Julie Bushey of Highgate, Vermont was convicted on September 6, 2016 on two felony counts of Medicaid Fraud. The charges were related to a personal care services scheme in Franklin County that resulted in over $100,000 in losses to the Vermont Medicaid Program over a nearly five-year period. Karen Tucker, who was convicted in August on four counts of Medicaid fraud, orchestrated the scheme and enlisted Bushey and three other women to submit false timesheets.
Vermont Youth Conservation Corps’ food security project to go statewide
Young Vermonters from across the state are growing vegetables and pasture-raising chicken for 475 food-insecure families this growing season. Next year, with a $95,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation, Orleans County will join this innovative project that addresses hunger and simultaneously provides valuable youth development programming. Cianna, a high school student from the Burlington area, is one of about 100 Corps Members participating in the Food and Farm Program at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps this year.
Vermont AG: Sanders campaign email did not violate law
The Vermont Attorney General’s Office has concluded that an email solicitation by Bernie Sanders’ campaign in May of this year that stated Sanders’ support for several state and local candidates around the country, including Vermont state senate candidate Chris Pearson, and encouraged recipients to donate to these candidates, did not violate Vermont’s campaign finance laws.
VRRP recipient of $100,000 USCIS citizenship grant
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has awarded nearly $10 million in grants under two funding opportunities to 46 organizations that will help permanent residents prepare and apply for US citizenship. Located in 21 states, organizations will receive federal funding to support citizenship preparation services for permanent residents through September 2018. Of the $10 million, a grant of $100,000 has been awarded to US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Inc. – Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program.
Vermont attorney general sues operators of drive-in movie theater
The Vermont Attorney General’s Office has sued a New Hampshire couple for illegally soliciting contributions for a digital projector to “save” the Randall Drive-In located in Bethel. The Complaint alleges that the Defendants Adam Gerhard and Regina Franz, and a company operated by them, Capture the Dream, LLC, violated Vermont’s Consumer Protection Act when they raised money for the projector primarily through a crowdfunding campaign created on Kickstarter.com. At least 257 people donated more than $22,000, including several who donated upwards of $500 towards the projector. The projector was used at the Randall Drive-In only for the 2014 season, at which point the defendants took it to a New York drive-in operated by them.
According to the Attorney General’s Complaint, the Defendants made misrepresentations and omissions about the future of the Randall Drive-In, including that “rather than have this renaissance season be a Swan Song for the Randall Drive-In, we are asking for assistance” and that “digital cinema now threatens to close down the drive-in for good.”
The Complaint alleges that the Defendants made these statements despite knowing that the digital projector would not play a role at the Randall Drive-In beyond the 2014 season. The Defendants also misrepresented that the cost of the digital projector would be $75,000, and require a down payment of $20,000, when in fact, it cost $36,300 with a down payment of $6,000.
Vermont Lottery Director Greg Smith to leave post Oct 14
The Vermont Lottery Commission (VLC) has announced the resignation of Executive Director, Greg Smith, effective October 14. Smith is pursuing another opportunity after running Vermont's Lottery for over four years. A statement from the Lottery Commission said he is pursuing a new opportunity in the Midwest, but did not say exactly where he is going or what the position is.