Roundup of news from April
Scott vetoes S.5, will 'financially punish' those who can't afford it
S.5, An act relating to affordably meeting the mandated greenhouse gas reductions for the thermal sector through efficiency, weatherization measures, electrification, and decarbonization, also known as the "Affordable Heat Act," passed both the House and Senate and was then vetoed by Governor Phil Scott. He issued the the following statement: “From the start of this conversation, I have clearly, and repeatedly, said I agree we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, including in the thermal sector. However, I strongly believe the right approach is to help people make the transition, not financially punish those who cannot afford to do so... For these reasons and more, I will veto S.5." The Legislature subsequently overrode the governor's veto (in the Senate by one vote) and the law will go into effect on July 1.
VSU president resigns, Mike Smith to take over
The Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS) has announced that Vermont State University (VTSU) President Parwinder Grewal has tendered his resignation and is stepping down effective immediately for personal reasons. Former Vermont Agency of Human Services Secretary Michael (Mike) Smith will assume the role of interim president beginning next week. The announcement comes after much consideration about how best to lead the upcoming launch of Vermont State University set for July 1. Grewal had faced significant pushback for his proposals to go to essentially a digital-only library system, which would have eliminated nearly all the books and several staff, and reduce some of the athletic programs, as the state college system attempts to overcome financial deficits.
State tax revenues lag as economic caution ramps up
Personal income taxes, the most important General Fund revenue source, as well as corporate and the sales tax, all underperformed in March, according to Secretary of Administration Kristin Clouser. She released Vermont’s revenue results issued in late April. Clouser said she is uncertain whether a second straight month of disappointing personal income tax revenues was a trend foreboding a weakening economy, or whether it was a blip on the screen. The tax return season can result in uneven revenue results until the close of the fiscal year at the end of June. As for taxes, for the sixth month in a row, both the General Fund and the Transportation Fund ended with revenue above consensus expectations. The Education Fund, however, missed its target by just under $1.6 million. Year to date, only the Education Fund is lagging its respective target as adopted by the Emergency Board at its January 17, 2023 meeting.
Vermont’s unemployment rate down again to 2.7% in March
The Vermont Department of Labor has reported that the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate for March was 2.7 percent. This reflects a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month’s revised estimate. The rate is based on household data. All three of the major indices showed improvement as the spring economy warmed up. The civilian labor force participation rate was 63.7 percent in March, an increase of one-tenth of one percentage point from the prior month. The comparable United States rate in March was 3.5 percent, a decrease of one-tenth of one percentage point from the revised February estimate. Inflation continues to fall significantly.
House passes S.5, Affordable Heat Act
The House has voted 98-46 to approve the Affordable Heat Act, S.5 and sent it back to the Senate for review. The Affordable Heat Act requires fossil fuel corporations and utilities that import heating fuels into Vermont to reduce their climate pollution over time, in line with Global Warming Solutions Act requirements. This landmark legislation has two goals: to reduce climate pollution and to reduce the costs of home and building heating for Vermonters over time. Governor Scott subsequently said that in its current form he is likely to veto the legislation.
Stenger seeks relief from $250,000 payment
The former president of Jay Peak resort is asking the federal court to strike a $250,000 restitution order in his EB-5 fraud case because he says newly provided evidence shows Vermont officials failed to act when told about serious investment problems for a proposed bio-medical facility in Newport. Defense lawyers for William Stenger of Newport say in newly filed court records that state documents finally made available last month clearly confirm earlier beliefs that Vermont authorities were alerted in early 2015 about financial concerns by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. It was ultimately rejected by a federal judge.
Second round of $9.5M CRRP grant applications announced
Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) have announced the second round of approved Community Recovery and Revitalization Program (CRRP) grant applications for projects that spur economic recovery. The program, administered by the Department of Economic Development (DED), aims to strengthen communities across the state by reversing the harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through assistance with capital investments that will help businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities to recover, retain existing jobs, and grow the economy. Twenty-three projects have been reviewed by an interagency committee and approved for round two funding, resulting in a proposed award amount of $9,541,195, which is expected to support $92,206,478 in total project costs.
