Vermont news

• Scott wants more school spending cuts after budgets passed

  08-03-2018 23:56 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott speaks at the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester on Wednesday. Photo by Jim Therrien/VTDigger
  What was once a two front battle being waged by Gov. Phil Scott’s administration to keep school spending down shifted to an exclusive focus on statewide cost-containment measures after Town Meeting Day.In the fall, the governor asked school boards to be cost conscious while budgeting. They delivered. On Tuesday, towns approved 96 percent of school budgets, which collectively kept s
  
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• Scott signs bill to grow captive insurance industry

  08-03-2018 21:57 via vtdigger.org
  Gov. Phil Scott says health care is the biggest sector in Vermont’s captive insurance market. File photo by Bob LoCicero/VTDigger
  Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill Thursday that will continue to promote the growth of Vermont’s thriving captive insurance industry.
  The legislation, H.694, will provide some of Vermont’s captive insurance companies with an additional two weeks to prepare their annual reports and all of the companies an additional two weeks to pay their Vermont premium
  
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• LISTEN: 'It's Time For State Policymakers To Take Over': Scott Admin Says School Budgets Still Too High… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

  08-03-2018 20:51 via twitter.com
  LISTEN: 'It's Time For State Policymakers To Take Over': Scott Admin Says School Budgets Still Too High… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
  
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• Margolis: Who did the right thing in UVM protest?

  08-03-2018 20:07 via vtdigger.org
  Students pack the Waterman building at the University of Vermont during a recent protest. Photo by Cory Dawson/VTDigger.
  Now that the latest turmoil at the University of Vermont is over, or at least in abeyance, it is time to consider — with malice toward none and charity for all — who did the right thing.
  No one did. Charity does not require blindness.
  Start with the guys (apparently men, apparently not students) who put up signs celebrating their whiteness in places where they woul
  
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• Senate bill would regulate short-term rental industry

  08-03-2018 18:48 via vtdigger.org
   
  An Airbnb listing in Warren. Photo by Airbnb
  Thousands of Vermonters who offer short-term rentals through websites like Airbnb would face new regulations under a proposal that has advanced in the Senate.
  Last week, the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs approved S.204, a bill that would require short-term rental hosts to register with the state, pay a small annual fee and self-certify that their properties comply with health and safety codes.
  The certifi
  
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• UPDATED: Man pleads guilty to charges in Tinmouth hit-and-run death

  08-03-2018 17:56 via vtdigger.org
  Thomas Velde. Photo courtesy Vermont State Police
  RUTLAND – A plea deal has been reached mid-trial in the case of a man charged in a hit-and-run that killed Tinmouth farmer Leo Branchaud in 2016 as he walked in front of his home.
  Thomas H. Velde Jr., 42, pleaded guilty Thursday morning in Rutland Superior criminal court to charges of leaving the scene with death resulting and gross negligent operation with death resulting.Both charges include habitual offender enhancements based on previou
  
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• Man pleads guilty to charges in hit-and-run death of Tinmouth farmer

  08-03-2018 17:56 via vtdigger.org
  RUTLAND – A plea deal has been reached mid-trial in the case of a man charged in a hit-and-run that killed Tinmouth farmer Leo Branchaud in 2016 as he walked in front of his home.
  Thomas H. Velde Jr., 42, pleaded guilty Thursday morning in Rutland Superior criminal court to charges of leaving the scene with death resulting and gross negligent operation with death resulting. Both charges carry habitual offender enhancements based on previous felony convictions.Those habitual enhancements ca
  
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• 'It's Time For State Policymakers To Take Over': Scott Admin Says School Budgets Still Too High… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

  08-03-2018 17:37 via twitter.com
  'It's Time For State Policymakers To Take Over': Scott Admin Says School Budgets Still Too High… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
  
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• CHaD patients move to newly renovated integrated care unit

