Vermont gets millions in new Appropriations as Leahy casts final vote
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, December 22, 2022, cast his final vote in the US Senate, and it was on a bill he led in writing: the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that funds the federal government. Leahy has now cast 17,374 votes, the second-highest vote total in Senate history. He is the third longest serving senator. Leahy, 82, was first elected in 1974. The bill contains more than $212 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) included by Leahy, for 38 projects across Vermont.
In addition Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) on the same day announced more than $42 million, which he secured on behalf of 51 Vermont projects, has been included in the $1.7 trillion omnibus legislation that passed the US Senate. Sanders’ Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects for the Fiscal Year 2023 address critical needs across Vermont, including in health care, childcare, infrastructure, clean energy and water, farming and agriculture, education, and housing. The year-end spending package, to fund the government through 2023.
November tax revenues surge ahead of targets
The state’s tax revenues continue to exceed expectations, led by the personal income tax (the most important source) and the corporate tax (which tends to fluctuate.) The State’s General Fund, Transportation Fund, and Education Fund receipts in November were a combined $210.7 million, or 5.8%, above monthly consensus expectations.
For the first five months of the state’s fiscal year, combined revenues across all three funds were 6.5% above combined consensus target.
General Fund revenues collected in November totaled $129.7 million, $8.9 million above the monthly consensus cash flow revenue target. Year to date, General Fund revenues were $68.5 million, or 9.2%, above consensus. Revenues for most consumption taxes have also moved up, but at a lesser rate than the two income tax sources.
Revenues into the Transportation Fund were $23.5 million, $0.7 million above the consensus target. Year to date, receipts are still below expectations by -$1.6 million, or -1.2%. The two fuel taxes continue to lag, while Motor Vehicles Purchase and Use receipts strengthened.
Education Fund revenues were $1.9 million, or 3.3%, above the monthly consensus cash flow target, having collected $57.6 million in November. For the first five months of the fiscal year, the Education Fund comfortably outperformed the consensus estimate by $9.5 million, or 3.2%, bolstered by the sales and rooms & meals taxes.
Vermont’s unemployment rate increases to 2.5% in November
The Vermont Department of Labor has reported that the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate for November was 2.5 percent. This reflects an increase of two-tenths of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate. The Labor Force improved but both the number of employed (down 209) and the number of unemployed (up 547) contributed to the rate increase. October’s rate also saw an increase of two-tenths as the major indices revealed mediocre results, but they have shown vast improvement from the same time last year. The rate during the summer fell to 2.1 percent, which is the state’s historic low. The civilian labor force participation rate was 61.7 percent in November, unchanged from the prior month. Vermont has the fifth lowest unemployment rate. Minnesota is lowest 2.2 percent, while Nevada is highest as 4.9 percent. The US rate of 3.7 percent is unchanged.
Governor Scott launches voluntary paid family and medical leave
Governor Phil Scott has announced that the State of Vermont has hired The Hartford to create the Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance Plan (VT-FMLI), a voluntary paid family and medical leave program that will give all working Vermonters access to affordable paid family and medical leave insurance by 2025. Legislative leaders responded by stating that they will push for universal coverage with more comprehensive benefits. The plan, similar to a previously proposed Twin State Voluntary Leave Plan put forward in 2019 with the State of New Hampshire, will be available to employers in 2024, and individuals not covered in Phase II beginning in 2025. To help make the benefits more affordable, the program will be anchored by the State employee workforce, who will start receiving coverage in July 2023.
‘Visionary’ Vermont entrepreneur Will Raap dies, 73
Will Raap, an influential Vermont entrepreneur best known for founding Gardener’s Supply in 1983 and later the Intervale Center in Burlington, died December 12, after a long illness. He had bypass surgery in early 2022. He was 73. More recently he bought the Nordic Farm, with its famous red roof, on Route 7 in Charlotte and turned it into Earthkeep Farmcommon, which supports regenerative agricultural practices.
