Vermont news

• Senate OKs bill requiring polluters to pay for medical monitoring

  10-05-2018 23:38 via vtdigger.org
  A bottled water pump provides clean drinking water inside a home near the former ChemFab plant in Bennington. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  The Senate has approved a bill that could force polluters who release toxins into the environment to pay the costs of medical monitoring for Vermonters harmed by the substances.
  The bill, S.197, was written by Bennington’s two senators in response to the poisoning of hundreds of Bennington residential wells with the industrial toxicant perfluor
  
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• House bill expands what it means to be a parent

  10-05-2018 23:32 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Alice Nitka, D-Windsor, a supporter of the bill. VTDigger file photo
  The House approved a bill on Wednesday that will provide children in non-traditional families in Vermont greater certainty as to who their parents legally are.The bill, H.562, expands the legal definition of what it means to be a parent in Vermont to include parentage through birth, adoption, voluntary acknowledgement, “de facto” parentage, assisted reproduction and gestational carrier agreements. It had passed
  
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• Vermont delegation pitches drug importation from Canada

  10-05-2018 23:07 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., (center) called for President Trump to include some Democratic proposals in his prescription drug pricing plan, with Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Elijah Cummings, D-Md. Photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDigger
  WASHINGTON — One day before President Donald Trump is due to unveil his plan to lower prescription drug prices, Democrats on Capitol Hill called on him to incorporate their proposals.
  Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt.,
  
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• Consumer protection bill on way to governor

  10-05-2018 22:04 via vtdigger.org
  The Vermont Ski Areas Association opposed the bill, arguing it erodes the concept of inherent risk. Wiki Commons photo
  A consumer protection bill that would give courts the power to fine companies that attempt to enforce “abusive” contract terms has been approved by the Legislature and now heads to the governor’s desk.
  Supporters say the bill would help level the playing field for consumers and employees who need to bring claims against companies.
  They say many corporations dra
  
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• Judge bars testimony from expert witness in death penalty trial

  10-05-2018 21:06 via vtdigger.org
   
  Donald Fell faces a capital trial over the death of a North Clarendon woman. File photo
  A federal judge has issued a decision that excludes a prosecution expert from providing testimony linking the fatal injuries suffered by a North Clarendon woman to the man facing a capital trial over her death rather than his alleged accomplice.Get all of VTDigger's criminal justice news.You'll never miss our courts and criminal justice coverage with our weekly headlines in your inbox.Daily
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• LISTEN: The $58 Million Debate: Gov. Scott's Education Plan dlvr.it/QSQxfN https://t.co/ln9afEkdeC

  10-05-2018 20:28 via twitter.com
  
  LISTEN: The $58 Million Debate: Gov. Scott's Education Plan dlvr.it/QSQxfN https://t.co/ln9afEkdeC
  
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• Prosecutors move toward expunging marijuana convictions

  10-05-2018 19:35 via vtdigger.org
  Marijuana possession will become legal in Vermont on July 1. File photo by Andrew Kutches/VTDigger
  County prosecutors around the state are looking at coming up with a way to expunge certain marijuana convictions now that the state is poised to legalize it for recreational use in just a few weeks.
  A report surfaced last week on the national news website, HuffPost, that the Chittenden County state’s attorney’s office was preparing a policy to allow people with convictions for possessin
  
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• Live At Noon: Gov. Scott Discusses Education Funding, Water Quality dlvr.it/QSQh4n https://t.co/HvNR6NstO8

  10-05-2018 19:35 via twitter.com
  
  Live At Noon: Gov. Scott Discusses Education Funding, Water Quality dlvr.it/QSQh4n https://t.co/HvNR6NstO8
  
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• Celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Vermont Supreme Court Building

  10-05-2018 19:15 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Office of the Court AdministratorMay 9th, 2018
  Contact:Patricia Gabel, Esq., Vermont State Court AdministratorOffice of the Court Administrator(802) [email protected]
  Montpelier, VT – The 100th anniversary of the Vermont Supreme Court Building is being commemorated with a special centennial celebration on Friday, May 18, 2018.
  “Celebrating the Bench and Bar and Their Role in Preserving the Rule of Law” will take place on the front steps of
  