  08-03-2018 16:00 via vtdigger.org
  News Release –Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical CenterMarch 7, 2018
  Contact:Sharon Brown603-308-2234
  Lebanon, NH – Dartmouth-Hitchcock is nearing final completion of a major renovation to its inpatient pediatric unit, updating the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD.)
  On Tuesday, March 6, CHaD integrated its inpatient and Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU) units at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. The renovated space will function as a single unit for children
  
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• Northeast Kingdom Diaper Bank ‘a change for the better”

  08-03-2018 15:50 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Department of HealthMarch 7, 2018
  Contact:Vermont Department of Health802-863-7281
  St. Johnsbury – The Vermont Department of Health’s St. Johnsbury office and local community partners have teamed up to create a Diaper Bank for area families and, to help stock it up, are asking people to donate supplies to a “Diaper Drive” being held next week.
  The new Diaper Bank will serve as a place where diapers and incontinence supplies can be provide
  
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• Windham and Windsor Housing Trust Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week

  08-03-2018 15:45 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Windham & Windsor Housing TrustMarch 7, 2018
  Contact:Lissa HarrisMarketing and Outreach Coordinator, [email protected]
  Brattleboro – During the first full week of March, the Federal Trade Commission marks National Consumer Protection Week.
  The National Consumer Protection Week is a time to help people understand their consumer rights and make well-informed decision about money and budgeting.
  Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, an
  
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• Burlington voters tell state lawmakers to act now to raise the sale age of tobacco to 21

  08-03-2018 15:40 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — American Lung AssociationMarch 7, 2018
  Contact:Rebecca [email protected]
  Tina [email protected]
   
  Burlington – In an overwhelming vote of support Tuesday, Burlington voters passed ballot item 7 urging the Governor and state lawmakers to pass legislation increasing the sale age of tobacco to 21. The ballot item passed 8,152 to 3,554. The vote follows a resolution passed previously by the city council calling tobacco use a ‘
  
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• Burlington School District statement on budget approval

  08-03-2018 15:35 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Burlington School DistrictMarch 7, 2018
  Contact:Russ Elek, Communication SpecialistBurlington School District802-540-5347
  Burlington – On Town Meeting Day, Burlington voters overwhelmingly approved Burlington School District’s proposed 2018-2019 budget, with 72% of all votes cast in favor of its passage.
  “On behalf of the School District, I want to thank everyone who voted on Town Meeting Day,” says Superintendent Yaw Obeng. “We are pleased our
  
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• 3,800 low- and middle-income Vermont students risk losing millions in state grants for higher education

  08-03-2018 15:30 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Student Assistance Corp.March 7, 2018
  Contact:Sabina [email protected]
  Winooski — Vermont Student Assistance Corp., joined by school guidance counselors, business leaders, parents and students, are calling on lawmakers to preserve the use of the Vermont State Grant at institutions of higher education outside Vermont.
  Legislation introduced would change a 50-year-old, time-honored policy that allows portability of the grants. If it is adop
  
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• Southeastern Vermont Community Action offers chance to improve ‘financial fitness’

  08-03-2018 15:25 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Southeastern Vermont Community ActionMarch 7, 2018
  Contact:Susan Dillon, IDA CoordinatorSoutheastern Vermont Community Action802-722-4575 ext. 151
  Brattleboro – Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) is inviting local residents to register for its upcoming workshop series, “Your Money, Your Goals,” to be held in Brattleboro starting March 20. This 7-part workshop series will help families and individuals improve their relationship with money, de
  
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• Gifford Health Care hosts 112th annual meeting

  08-03-2018 15:20 via vtdigger.org
  News Release –Gifford Health CareMarch 7, 2018
  Contact:Robin Dutcher, Communications SpecialistGifford Medical Center802-728-2284
  Randolph – Gifford President and CEO Dan Bennett told more than 65 community members gathered for its 112th Annual Meeting that the organization’s deep roots in primary care will guide it through uncertainty in the current healthcare environment. The March 3 event was held in the new Strode Independent Living facility at Morgan Orchard’s Senior
  
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• Howard Center announces new partner for workplace immersion program