Montpelier gets $19.5M from USDA for water infrastructure
Sarah Waring, State Director for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) in Vermont and New Hampshire, has announced a $19,519,000 investment for the city of Montpelier to upgrade and expand sewer and stormwater infrastructure through USDA’s Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program. She also introduced Rural Energy Specialist Ken Yearman as Director of RD Business Programs (BP) – VT/NH, who assumes the position vacated by former BP Director Cheryl Ducharme in May 2022.
Blue Cross to halt relationship with OneCare Vermont in 2023
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont has announced that they will forego a contract with OneCare Vermont (OCV) for the 2023 plan year. Despite having collaborated with OCV every year since its inception, Blue Cross is unable to reach an agreement this year due to the lack of tangible quality outcomes, inability to bend the cost curve, and the new data approach that introduces concerns about security and privacy. For nearly a decade the local non-profit health plan has led in the development of the commercial health insurance component of the Vermont All Payer Model (APM). As the first APM model is revised, improvements must be incorporated to better serve a diverse commercial population. Meanwhile, Governor Scott said he believed an agreement could still be negotiated and that even with the BCBSVT decision, no one will lose any health insurance coverage.
GlobalFoundries cuts 148 from Vermont plant
GlobalFoundries has laid off 148 employees in Vermont, or about 7% of it local workforce. The global, $32 billion semiconductor company is the state’s largest private, for-profit employer, with about 2,000 workers at its plant in Essex Junction. GF, based in Malta, NY, previously announced it was planning to cut about 800 of its 15,000 international workforce (about 5%), mainly from non-manufacturing positions. The local GF plant is a major supplier of chips found in cell phones and other small devices. It recent years it has constantly been seeking workers for its manufacturing line. In Vermont in 2022, US Senator secured a $30 million grant for upgrades in the plant and GF also received unprecedented approval from the Vermont Public Utilities Board to become its own electric utility, in order to save on energy costs. GF is the largest electric consumer in the state, using more electricity than the City of Burlington.
VT gets $19.6 million for affordable housing funding
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBank Boston) has awarded nearly $19.6 million in grants, loans, and interest-rate subsidies to support 32 affordable housing initiatives in New England and beyond. These projects, funded in part through FHLBank Boston’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP), will create or preserve 929 rental and homeownership units for individuals and families earning up to 80% of the area median income. As part of this funding round, Vermont received $900,000 for 78 affordable units of rental and homeownership housing in Hinesburg, Randolph, and Vergennes.
RRMC and Brattleboro Retreat partner on pilot telepsychiatry network project
Children experiencing an acute mental health crisis will have faster access to initial treatment thanks to a pilot project pairing emergency room doctors at Rutland Regional Medical Center with psychiatric specialists at the Brattleboro Retreat. Called the Vermont Emergency Telepsychiatry Network, the project is funded and managed by The Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care and is expected to be fully operational early next year. The Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care, Inc (VPQHC) received a $901,123 Congressionally Directed Spending grant from Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support the coordination of a state-wide Vermont Emergency Telepsychiatry Network (VETN).
Scott, Condos formally enroll Prop 2 and Prop 5 into Vermont Constitution
Vermont Governor Phil Scott has issued two proclamations announcing the ratification and adoption of 2022’s Proposition 2 and Proposition 5, amending the Vermont Constitution. In a ceremony required by State law, Secretary of State Jim Condos certified to the Governor the articles of amendment had been adopted by the voters of the State. The amendments were enrolled on the parchment and deposited with the Secretary of State, making official the ratification and adoption by Vermont voters in the 2022 General Election.
NMC names Peter Wright Chief Executive Officer
Northwestern Medical Center has hired Peter J. Wright, FACHE, as the hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer. Wright most recently served as the President of Bridgton & Rumford hospitals, two rural facilities within Central Maine Healthcare. Wright will start at NMC in January of 2023. Wright fills the position previously held by Dr Dean French. French served for less than two years before announcing last May that he would leave for a Louisville-based health system. He has served as the President and CEO of Valley Regional Healthcare in New Hampshire; the Chief Operating Officer of Littleton Regional Hospital in New Hampshire; and Senior Director of Planning, Development, and Medical Group operations at Copley Hospital in Vermont. Wright holds a Master of Health Care Delivery Science from Dartmouth College, a Master of Science in Administration from St. Michael’s College
VCBB issues ‘Call to Action’ for Vermonters to challenge wrong FCC map data
The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is calling on all Vermonters to check their addresses on the FCC National Broadband Map and file a challenge if the information is incorrect. Correcting addresses that are incorrectly listed as served at speeds of 25/3 Mbps or greater by a wired or licensed wireless provider could mean millions of additional federal dollars to build out 100/100 Mbps fiber broadband across the state. The map shows service at addresses as reported by providers.
