Unemployment rate falls another tenth to 3.1 percent
The Vermont Department of Labor has reported that the seasonally-adjusted statewide unemployment rate for February was 3.1 percent. This reflects a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate of 3.2 percent. The comparable United States rate in February was 6.2 percent, which was a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the revised January estimate. The decline is largely due to a sharp decrease in the Labor Force from January. The number of unemployed also fell. Both the Labor Force and total Employed represent about 30,000 fewer workers than a year ago, which was pre-pandemic.
Vermont vaccine schedule
Governor Phil Scott recently announced the timeline for when all Vermonters age 16 and older will be eligible to make an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination by April 19. The goal is to have Vermonters fully immunized by July 1. Eligible Vermonters can schedule appointments on the state Department of Health’s registration site. In addition, eligible Vermonters can go through the federal pharmacy program at CVS, Walgreens or Kinney Drugs.
All Vermonters age 60 and older are now eligible. Also eligible are: People 16 and older who have chronic health conditions that put them at high risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes; residents and staff at nursing homes, assisted living communities and other types of group living facilities for older adults, veterans and people with developmental disabilities; school and childcare workers, first responders, 911 operators and corrections officers; health care workers who have direct patient contact, including clinical and support staff, emergency services personnel and home health caregivers.
The rest of the schedule includes: People 50 and older on March 29; 40 and older on April 5; 30 and older on April 1; 16 and older on April 19.
Bars and clubs reopen, household gatherings loosened
Governor Scott has announced updates to COVID-19 guidance for bars and social clubs, like American Legions and VFWs. These establishments are being moved under the state’s restaurant guidance, which will allow them to reopen March 24 within that sector’s current restrictions. These include operating at 50 percent capacity, requiring patrons to be seated at tables with a maximum of 6 per table, 6 feet of distance between parties, masking and more.
Recent loosening of restrictions also includes allowance for small, multi-household gatherings even if unvaccinated (one household to one household only at a time) and table seating at restaurants. The changes allow two unvaccinated households to gather at a time, and permits restaurants to seat multiple households together. But no more than six people can be seated at the same table. Masking, distancing, capacity limits, and other mitigation guidelines remain in place.
American Rescue Plan will bring $2.7 billion to Vermont
President Biden has signed the American Rescue Plan, which will bring much-needed financial relief to Vermonters and help to Vermont communities. Through direct assistance to Vermonters, financial aid for the State of Vermont and local municipalities, and dozens of other programs, the package will direct more than $2.7 billion in formula funding and economic payments to the state and to individual Vermonters. This includes the $1,400 in direct payments and updated UI payments, including $300 a week on top of regular UI benefits. Much of the state-directed funds offer more flexibility in who and when it can be spent (up to two years). It also can be directed toward major infrastructure projects. The governor has cited broadband, wastewater and climate change initiatives as major and costly needs.
The Vermont Legislature was working on a $150 million broadband bill at the end of March.
IRS and Vermont extend April 15 income tax deadline to May 17
The deadline for Vermont personal income tax filings for tax year 2020 has been extended from April 15 to May 17 in alignment with the federal due date change announced by the IRS earlier this week. This extension means taxpayers can file their 2020 Vermont personal income tax, and pay any tax owed, by May 17 without penalties and interest. This extended due date also applies to Vermont Homestead Declarations and Property Tax Credit Claims.
Vermont’s unemployment rate fell to 3.2 percent in January
The Vermont Department of Labor announced that the January 2021 unemployment rate was 3.2 percent. This reflects a decrease of three-tenths of one percentage point from the prior month’s upwardly revised estimate of 3.5 percent. The comparable United States rate in January was 6.3 percent, which was a decrease of four-tenths of one percentage point from the revised December estimate. Since last year, Vermont employers have nearly 30,000 fewer filled positions on payroll. This does not include about 5,000 more getting benefits through the federal PUA program.
UVM Health Network confronting $21.3M financial toll of COVID-19
March 11 will mark one year since the first patient diagnosed with COVID-19 received care from the UVM Health Network. Since that time, the Network has worked vigorously to fight the pandemic, educate our communities and distribute vaccines to stop the spread – all while focusing on safely meeting the health care needs of our patients across Vermont and Northern New York. However, as with other hospitals and health systems across the country, we continue to address financial challenges resulting from the pandemic, with a $21.3 million loss to date in the current fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2020.
Vermont gets $33 million in emergency funding for community health centers
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) announced Thursday that the state’s 11 federally qualified health centers will receive $33.37 million to expand access to vaccines, provide for ongoing testing and treatment, and ensure Vermonters are getting the care they need to recover from the hardship of the past year. This funding will be provided to health centers as a result of the American Rescue Plan, the stimulus package enacted earlier this month to provide relief and further address the health and economic crises we face.