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• Washington Electric Co-op celebrates 79 years of rural electric service at annual meeting

  10-05-2018 19:10 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Washington Electric CooperativeMay 9, 2018
  Contact:Patty Richards, 802-223-5245
  East Montpelier, Vt: On May 2, Washington Electric Cooperative (WEC) welcomed 230 member-owners to its operations center in East Montpelier for the utility’s 79th Annual Meeting. WEC members re-elected three incumbent board members and celebrated an outstanding safety record and robust participation in its charitable giving program. The 100% renewable electric utility faces a small rate inc
  
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• Sterling College appoints Peter Merrill as vice president/chief operating officer

  10-05-2018 19:03 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Sterling CollegeMay 9, 2018
  Media Contact:Katie Lavin, Director of Media Relations, Sterling College802.586.7711 x111 • [email protected]
  Morrisville Civic Leader, Peter Merrill, has joined College’s Leadership Team
  May 9, 2018 • Craftsbury Common, VT • After an exhaustive and competitive national search, Sterling College has appointed Peter Merrill, of Morrisville, co-founder and owner of Elmore Mountain Farm, LLC to be its first Vice President
  
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• Business conditions survey and index results show continuing neutral outlook

  10-05-2018 18:49 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Business RoundtableMay 9, 2018
  Contacts:Lisa Ventriss, President, Vermont Business Roundtable(802) [email protected]
  Jeffrey Carr, President, Economic & Policy Resources(800) [email protected]
  Vermont Business Roundtable and Economic & Policy Resources 1st and 2nd Quarter 2018 Business Conditions Survey and Index Results Show Continuing Neutral Outlook
  (South Burlington, Vt.) Today, Lisa Ventriss, President of Vermont Business Roundtabl
  
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• Health information network cuts costs as state pushes for better results

  10-05-2018 18:35 via vtdigger.org
  The Green Mountain Care Board hears testimony Wednesday on VITL. Photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
  Facing increased scrutiny from the state, Vermont Information Technology Leaders has cut $500,000 from its budget for next fiscal year.
  The Burlington-based organization — which operates a statewide electronic network of medical records — also is working to increase and consolidate its patient data while making that data more accessible for health care providers.Get all of VTDigger's hea
  
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• UVM Appoints Linda Schadler new dean of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

  10-05-2018 18:14 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — UVMMay 9, 2018
  Contact:Jeff Wakefield, [email protected], 802-578-8830
  Linda Schadler, currently the vice provost and dean of undergraduate education and the Russell Sage Professor in Materials Science and Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), has been appointed as dean of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Vermont.
  “We are fortunate to have attracted Dr. Schadler to our academic community,” said UVM
  
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• Vermont works to reduce risky drinking behaviors among older Vermonters

  10-05-2018 18:06 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Vermont Department of HealthMay 9, 2018
  Media Contacts:Ben TrumanVermont Department of Health802-863-7281
  Monica WhiteDepartment of Disabilities, Aging & Independent [email protected]
  BURLINGTON – Nearly one in four Vermonters age 65 and older engage in risky alcohol use – a level significantly higher than the national average of 19 percent, and Vermont health officials are working to reach out to this often-overlooked population of p
  
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• Weston Playhouse announces new fund

  10-05-2018 18:00 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Weston Playhouse Theatre CompanyMay 9, 2018
  Contact:Kate [email protected]
  Weston, VT –The Board of Directors of the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company announces the establishment of The Ewen-Fort-Stettler Fund, honoring founding Producing Directors Malcolm Ewen, Tim Fort and Steve Stettler and their contributions to Weston, to Vermont, and to the American Theatre.
  The three founders are retiring after 30 years of leading the Playhouse Theatre Company.
  The Ew
  
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• Road Pitch schedule and prize package announced

  10-05-2018 17:45 via vtdigger.org
  News Release — Fresh Tracks CapitalMay 7, 2018
  Media Contact:Cairn [email protected]
  Business Bikers Storm Vermont to Help Entrepreneurs
  Shelburne, VT (May 7, 2018) – The fifth annual FreshTracks Road Pitch, a four-day motorcycle tour of Vermont in which a gang of “business bikers” (comprised of investors, entrepreneurs and business advisors) ride around the state and stop in eight Vermont towns to listen to entrepreneurs pitch their business, wil
  