PSD releases results of statewide drive test of mobile wireless coverage
The Department of Public Service (PSD) has released results of a drive test, conducted in conjunction with the Agency of Transportation (AOT), to determine mobile wireless coverage throughout the state. “Access to mobile wireless service is a top priority for Vermonters, for this Administration, and for the Department,” said PSD Commissioner June Tierney. “We all know that there are many areas of the state that lack service. The drive tests will help to identify those areas so we can prioritize them for new coverage.”
UVMHN breaks ground on second housing project, childcare center for workers
The University of Vermont Health Network has held an official groundbreaking ceremony to announce a second investment in new housing in South Burlington, this time with an apartment building that will include a childcare facility for employees with families. Housing and childcare are key issues nationally and they present a major obstacle to recruit and retain a health care workforce. The newest apartment building project is part of the Network’s ongoing plan to address these challenges and reduce the reliance on costly temporary workers. UVMHN, with hospitals and health facilities on both the Vermont and New York sides of Lake Champlain, employs about 15,000 people.
Burlington School District sues Monsanto over PCBs
Burlington School District (BSD) has filed a lawsuit in federal court, suing Monsanto for its role in manufacturing, marketing and distributing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Contamination by PCBs led to the closure of Burlington High School (BHS) and Burlington Technical Center (BTC) in 2020 after air testing found concentrations significantly exceeded health and safety standards. Among other relief, the lawsuit seeks to recover for BSD’s injuries associated with the demolition and replacement of BHS/BTC that the District has been forced to undertake to provide students and staff with a safe learning and working environment; the project is estimated to cost at least $190 million.
DOC planning for grievance process modernization
The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) has announced that it will immediately move to digitize its grievance system and create an independent investigative unit following recommendations from a new report by the State Auditor’s Office. Vermont will be among the first states to deploy a digital, tablet-based grievance system statewide. The new software will move the current paper-based system—which involves collecting carbon copy forms and mailing them to a central office—directly onto the tablets all incarcerated individuals in Vermont already use for education, communicating with family, and entertainment. DOC is designing a larger technological modernization later next year but is expediting the plan for the new grievance system for early 2023.
Two charged with wire fraud in second indictment connected with Vermont kidnapping and murder
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont have charged Serhat Gumrukcu, 39, of Los Angeles, California, and Berk Eratay, 36, of Las Vegas, Nevada, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a murder-for-hire conspiracy and the January 6, 2018, kidnapping and death of Gregory Davis, a resident of Danville, Vermont. The wire fraud charge was added to existing murder for hire conspiracy charges against Gumrukcu and Eratay and Jerry Banks, 35, of Fort Garland, Colorado, and kidnapping charges against Banks. The defendants’ arraignment on the second superseding indictment was scheduled for December 29, 2022.
New fund pays students to take more college courses in early childhood education
Students pursuing a certificate or degree in early childhood education can get paid to increase the number of college courses they take and graduate sooner. A partnership between the Community College of Vermont (CCV) and Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) is leveraging funds secured by Vermont’s federal congressional delegation to pay students while they take college classes. Many students pursuing a career in early childhood education, otherwise known as childcare, are taking classes while working a full- or part-time job. The new Early Childhood Education (ECE) Residency Program pays students $3,500 if the student reduces their work time and takes more classes.
Orano completes dismantling of Vermont Yankee’s reactor core
In less than four years, the Orano group, based in France, has completed the cutting up and packaging of the vessel and internal components of the boiling water reactor at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power station in Vernon. Vermont Yankee went offline in December 2014. These operations, started in early 2019 after two years of preparatory studies, are part of a contract signed in 2017 with the NorthStar group. As the site owner, NorthStar is performing the accelerated decommissioning of the facility with expected completion in 2027. NorthStar acquired the site from Entergy, which was the last operator of the nuclear power station.