VHCB awards $10.7M for affordable housing and to protect land, historic resources
At meetings in December and January, the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board awarded $6,360,027 in State funding and $4,341,136 in federal funds to preserve, rehabilitate and create 91 affordable homes and to protect 2,412 acres of agricultural and recreational land, forestland, natural areas and historic resources in 17 towns.
Weinberger says he made mistake not putting Racial Equity leader on BPD assessment
Mayor Miro Weinberger has released the following statement: “I made a mistake and I am now sharing a plan to fix it... Starting immediately, Tyeastia Green and the Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Department will manage the operational and functional assessment of the Burlington Police Department.”
Going forward, Director Tyeastia Green and the Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Department will manage the operational and functional assessment of the Burlington Police Department.
State General and Ed tax revenues stay ahead of targets
Vermont’s revenue results for February 2021 show that General and Education Fund revenues came in above target, while the Transportation Fund came in below target. The state’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts were a combined $32.82 million, or 23.8 percent above monthly consensus expectations.
The state’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts were a combined $32.82 million, or 23.8 percent above monthly consensus expectations.
General Fund revenues collected for the month totaled $108.65 million, or $31.4 million above the monthly consensus revenue target.
The Transportation Fund was $2.7 million, or 15.5%, below consensus expectations for the month, bringing in $14.77 million.
The Education Fund was $4.1 million, or 9.5%, above the monthly consensus target, having collected $47.2 million for the month.
Marathon Health names Wells CEO, adds to leadership team
Marathon Health, ranked the Number One provider of worksite health services two years running by KLAS research, today announces the appointments of Jeff Wells MD, Michael Van Atter, Mandy Berman and Matt Weissert to new senior leadership positions on the company’s executive team. These industry veterans will help drive Marathon Health’s ongoing growth and expansion efforts by delivering on the company’s core mission of improving the healthcare experience, producing health plan savings for employers and providing superior health outcomes for patients.
FEMA awards more than $5.7M in COVID-19 costs for food emergency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded more than $5.7 million is given to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, to pass through to Southern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) to cover the cost of the State of Vermont’s Emergency Feeding Program.
FEMA awards nearly $4M to Vermont for COVID-19 response
The State of Vermont received a grant totaling nearly $4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help reimburse expenses associated with COVID-19 response efforts. Since January 2020, COVID-19 has created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the public requiring emergency response and protective measures.
FEMA provides over $9.6 million to The UVMMC
The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded $9,609,431 to the University of Vermont Medical Center for its COVID-19 response efforts March 1-June 30, 2020. This Public Assistance (PA) grant funding is awarded for the development of testing sites, leases for sites and quarantine facilities, use of equipment, paying medical and technical support, and tracking procurement and distribution of supplies. The funds are reimbursed 100% through the PA program.
FEMA awards over $1 million to Vermont for COVID-19 response
The State of Vermont received a grant totaling over $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), awarded to help reimburse expenses associated with ongoing COVID-19 response efforts. The grant of $1,397,762 is given to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, to pass through to Southern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA), for food distribution to high risk populations. Work performed under this grant occurred from January 18 to February 14.
Weinberger wins fourth term as Burlington Mayor by 129 votes
Democratic Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger earned 43 percent of votes in defeating Progressive challenger and City Council President Max Tracy (42 percent). The total margin was 129 votes. Councilor Ali Dieng, an independent, finished third with 13 percent of votes. Tracy chose not to ask for a recount. Weinberger won a fourth term despite issues concerning police reform, the sale of Burlington Telecom, and the dormant CityPlace project.
Judge Peter Hall dies, 72
Peter W Hall, a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, a former United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, a prominent figure in the Rutland, Vermont, community, and a beloved colleague, family member and friend, died today in Rutland. He was 72 years old. His passing was announced by Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston. He announced last week that he was going into semi-retirement by taking senior status.
State to get $1.1M from medical device settlement with Boston Scientific
Attorney General TJ Donovan has announced that Vermont joined a multistate settlement with Boston Scientific Corporation to resolve allegations of deceptive marketing of its surgical mesh products for women. The settlement requires Boston Scientific to pay $188.6 million to 47 states and the District of Columbia to resolve allegations that it deceptively marketed transvaginal surgical mesh devices to patients. Vermont’s share of the settlement is $1,106,151.
Report: Affordable housing supply in Vermont is insufficient
The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes, a new report released March 18, 2021, by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), finds a national shortage of nearly seven million affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income (ELI) renter households, those with incomes at or below the poverty level or 30 percent of their Area Median Income (AMI).