Pieciak announces $85M available for investment in housing, etc
State Treasurer Mike Pieciak stood with state and local leaders to announce a substantial expansion of the “10% in Vermont” local investment program. The program authorizes the Treasurer to invest up to 10% of the State’s average daily cash balance for economic development in Vermont. The state’s average daily cash balance has grown substantially in recent years due to increased state revenues allowing the program’s lending capacity to expand from $39 million to $100 million. In total, when combined with funds that were not committed from the original program, there is now $85 million available to support local economic development.
VEDA: $18.5 million provided to Vermonters through its Forgivable Loan Program
The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has fully deployed funding through its Short-Term Forgivable Loan Program. The program, enacted by the Vermont Legislature during the 2022 session, was created to support businesses experiencing lasting economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with $19 million allocated from the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. A total of 201 loans were disbursed to businesses in all of Vermont’s 14 counties. The majority were concentrated in Chittenden, Washington and Addison Counties, and in the manufacturing, agriculture, and travel and tourism/hospitality industries.
Scott welcomed First Lady Jill Biden to Vermont for Investing in America Tour
Governor Phil Scott joined the First Lady of the United States, Dr Jill Biden, and US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona at BETA Technologies in South Burlington in April as part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America Tour. The event included a walkthrough of the BETA Technologies, a growing Vermont electric aerospace company, where BETA employees showcased their work on the control mechanisms for ALIA aircraft. The visit also highlighted the importance of investing in Career and Technical Education. Students from North Country Technical Center in Newport, Vermont, gave a tabletop presentation to test the voltage, and tension components of electric vehicles.
COVID cases persist, but deaths remain low
The Vermont Department of Health reported April 19, 2023, that COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations were largely unchanged from the previous week. COVID-19 activity remains in the “Low” range, according to the VDH. Hospitalizations held at 17 for the week (the lowest since last fall was 22 at the end of March). Total cases were up 3 to 142. There were 9 COVID-related deaths for the week for a pandemic total of 957 as of April 15 . VDH reported 15 COVID-related deaths in March, the fewest since the summer of 2021, and 11 so far in April. Of the total deaths to date, 761 have been of Vermonters 70 or older. There have been 3 deaths of Vermonters under 30 since the beginning of the pandemic.
Gasoline prices may have peaked
Average gasoline prices in Vermont as of April 23 were $3.56 per gallon, up 8.2 cents per gallon from the previous week’s $3.48/g, according to GasBuddy, and down 56 cents from a year ago. The lowest price in the state was $3.35/g while the highest was $3.69/g, a difference of 34.0 cents per gallon. The national average price of gasoline fell 0.8 cents per gallon in the previous week, averaging $3.64/g. The national average is up 22.8 cents per gallon from the previous month and stood 46.4 cents/g lower than a year ago. According to the national analyst, “While any unexpected outages could push it up again, there is a rising possibility that barring such, we may have seen our high water mark for the national average for the summer.”
University of Vermont commits to carbon neutrality by 2030
The University of Vermont has announced that it has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 as the cornerstone of a Comprehensive Sustainability Plan (CSP) that lays out strategies for increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. The CSP prioritizes decarbonization and features objectives in the areas of operations, governance and planning, and research and learning. The university will develop a program for “greening” campus labs, and reduce waste generated per campus user 10% by 2035. Over the next six years, UVM will develop a campus energy plan to help prioritize renewable energy investments, increase the percentage of electric vehicles in the fleet, make buildings more efficient, and drill geothermal test wells on campus.
Paid leave bill bumped up by $17 million as backers anticipate veto
Vermonters are one step closer to receiving job-protected leave to deal with the fallout of sexual and domestic violence as part of Democrats’ major paid leave bill, which passed through the House and into the Senate last month. Since the start of the session the bill has seen a $17 million bump in its cost — likely heightening opposition from Gov. Phil Scott and employers in the state. The bill, H.66, aims to create the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. Along with providing traditional types of paid time off, the bill would also fund time off for survivors of domestic or sexual violence and their guardians.