Williston Tech Company Polly Lays Off 17 People in Vermont
Williston-based Polly, a digital auto insurance marketplace for car dealers, has laid off 15 percent of its 255 employees, including 17 workers in Vermont. Tough times in the auto industry and in the economy overall are to blame, said Ben Jastatt, the company’s senior director of communications.
ISONE: New England’s power grid prepared for winter
New England should have adequate electricity supplies under mild and moderate weather conditions this winter, according to ISO New England, operator of the region’s electric grid. Prolonged periods of very cold weather continue to pose power system reliability risks, but ISO New England will use procedures and plans, including a rolling three-week energy supply forecast, with the goal of mitigating these conditions should they materialize. The ISO does not anticipate calling for controlled power outages this winter and would resort to this drastic step only to prevent a collapse of the power system that would take days or weeks to repair. In the event controlled power outages are needed, the ISO would coordinate this action with local utilities, which would then take the necessary actions to lower electricity demand in their areas.
Vermont takes #4 in latest energy efficiency state rankings
As Americans struggle to pay rising energy bills, leading states have instituted energy efficiency policies that cut utility bills—especially for those who need it most—while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the 2022 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. These policies can serve as models for the dozens of states that have yet to prioritize energy-saving upgrades to reduce costs for disadvantaged households. California comes in first place in the 50-state scorecard (which also includes Washington, DC) from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Rounding out the top 10 are Massachusetts (#2), New York (#3), Vermont (#4), Maine (#5), Washington, DC (#6), Maryland and Rhode Island (tied at #7), Connecticut (#9), and Minnesota (#10).
State issues permit to Casella to require innovative treatment of PFAS contaminates at Coventry landfill
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the issuance of the final Pretreatment Discharge permit by Watershed Management Division to Casella Waste for the continued authorization of the New England Waste Services of Vermont (NEWSVT) landfill in Coventry to discharge (collect and transport) leachate to the Montpelier Wastewater Treatment Plant. Leachate is generated from the decomposition of waste and precipitation coming into contact with the landfilled material. The water leaches out chemicals from the waste, including Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
UVM Medical Center wins health care climate challenge awards
UVM Medical Center’s ongoing work to create partnerships and programs focused on sustainability and environmental excellence in health care has again been recognized by a leading international advocate for sustainable practices. Health Care Without Harm, an international organization focused on environmental reform, sustainability and equity in health care, recently named UVM Medical Center as the recipient of its 2022 Health Care Climate Challenge Silver Awards for Renewable Energy and Climate Resilience.
PC Construction begins work on Middlebury Resource Recovery Center
PC Construction joined PurposeEnergy December 16 to officially break ground on the Middlebury Resource Recovery Center (MRRC), which will convert residual materials from food and beverage manufacturing into renewable energy and cleaned effluent. This innovative project will provide a lower-cost, local, greener alternative for food and beverage waste disposal. When fully operational, the MRRC will treat approximately 80,000 gallons per day of food waste and wastewater, converting over 90% of the organic content into renewable biogas that will be used to generate more than one megawatt of renewable electricity for Vermont homes and businesses.
Delegation hails locality pay recommendation for federal workers in Southeastern Vermont
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Senator-elect Peter Welch (D-Vermont) are praising the recommendation issued by the President’s Pay Agent to include Windsor and Orange Counties in Vermont, and Grafton and Sullivan County in New Hampshire, in the Boston area locality pay region. This action is a critical step in bringing federal salaries in Southeastern Vermont into greater parity with other area employers and making it easier for federal employers such as the White River Junction VA and the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab to recruit and retain talented employees.