  08-03-2018 15:15 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Howard CenterMarch 7, 2018
  Contact:Martie MajorosHoward Center802-488-6911mmajoros@Howard Center.org
  Burlington – Howard Center recently announced a new partner for its Project SEARCH Program. Beginning August 2018, the University of Vermont Medical Center will become the employer partner for this innovative program.
  Project SEARCH is an international school-to-work transition program for students with disabilities in their final year of high school. This unique busine
  
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• Jewish Community of Greater Stowe screens ‘Heritage: Civilization and the Jews’

  08-03-2018 15:10 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Jewish Community of Greater StoweMarch 6, 2018
  Contact:Jewish Community of Greater Stowe802-253-1800
  Stowe – At 2pm Sunday and Monday, March 18th & 19th, the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS) will present the award winning documentary “Heritage: Civilization and the Jews.”
  Winner of the coveted Peabody Award, “Heritage: Civilization and the Jews” is a monumental series spanning three millennia of Jewish history and culture. The
  
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• Green Mountain Power and Vermont Magazine announce winner of Vermont Writers’ Prize

  08-03-2018 15:05 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Green Mountain PowerMarch 6, 2018
  Contact:Dorothy [email protected]
   
  Colchester – Frederic Martin is the winner of the 2018 Vermont Writers’ Prize. His short story “Maybe Lake Carmi,” is an inspiring story about how Vermonters react when someone needs help. The Vermont Writers’ Prize is awarded annually by Green Mountain Power and Vermont Magazine.
  “Maybe Lake Carmi” creates a scene that
  
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• Southwestern Vermont Health Care foundation names 2018 Vision Award honorees

  08-03-2018 15:00 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Southwestern Vermont Health CareMarch 6, 2018
  Contact:Ashley Brenon Jowett, Communications & Marketing SpecialistSouthwestern Vermont Health [email protected]
  Bennington – Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) will present the 2018 Vision Awards at the organization’s inaugural Centennial Gala. The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in support of SVHC’s mission and the community. The e
  
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• PFOA contamination spurs chemical regulation bill

  08-03-2018 11:22 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Brian Campion, D-Bennington, has sought to pass legislation that would apply strict liability to companies for their contaminants’ effects. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  BENNINGTON — A bill regulating toxic substances in Vermont that was prompted by PFOA contamination of wells in Bennington is moving toward possible adoption in the Legislature.
  S.103 has cleared the Senate a second time with some additions proposed by the House, and supporters hope it will be approved without
  
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• Towns across the state overwhelmingly support school budgets

  08-03-2018 03:07 via vtdigger.org
  The Richmond town meeting at Camels Hump Middle School in Richmond. Photo by Bob LoCicero/VT Digger.
  Even though voters can’t be certain how much they will owe in taxes, only five school budgets were defeated on Town Meeting Day. A 96 percent approval rate is not unheard of, but 2012 was the last year that fewer than 7 local budgets failed.There are 166 school districts — down from 220 last year, due to mergers — of those 142 voted on their budgets on Tuesday and 136 passed (an
  
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• Margolis: Burlingtonians back The Establishment, whatever that is

  08-03-2018 02:18 via vtdigger.org
  Campaign staff for Miro Weinberger take photos while waiting for the re-elected Mayor to arrive for his victory party at Nectar’s in Burlington. Photo by Bob LoCicero/VT Digger.
  So it turns out that even in Vermont, The Establishment rules.
  Assuming that there is such a thing as The Establishment, and understanding that if there is, Vermont’s version is, at the very least, singular.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political story with our weekly headlines in y
  
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• Quiros’ lawyers attack state over asset freeze bid; state attorney fires back

  08-03-2018 02:01 via vtdigger.org
  Ariel Quiros whispers to Gov. Peter Shumlin during a press conference at Jay Peak’s Stateside Hotel and Baselodge. Photo by Hilary Niles/VTDigger.
  Lawyers for Jay Peak developer Ariel Quiros are coming out swinging against the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, contending the government’s latest filings in its investor fraud lawsuit against him are an attempt to cover-up the state’s own misdeeds.“Indeed,” the filing by Quiros’ lawyers says, “the St
  