Al Gobeille steps down as UVMHN COO after leadership through pandemic, cyberattack
After nearly four years as the Executive Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer for the University of Vermont Health Network, Al Gobeille has announced that he will step down from the position in late May. During his tenure, Gobeille played a key role in guiding the Network’s response to the pandemic – including coordination among government, community, and external health care partners, supported the recovery from a significant cyberattack in fall 2020, facilitated the expansion and refinement of the Network’s pharmacy operations, built a partnership with developers to create the first employee housing buildings in South Burlington, and has been a central leader in the Network’s Path Forward financial stabilization plan.
New data shows 10% increase in 2022 accidental overdose deaths
A newly released report from the Vermont Department of Health shows that the number of opioid-related accidental overdose deaths increased for the third year in a row. According to the 2022 data report, accidental opioid deaths increased by 10% in 2022 (239) over 2021 (217). In 2020, there were 158 opioid-related overdose deaths reported. The involvement of multiple substances in overdose cases has also increased. Fentanyl was involved in 93% of these fatal overdoses. The muscle relaxant, gabapentin, and xylazine, which is only FDA-approved for veterinary use, are contributing factors to overdoses at a rate that has increased by double digits in the past year. Dr. Levine said this new and comprehensive report adds to the information his agency and state policy makers use to address the ever evolving and increasingly dangerous landscape of opioid use.
Bill to remove residency requirement for medical aid in dying goes to governor
A bill that would remove the residency requirement in Vermont’s law allowing terminally ill patients to receive medication with which to end their own life passed the Legislature and was sent to the governor for his approval, which he subsequently gave. “There’s no other kind of medical care in Vermont in which your residency is required,” said David Englander, senior policy and legal advisor for the Vermont Department of Health. “There shouldn't be anything unique about this care. It's simply the last decision made between a patient and a doctor through the lifetime of the patient.” The change comes following a lawsuit against the state last August after a Connecticut cancer patient was denied medical aid in dying because she was not a Vermont resident. In March, Vermont waived the residency requirement for her as part of a settlement of that lawsuit, in which the patient argued the restriction was unconstitutional.
UVMHN opens apartment building to support workers who cannot find housing
The University of Vermont Health Network has opened its first investment in employee housing in South Burlington. This is the first of two buildings in the CityCenter complex intended to help alleviate both a worker shortage and a tight housing market. The worker shortage is a significant factor contributing to the Network losing millions of dollars. UVMHN CEO Sunny Eappen said the need to fill, especially, nursing positions with staff instead of traveling nurses will decrease expenses and increase morale. Eappen said UVMHN has 2,000 openings and employs 15,000. He said the ratio of openings is consistent with many other hospital groups across the nation.
Woody Woodhouse, Jr, oldest living Tuskegee Airmen honored with honorary doctorate from Norwich
General Enoch Woody Woodhouse, Jr., one of the last members of the all-Black World War II fighter pilot unit known as the Tuskegee Airmen, was honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Norwich University during their 2023 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony was held on April 29, 2023, in Northfield.
Vermont DOC reaches expanded agreement with union
The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) has announced a new agreement between DOC and the Vermont State Employees’ Association, Inc., designed to expand the Department’s Stability and Sustainability Plan, provide targeted pay enhancements for security staff and senior officers, and continue DOC’s 50/50 Work-Life Balance Schedule of 12-hour shifts for seven of 14 days in a pay period. The agreement expands upon the July 2022 agreement that increased compensation for facility staff and transitioned scheduling to decrease mandated overtime.
Casella Waste announces 1Q 2023 results, revenues up over 12%
Casella Waste Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: CWST), a Rutland-based regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, has reported its financial results for the three month period ended March 31, 2023. Highlights include: Revenues were $262.6 million for the quarter, up $28.6 million, or up 12.2%, from the same period in 2022; net income was $3.5 million for the quarter, down $(0.7) million, or down (15.3)%, from the same period in 2022; the Company signed an equity purchase agreement on April 21, 2023 to acquire select operations from GFL Environmental Inc.