Norwich receives $2.9M federal contract for transportation simulations
Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) has been awarded a three-year $2.9 million contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to expand the Distributed Environment for Critical Infrastructure Decision-Making Exercises (DECIDE) cyber training platform. DECIDE was initially developed in tandem with and transitioned to the financial services sector; this new effort will build similar simulation-based scenarios and exercises specific to the transportation sector.
Vermont gets $3 million from National Housing Trust Fund
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) applauded the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s announcement that the National Housing Trust Fund will receive a record $711 million this year to build, preserve and rehabilitate affordable rental housing for extremely low-income families. Vermont will receive a $3 million allocation from the trust fund, which will be disbursed later this year.
Norwich gets $1.6M grant to develop experiential cybersecurity education
Norwich University has been awarded a two-year $1.6 million grant from the National Security Agency and is the lead institution in the Evidencing Competency Oversight Project, supporting the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Program. The project consists of three simultaneous efforts defining experiential education in higher education cyber programs.
Governor Scott signs budget adjustment bill
Governor Phil Scott today signed H138, An act relating to fiscal year 2021 budget adjustments. This annual budget adjustment includes technical mid-year adjustments to the current fiscal year (FY21) budget, but also includes important funding for ongoing Coronavirus response and relief needs as well as other priorities, including education and modernization of policing. It also includes support for the Everyone Eats Program; $3.5 million from ESSER II federal funds to provide a Burlington High School facility renovation grant; and $2.8 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to pay the 1,500 applications from landlords waiting for back rent from November and early December.
GlobalFoundries and Vermont Tech strengthen education partnership
GlobalFoundries (GF) and Vermont Technical College have established a partnership program which offers GF employees the opportunity to further their education at Vermont Tech in undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs at discounted tuition rates. Additionally, employees can further benefit through GF’s tuition reimbursement program. For Vermont Tech, partnering with GF brings experienced professionals to the campus, broadening the learning experience for current attendees and providing a pipeline of new students.
State prevails in mask enforcement action against Newport store
With Orleans Superior Court Judge Mary Miles Teachout presiding, the court today ruled for the state on the final merits of its enforcement action against HNR Desautels LLC, currently doing business as Derby Port Press, and its owner, Andre “Michael” Desautels. Judge Teachout accordingly ordered the defendants to stop violating Governor Scott’s Executive Order and Addenda.
Rebecca Foster named CEO of VEIC
The VEIC Board of Directors has appointed Rebecca Foster to serve as VEIC’s new Chief Executive Officer. Foster was named interim CEO in July 2020 and has been a steadfast leader through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic over the past nine months. With more than two decades of experience in the clean energy industry, and 10 years at VEIC, she is a proven and trusted leader, dedicated to the organization’s success.
Dan Werme named NBT Vermont regional president
NBT Bank’s President of New England Stephen Lubelczyk has announced that Daniel Werme has assumed the position of Regional President of Vermont and Massachusetts.
Public Safety, anti-domestic violence groups receive $1M grant
A nearly $1 million federal grant awarded to the Vermont Department of Public Safety will launch an innovative partnership with community advocacy organizations and a national research group aimed at reducing domestic violence in Vermont.
US motor vehicle deaths highest in 13 years, Vermont largest
For the first time since 2007, preliminary data from the National Safety Council show that as many as 42,060 people are estimated to have died in motor vehicle crashes in 2020. That marks an 8 percent increase over 2019 in a year where people drove significantly less frequently because of the pandemic. Vermont saw a fatal crash increase of 32 percent, which is the largest increase in the nation.
Community Mutual Insurance Company names Galfetti new president
The Board of Directors of Community Mutual Insurance Company voted unanimously last week to elect Jennifer P Galfetti as President of the Company, and Schuyler M Ryan as Treasurer. The promotions were announced at the Company’s annual meetings held on March 17, 2021. Community Mutual Insurance Company is part of the Union Mutual of Vermont Companies, a property-casualty insurance group consisting of Union Mutual Fire Insurance and New England Guaranty Insurance Company Inc, both based in Montpelier, Vermont.
WhistlePig and Ben & Jerry’s mix it up with ‘Whiskey Biz’
Finally, a whiskey you can enjoy by the pint. Two Vermont-based companies, WhistlePig Whiskey and Ben & Jerry’s, have stirred up a ganache-topped ice cream concoction called Whiskey Biz. The Whiskey Biz Topped flavor is a brown butter bourbon ice cream with blonde brownies & WhistlePig Whiskey-infused caramel swirls, topped with white chocolatey ganache & white fudge chunks. It is the first Vermont-sourced ingredient for Ben & Jerry’s since chocolate chip cookie dough in the early 1990s.