Global Partners donates $2M for heating oil for families in Northeast
As the Northeast faces unprecedented uncertainty and challenges in the energy market, Global Partners LP has donated $2 million to provide heating oil for those in need. The donation was directed to seven states in the Northeast and distributed to local nonprofit entities serving low-income households: $1.3 million was evenly split between Massachusetts and New York; An additional $700,000 was split between Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Vermont ranks #3 for renewable energy production
As the world continues to deal with the realities of climate change, countries are increasingly turning towards renewable energy sources. Here in the U.S., the Biden administration has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent by 2030, but progress varies by state. According to a new report by The Motley Fool, which looks at renewable energy stats by state, Vermont ranks #3 in terms of percentage of total electric power generated by renewable energy sources. Iowa generates the most and Kentucky the least.
US Attorney collects $1.6M in civil and criminal actions in FY 2022
US Attorney Nikolas P Kerest has announced that the District of Vermont collected $1,597,621.03 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $1,076,812.47 was collected in criminal actions and $520,808.56 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the District of Vermont worked with other US Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $23,423.31 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.
USDA invests $2.13 million in Vermont and NH to rehabilitate housing for socially vulnerable rural people
State Director for US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) in Vermont and New Hampshire, Sarah Waring, have announced $2,136,062 in grant funding to improve housing and economic opportunity for socially vulnerable rural residents in the Twin States. USDA is making the investments through its Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program, Housing Preservation Grants (HPG), Community Facilities Disaster Relief Grants (CF) and a partnership with the Northern Border Regional Commission. The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure that people living in rural America have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they deserve.
RuralEdge and Evernorth celebrate 23 affordable apartments in West Burke
Evernorth and RuralEdge were joined by community members, funders and local elected officials have celebrated the newly renovated buildings and significant progress to a newly constructed building on Burkeland Lane. Burkeland Lane (formerly known as West Burke Housing and Pilgrim Manor) is a mixed-generation affordable housing property located in the heart of West Burke. West Burke village is a small, but thriving community fueled by tourism. The local rental market, like much of Vermont, has been affected by significant rent increases and the conversion of rental units into short-term rentals. These market realities make Burkeland Lane, which will remain permanently affordable, a critical community resource.
$50K now available for Trade Show Assistance Grants
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is now accepting applications for Trade Show Assistance Grants. Funded by the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI), these grants provide Vermont agricultural and forestry businesses with funds to identify, plan, exhibit, and sell their Vermont products at out-of-state and international trade shows or virtual shows targeting out-of-state buyers. WLEI has set aside $50,000 to support Vermont businesses with their tradeshow marketing between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. Trade Show Assistance Grants provide 50% reimbursement on eligible expenses to help mitigate the financial risks associated with exhibiting at trade shows.
Smugglers’ Notch adds new employee benefit – full day child care
The award-winning, family-friendly Resort, Smugglers’ Notch, has added a new employee benefit – full day child care and camps, at no cost to the employee. These new benefits will accommodate parents who desire employment at the Resort while their children attend a full day of supervised fun and games. Smuggs anticipates a one-stop-shop experience for parents, providing them with the ability to drive to the Resort and have their children with them. It seems like the perfect time and cost saving solution.
Leahy designates $10 million for Champlain College
Champlain College will receive $10 million in congressionally directed spending as part of the 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill thanks to former Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) The funds are intended to support a new STEAM building and capital improvements as the College expands its STEAM programs, including continued growth of Champlain’s renowned cybersecurity and digital forensics programs, focused efforts in health and the bio-life sciences, and preparation for high-tech careers that foster being more human in a digital world.
Ludlow officer will not be prosecuted for fatal officer-involved shooting
The Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the Orange County State’s Attorney’s Office has announced the conclusions of their independent reviews of the fatal officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on August 15, 2022, in Ludlow, Vermont. Attorney General Susanne Young and Orange County State’s Attorney Dickson Corbett have declined to prosecute Ludlow Police Officer Zachary Paul for charges related to the fatal shooting of Michael Mills. State’s Attorney Corbett agreed to conduct an independent review of the investigation, as the Windsor County State’s Attorney’s Office recused itself. Based on the facts and circumstances and consistent with Vermont law, Attorney General Young and State’s Attorney Corbett have independently concluded that the use of force by Officer Paul was objectively reasonable and justified.
For more NewsBriefs go to vermontbiz.com/news.