Furman will be Appalachians Director for The Nature Conservancy
After a decade at the helm, Heather Furman has stepped down as Vermont state director of the Nature Conservancy (TNC). Furman has been a high impact leader in Vermont’s conservation arena for the past 25 years, previously serving as executive director of Stowe Land Trust, co-founder of the Climbing Resource Access Group of Vermont, and holding various positions in state and federal government prior to joining the Nature Conservancy. Furman will be transitioning to her new position as the Appalachian director for the Nature Conservancy in mid-June. In her new role, she will lead a continental scale conservation program focus on the Appalachians eco-region, one of TNC’s four global focal places, which also include Kenya, the Amazon, and Kalimantan. These places were identified by TNC’s science for their global importance for biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
Sticky Brand partners with Vermont Green FC
The Sticky Brand and Vermont Green Football ClubSticky Brand, one of America's fastest-growing custom sticker companies, has announced a season-long partnership with Vermont Green Football Club, the newest sports team in Vermont. This partnership was formed during the inaugural season, and Sticky Brand's ecological consciousness and social justice values align perfectly with Vermont Green FC's mission to create positive role models while bringing the highest level of soccer to Vermont. Vermont Green's mission is to create an equalizer sport that supports all backgrounds, and Sticky Brand is excited to be a part of this movement. This sponsorship adds to Sticky Brand's growing list of partnerships, including the Vermont Lake Monsters, VMBA, and POW.
Sanders stands with Ben & Jerry’s Scoopers union
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee joined the Scoopers of Ben & Jerry’s Burlington Scoop Shop as they announced that they are organizing a union and that Ben & Jerry’s has agreed to sign the Fair Election Principles, a code of corporate conduct for union elections to ensure that every worker can exercise their right to join a union without intimidation or harassment.
LMS & MD Helicopters commit to 5-year production agreement
Liquid Measurement Systems, Inc has announced that they reached a long-term supply agreement with MD Helicopters, Inc., of Mesa, Arizona. Under this agreement, LMS will be supplying the fuel quantity measurement system for the 500 series helicopters, consisting of lightweight and durable carbon composite fuel probes as well as signal conditioners that calculate fuel quantity and detect high and low fuel levels. This production agreement follows LMS’ successful completion of a contract to design and qualify a new crash-resistant fuel gauging system for new deliveries of the MD 500 series.
Governor announces five additional brownfield cleanup awards totaling $3.97 million
Governor Phil Scott and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) have announced five additional awards and another $3.97 million have been committed to remediate brownfields sites across the state. In total $15 million was allocated to fund cleanup projects at brownfields sites that can show transformational economic development and/or housing outcomes. Nearly $11 million has been committed to date.
Vermont leads US States running mostly on clean energy
Over the past decade, electricity prices across all states have gone up an average of 2.52% per year, but in 2022 they’re up 7.49%. As energy prices surge globally, electric bills for US homeowners have dramatically increased. This past August, 11 states were shocked by utility bills that were 20% higher than last summer. Vermont's rates were up 3.15%. Meanwhile, Vermont is leading the nation in terms of clean energy use. Almost all (99.8%) of its energy comes from renewable sources. Over half (58%) of its power is hydroelectric, and Vermonters have the smallest energy consumption in the U.S. Vermont has the 10th highest residential electric rate in the US, but the lowest in New England and New York.
Jay Peak to make major carbon reduction investment
Through collaboration from numerous utilities and state agencies, Jay Peak Resort will execute one of the largest standalone carbon reduction projects in Vermont’s history, and one of the largest recent standalone carbon reduction projects in the U.S. ski industry. The project will realize the installation of a 3-megawatt electric boiler to take over the entire heat demand for the 176-room Hotel Jay & Conference Center during times when heating with electricity is more cost efficient. The boiler would assume responsibility for providing 100% of the heat load to the Hotel, Conference Center, Pump House Indoor Waterpark, numerous restaurants, and retail spaces. Once completed, an estimated carbon reduction of 2500 tons per year can be expected.