Vermont Federal CU expands to Essex and South Burlington
Vermont Federal Credit Union has announced the acquisition and impending opening of two new Credit Union branch locations. The first branch is located at One Carmichael Street in Essex. The facility, which is located in the Essex Town Center, will provide members and residents of the surrounding community with easy access to a full suite of financial services including a multi-lane drive-thru and 24-hour ATM access. The branch is expected to open to the public early June 2021.
South Burlington Truck Depot fined $20K for hazardous waste violations
The Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that Timberlake Associates, L.L.P. and C-Store Contracting, LTD., owners and operators of a Truck Depot facility in South Burlington, were fined $20,000 for multiple violations of Vermont Hazardous Waste Management Rules.
CVSWMD hires Liotta as general manager
The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) has hired Lisa Liotta as its new General Manager. Liotta comes with over 25 years in business management as CVSWMD’s former ARCC Operations Manager, a Park Manager with Vermont State Parks, and lead business and analyst roles as an independent consultant and in private industry. Liotta is replacing former CVSWMD General Manager Cathleen Gent, who is retiring in April.
Carol Weston promoted to director of Efficiency Vermont
Efficiency Vermont has named longtime staff leader and lifelong Vermonter Carol Weston as the energy efficiency utility’s new director. Weston has been with Efficiency Vermont for nearly a decade, most recently serving as Efficiency Vermont’s Director of Operations. Weston will replace former Efficiency Vermont Director Rebecca Foster, who is transitioning to the role of CEO of VEIC – the Winooski-based non-profit organization that operates Efficiency Vermont under an order of appointment from the Vermont Public Utility Commission. Foster will continue to work closely with Efficiency Vermont leadership in her new role.
United Way to distribute $1.7 million in community funding
United Way of Northwest Vermont—an organization dedicated to improving lives in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties—announces its plans to distribute $1.7 million in community funding in 2021, raised through a combination of United Way’s annual community campaign, federal grants and United Way’s COVID-19 response and recovery funds. The new funding distribution begins in June.
General Gary Keefe announced as Norwich commissioning speaker
Norwich University’s graduating future officers will hear remarks from a fellow alumnus at this spring’s joint services commissioning ceremony. Major General Gary Keefe ’86, US Air Force Reserve and Massachusetts National Guard adjutant general, returns to the Norwich campus to speak to ROTC commissioning officers during a formal ceremony at 3 pm May 1.
Scott names three to Cannabis Control Board
Governor Phil Scott announced today that he has appointed James Pepper of Montpelier, Julie Hulburd of Colchester and Kyle Harris of Montpelier to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB). The CCB was created by Act 164 of 2020 for the purpose of safely, equitably and effectively implementing and administering the laws and rules regulating adult-use cannabis in Vermont. It is responsible for establishing, administering and regulating a cannabis regulatory system for commercial cannabis cultivators, wholesalers, product manufacturers, retailers and testing laboratories.
Scott announces over $260,000 in planning funds to Bethel, Lyndon and Poultney
Governor Phil Scott, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) today announced that $262,500 has been awarded to the towns of Bethel, Lyndon and Poultney through the Better Connections Grant Program, which seeks to help cities and towns build stronger communities that are more livable and walkable.
Kathleen Berk named VSHA’s next executive director
The Board of the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) announced today the appointment of Kathleen R Berk for the position of Executive Director. Berk will assume her new role on June 1. Richard M Williams who joined the Housing Authority in July 1974 and has led the agency as Executive Director since 1984, will retire at the end of July. Berk, a native Vermonter, joined the Authority in 1988 and held a variety of positions serving as Director of Housing Program Administration since 1991.
Weinberger, racial leaders respond to 7D article that Dodson plagiarized report
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger and the City of Burlington Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging both issued statements Friday evening in response to a Seven Days story that found that Director of Police Transformation Kyle Dodson both plagiarized portions of what was a very short final report (1,542 words according to Seven Days) and made scathing comments about the community. Dodson was quoted in the article as saying, “The community didn’t want transformation. Blacks and activists want revenge, that’s understandable, but it’s deeply problematic.”
Restaurants and businesses benefit with two-year tax deduction on dining expenses
This is the 2nd pandemic for the iconic 103-year old Wayside Restaurant in Montpelier, VT. There were no government programs to help them get back on their feet in 1918. Thanks to newly announced coronavirus legislation, there is great opportunity on the horizon. A business owner can now enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at a local restaurant with a valued client or prospective customer and take a 100 percent tax deduction. This is great news for restaurants struggling across America.