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• Vermont Yankee host town signs deal with plant suitor

  08-03-2018 01:26 via vtdigger.org
  The Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant on the shore of the Connecticut River in Vernon. Photo courtesy of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  Several days after finalizing a settlement with state officials, Vermont Yankee’s prospective buyer has also struck a deal with Vernon, the nuclear plant’s host town.
  NorthStar Group Services’ agreement with Vernon includes provisions for future tax payments, expense reimbursements, road repairs and river access if the New York-based compan
  
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• Sanders, Leahy back party’s infrastructure plan

  08-03-2018 01:22 via vtdigger.org
  Vermont’s Patrick Leahy, at the podium, and Bernie Sanders, left, joined Chuck Schumer of New York in announcing Senate Democrats’ infrastructure plan. Photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDigger
  WASHINGTON — Both Vermont senators joined a slew of Democrats pitching a proposal that would invest $1 trillion in infrastructure initiatives.
  Senate Democrats offered the proposal as a response to an infrastructure plan President Donald Trump released last month.Get all of VTDigger's political
  
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• Michael Cohen: Leaving the world a better place

  08-03-2018 01:05 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Rabbi Michael M. Cohen, of Manchester Center, who is rabbi emeritus of the Israel Congregation in Manchester Center and teaches at Bennington College and the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies.
  I turn 60 soon. One of the great mysteries of life; we don’t know when we cross the halfway point of our lives. Reaching 60 gives time to pause; will I leave this world a better place than I found it? All of us, no matter how active, must answer that
  
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• Paul Burns: Climate denial dangerous to economic, environmental health

  08-03-2018 01:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Paul Burns, the executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.
  If, after decades of definitive research linking cigarettes to cancer, your doctor doesn’t think that smoking causes cancer, then it’s time for a new doctor. They’re either a quack, on the payroll of the tobacco companies, or both.
  If, after decades of definitive research linking fossil fuels to climate change, your local “think tank” continue
  
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• Howard Shaffer: Vermont’s nuclear power plans

  08-03-2018 00:55 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Howard Shaffer, PE, who is a retired nuclear engineer who worked on the start-up at Vermont Yankee, and again later through Yankee Atomic Electric Co., Nuclear Services Division. He is a member of the American Nuclear Society and was their 2001 Congressional Fellow.A recent commentary “Vermont’s plans to dump on Nevada” illustrates the extremes of the political debate over climate, energy, nuclear power and Vermont Yankee. Two differen
  
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• Don Keelan: Too much red tape

  08-03-2018 00:50 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Don Keelan, a retired certified public accountant and resident of Arlington. The piece first appeared in the Bennington Banner.
  Eleven years ago, 82 individuals from Bennington County and other locations in the Northeast were involved with bringing the 2007 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C. The eight-day journey to D.C. with the 60-foot balsam from the Green Mountain National Forest (plus 92 smaller trees) made Vermont unique in delivering
  
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• Central Vermont towns vote to form fiber optic district

  08-03-2018 00:44 via vtdigger.org
  Fiber Optic cable sign. Photo by Leo ReynoldsTwelve towns voted on Town Meeting Day to create Central Vermont Internet, a community fiber optic internet provider that could be up and running by 2020. The next step is forming the board and securing funding to make it happen.“I was really encouraged both by the reception I got at the town meeting on the floor in Berlin, and as results trickled in,” said Jeremy Hansen, computer scientist and Vice Chair of the Berlin Selectboard who spea
  
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• On Town Meeting Day, students track democracy itself

  08-03-2018 00:38 via vtdigger.org
  Jordan Mitchell works at the Starksbroro town meeting. Photo courtesy of Center for Research on Vermont
  A cohort of Vermont college students revived a decades-old Town Meeting Day tradition this week, examining dozens of Vermont towns to see just how democratic they really are.
  Using a “democratic index” developed by longtime UVM political science professor Frank Bryan, the students sought to determine the most democratic towns by adding the turnout rate to the participation rate at
  
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