GMP requests removal of cap on Powerwall and BYOD home battery programs
Green Mountain Power (GMP) has filed a request to lift the cap on its residential energy storage programs to expand customer access to cost-effective battery backup power, as Vermont experiences an increasing amount of damaging weather due to climate change. Currently, GMP’s Powerwall and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) battery backup programs are capped at 500 new customers per program, per year. The Powerwall program is full for 2023 and the waitlist for 2024 is also full, with 250 customers on a growing list for slots in 2025. “The increasing pace of damaging storms means we must accelerate all of our work to boost resiliency for Vermonters, and that includes expanding access to home energy storage. These are flagship programs with our customers, and they provide a solution right now that keeps Vermonters powered up even when severe weather hits. Home energy storage provided 10,000 hours of backup power for customers in our programs this winter alone,” said Mari McClure, GMP president and CEO.
Citizens Business Conditions Index bounces back in Vermont, US in Q1
Citizens Bank has announced that its national Citizens Business Conditions Index (CBCI) rose to 53.7 in Vermont (up 9.4%) and 53.9 (up 6.9%) in the US in the first quarter, reflecting continued strength in the labor market, more new business openings and positive corporate revenue trends. The Index had dipped below 50 during the fourth quarter of last year and the bounce-back during the first quarter signaled a return to positive business conditions. Citizens Bank has branches across Vermont.
Newly restored interactive nature center opening in Groton in June
Vermont Parks Forever (VPF), Vermont State Parks, and ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain have teamed up to restore the Groton Nature Center as part of VPF’s Natural Connections program. The admission-free nature center will feature interactive learning opportunities that highlight local geology as well as Groton’s natural and cultural history. The Groton Nature Center is the first to be restored through the Natural Connections program, with all interpretive design and displays funded by Vermont Parks Forever. All are welcome to the grand re-opening event set for June 11th! Reconstruction of the nature center was funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Berkshire Bank provided nearly $600k in community investments in Q1 2023
Berkshire Bank, a leading, socially responsible community bank with financial centers in New England and New York, with branches in southern Vermont, has announced its foundation provided $584,361 in philanthropic investments during the first quarter of 2023 (January 1- March 31) to foster upward economic mobility, racial equity, and enhance opportunities for success in the regions Berkshire Bank serves. The investments also support the company’s BEST Community Comeback which includes a planned $15 million in community contributions by the end of 2024.
DVFiber signs construction partnership to begin building fiber optic network
The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) has congratulated DVFiber, one of Vermont’s 10 Communications Union Districts (CUDs), on signing a construction contract with Sertex Broadband Solutions for the initial phase of constructing and installing a fiber optic network in southern Vermont. DVFiber covers the Deerfield Valley in Southern Vermont. DVFiber and Sertex are expected to start construction later this month. DVFiber was established in 2020 to ensure that all on-grid households and businesses within the 24-member town district have access to reliable, high-speed Internet service.
M&T Bank invests $60K in Windham County high school program
M&T Bank has announced an award of $60,000 over three years, an investment in the Pipelines and Pathways Program. The donation will underwrite operating costs associated with training and activities provided to Windham County high school students. The Pipelines & Pathways Program (P3) was launched by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation four years ago to help students successfully prepare for and access career opportunities.
CCTV Board announces leadership transition, Davitian to get new role
The CCTV Center for Media & Democracy Board has announced that founding director Lauren-Glenn Davitian will be stepping down from her leadership role to take on special projects for the organization. Lauren-Glenn stepped down as as Executive Director in September 2022 in support of a new co-director leadership structure, assuming the role of interim Operations Director. Long time staffer and media educator/producer Meghan O’Rourke was selected by the Board to be Director of Projects. The Board is in the process of hiring a new Director of Operations. Once that position is filled, Lauren-Glenn will focus on Special Projects including advocacy, archival research, media production and preparation for CCTV’s 40th Anniversary in June 2024.
Shelburne Museum announces endowed curatorship in honor of Frelinghuysen
Shelburne Museum has endowed its curatorship of American Decorative Arts in honor of its long-time trustee Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, herself a senior curator of American Decorative Arts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen Curatorship in American Decorative Arts is devoted to creating intellectually rigorous exhibitions that engage the public and advance scholarship around the museum’s collections that include 18th- and 19th-century American ceramics, glass, metalwork, furniture, and textiles and ensures that the decorative arts will forever remain an important institutional priority. Katie Wood Kirchhoff, who joined the museum in 2016, will be the first Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen Curator of American Decorative Arts.
Head of Springfield prison put on leave
The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) has announced the initiation of an investigation into an allegation of misconduct at Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) in Springfield. Per standard DOC practice, SSCF Superintendent Mike Lyon was placed on paid administrative leave while the Vermont Department of Human Resources conducts an independent investigation. SSCF Living Unit Supervisor Monique Sullivan will serve as Acting Superintendent until further notice. These actions resulted after a specific allegation of misconduct was submitted to DOC leadership. The alleged misconduct is not related to any deaths of incarcerated individuals at the facility. There have been six deaths at the Springfield prison this year. He was eventually reinstated as no malfeasance was found following an independent investigation.
Application now available for $85 million investment in housing, climate, social equity initiatives
State Treasurer Mike Pieciak has announced that the application for the “10% in Vermont” program is now available on the Treasurer’s website. Additionally, a link to a webinar from earlier this week discussing the expanded program is now available on the website. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the program details to ensure a complete application. Last week at the Bardwell House in Rutland, Pieciak announced an expansion of the program that authorizes the Treasurer to invest up to 10% of the State’s average daily cash balance for economic development in Vermont.
Striking Goddard staff win raises, time off, no ‘management rights’
The Goddard College Staff Union (GCSU) have voted to suspend our strike and return to work April 21, after reaching a tentative agreement with Goddard College Corporation. Members have been out since March 24, marking 28 days on strike. Workers won a real increase in wages for those making under $20 an hour and increased time off in recognition of staff’s sacrifices, while also rejecting a so-called “management rights” clause.
Dr Scott L Thomas named 12th president of Sterling College
Sterling College has elected Dr Scott L Thomas as the next president of the Craftsbury Common-based college. Dr Thomas is currently the John P ‘Jack’ Ellbogen Dean of the College of Education for the University of Wyoming. He brings more than 25 years of teaching and leadership experience at private and public institutions. A first-generation college student, Dr Thomas has devoted his career to advancing programs and policies to expand access to quality college opportunities, ensure student success, and build diverse organizations. Dr Thomas holds a BA in Sociology and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Leadership, and Research Methods from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Importantly to Sterling, an avid surfer, Nordic skier, and outdoor adventurer, Dr. Thomas has led a life exploring and engaging with environments and cultures around the world. He understands firsthand the importance of place-based experiences, that scale matters, and has learned to hold deep respect for indigenous ways of knowing.
‘Shield bill’ S.37 receives wide support in House
The House has given final approval to S.37, an act relating to access to legally protected health care activity and regulation of health care providers, on a vote of 114 - 24. The bill will legally shield medical practitioners, insurers, and patients providing or receiving reproductive or gender-affirming care in Vermont. They will be protected from restrictions and professional disciplinary action by other states.
UVM settles US DOE antisemitism complaint
UVM and the DOE came to an agreement and UVM is committing to a review of its policies and procedures around discrimination; training of university staff, students and leadership on anti-harassment and discrimination policy; reviewing the most recent campus climate survey for more antisemitic incidents and reporting back to the Office of Civil Rights within the Department of Education. This follows several incidents at the university targeting Jewish students, including from a teachings assistant.
New England again sets record for low demand on regional power system
For the second time in as many years, New England has seen record low demand for grid electricity, as sunny skies, mild temperatures, and a Sunday holiday combined for a historic day on April 9, 2023, according to ISO New England. Preliminary data shows that demand for grid electricity hit a low of approximately 6,814 MW between 2 and 3 pm, nearly 750 MW less than the previous record of 7,580 MW set on May 1, 2022.
Senate endorses plan would double legislative pay by 2027
Vermont senators have advanced a plan to double the pay of lawmakers in a bid to make it easier for average residents to serve in the part-time General Assembly. The bill is in response to the mounting evidence that serving in the State House presents a major financial hardship for many. It would not bump the pay of legislators in this session. The move would bring the in-session base salary for lawmakers in 2027 to $21,780, about a 50 percent increase from current levels. They would tack on another $7,986 to lawmakers’ total pay in 2027, bringing them up to $29,766 annually, or slightly more than double the current rate.
KeyBank promotes Joseph McGowan to Market President for Vermont
KeyBank has promoted Business Banking Senior Vice President Joseph R. McGowan to Market President for Vermont. McGowan will continue to serve the needs of KeyBank’s business clients in Vermont and nearby areas; in addition, he will take on the market president responsibility of overseeing and coordinating KeyBank’s go-to market strategy across its various lines of business and serve as Key’s face and voice to the Vermont community. McGowan joined KeyBank in 2011 as a branch manager for Key’s South Burlington branch, and was later promoted to Vice President, Area Retail Leader overseeing the retail, small business, and mortgage lending teams in Vermont. In 2019, he transitioned to Commercial Banking, managing a commercial lending portfolio, and serving Business Banking and Middle Market clients throughout the state and nearby areas.
EPA announces $62.3M for drinking water infrastructure upgrades in Vermont
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $62.3 million to Vermont to fund essential drinking water infrastructure upgrades through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). Thanks to a $6 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is increasing the investments available to rebuild the nation’s water infrastructure. “Every Vermonter deserves clean and safe drinking water. I fought for improvements to Vermont’s water infrastructure in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and am proud to see these funds come to our state,” said U.S. Senator Peter Welch. “I look forward to working with the EPA and our local partners to put this major investment to good use.”
$12 million grant program invests in Northeast dairy processing
Dairy processors across the Northeast can now apply for the Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant through the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC). With a total of $12 million in funding, this grant will fund specialized equipment to help processors increase the use of regionally sourced milk and expand regional dairy processing capacity. Dairy processors play a vital role in the health of our regional economy, and increasing regional processing capacity leads to a more resilient dairy sector.
Lawmakers cut small farmer grant bill by 30%
A bill to help small farmers diversify their products with a new grant program has crossed over from the House to the Senate, but not without a significant cut in the money behind it. The House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry originally sought for a $500,000 appropriation for the program, which would be created through H.205. The committee wanted $250,000 of that to be in regular, general funding — or base funds — and the other half as a one-time appropriation. But before the bill went to the Senate, the House Committee on Appropriations changed the funding to a one-time appropriation of $350,000.
Senate votes to advance bill to protect from PFAS and other toxics in cosmetics, textiles and turf
The Vermont Senate, in a unanimous voice vote, has advanced legislation (S.25) that restricts PFAS and other toxic chemicals from cosmetic and menstrual products, and bans PFAS from textiles and artificial turf athletic fields. The bill will be up for third reading in the Senate tomorrow before heading to the House for their consideration. The chemicals banned by this bill – including PFAS, phthalates and formaldehyde – are all linked to numerous negative human health impacts. Recently, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued their first-ever proposal to regulate 6 of the thousands of PFAS chemicals, affirming that virtually no level of these chemicals is safe for drinking water. But much more work needs to be done to understand the extent of PFAS contamination in Vermont’s environment and our bodies, and to protect Vermonters from these harmful chemicals.
Blue Cross of Vermont to continue member preventative care benefits
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont actively promotes member access to preventative care. The health plan will continue to cover zero-cost share preventative services despite the recent ruling of the Texas Fifth Circuit in the case of Braidwood Management, Inc. v. Becerra. Heart disease and cancer screenings, reproductive health, family planning, vaccinations, and preexposure prophylaxis for HIV will continue to be covered for members in the same manner as they are now.
Henry Lovell arrested without incident in Hyde Park
Following a three-day manhunt, on April 23, 2023, Vermont State Police arrested Henry Lovell in Hyde Park. The arrest came at about 6:35 p.m. after the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department received a tip from a member of the public who saw a man matching Lovell’s physical and clothing description walking along a road in Hyde Park. The location was about one mile from an area where law enforcement had reason to believe Lovell was and had deployed resources in an attempt to locate him. A Vermont State Police trooper and an officer with the Morristown Police Department were in the immediate vicinity of the roadside location mentioned in the tip. They responded, located Lovell by the side of the road, and took him into custody without incident. Charges include attempted murder, kidnapping and aggravated domestic assault.
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