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• Margolis: ‘Politics as usual’ should not always be viewed as an insult

  10-05-2018 17:38 via vtdigger.org
  Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier. File photo by Nancy Graff
  The Statehouse is abuzz with talk about whether the Legislature will finish its work by Friday night.
  The state is not. Normal people do not and should not care when legislative sessions end. Normal people have work to do, children to raise, lawns to mow, ball games and TV shows to watch, and all that jazz.Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political story with our weekly headlines in your inbox.Daily
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• .@GovPhilScott has a plan to spend $58mil in one-time funds to pay for #VT school budgets, but some lawmakers say t… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…

  10-05-2018 15:40 via twitter.com
  .@GovPhilScott has a plan to spend $58mil in one-time funds to pay for #VT school budgets, but some lawmakers say t… twitter.com/i/web/status/9…
  
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• David Hills: Universal primary care would save money now spent at ERs

  10-05-2018 02:00 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by David Hills, who is the managing partner of Waypoint Management Services based in Middlebury. He is a 25-year veteran of health care consulting in over 50 institutions across the United States.
  Aren’t we all just tired of the health care dilemma, discussion, debate and failed attempts at political remedies in Vermont, let alone across our great nation? The health care issue is huge and important, yes; but much of the national discussion around the
  
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• Deborah Bucknam: Make Vermont free speech great again

  10-05-2018 01:56 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Deborah Bucknam, of Walden, who was the Republican candidate for attorney general in 2016. She is a graduate of Vermont Law School in private practice in St. Johnsbury and past vice chair of the Vermont Republican Party.
  In 1928, President Calvin Coolidge, a Vermont native, said: “If the spirit of liberty should vanish in other parts of the Union, and support of our institutions should languish, it could all be replenished from the generous store
  
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• Ida Sargent: Persist5k provides support, solidarity for young women in need

  10-05-2018 01:49 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Ida Sargent who grew up in Barton and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Ski Team as a cross-country skier. She resides in Craftsbury.
  Walking into the opening ceremonies at the Winter Olympics was an absolute dream come true. The lights, the sounds and the energy were electrifying as I strode side by side with athletes of many different sports and backgrounds from around the globe. We were standing behind different flags and representing different nations
  
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• Alan Tinkler: Northwest Vermont United Way demonstrates its renewed commitment to the community

  10-05-2018 01:44 via vtdigger.org
  Editor’s note: This commentary is by Alan Tinkler, of South Burlington, who is a member of the Community Impact Team for United Way of Northwest Vermont, as well as on the boards of the Vermont Folklife Center and Community Engagement Lab.
  When I joined the Community Impact Team of United Way of Northwest Vermont five years ago, I did so because I was committed to United Way’s mission “to build a stronger Northwest Vermont by mobilizing our community to improve people’s l
  
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• Sanders unveils labor bill to a chorus of support from unions

  10-05-2018 01:07 via vtdigger.org
  Sens. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY., one of the cosponsors of the labor bill. Photo by Elizabeth Hewitt/VTDigger
  WASHINGTON — As the crowd of hundreds waited in a Senate committee room Wednesday, one man kicked off a sing-along.
  “Solidarity forever,” he began, leading the room in a booming chorus of the longtime union anthem set to the tune of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”Get all of VTDigger's political news.You'll never miss a political
  
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• Highgate daughter barred from contacting mother in jail

  10-05-2018 00:52 via vtdigger.org
  Erika Guttilla appears in Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Pool photo by Greg Lamoureaux/County Courier
  ST. ALBANS – A Highgate woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a charge of first-degree murder in the shooting death of her ex-boyfriend, whose body was allegedly stored in a trash can for weeks and then dumped on an abandoned playground.
  Franklin County Superior Court Judge Martin Maley ordered Erika Guttilla, 31, to be held behind bars without bail and said
  
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• Senate committee votes against divisive labor board member

  10-05-2018 00:30 via vtdigger.org
  Sen. Michael Sirotkin, D-Chittenden, chair of Senate Economic Development. File photo by Erin Mansfield/VTDigger ​A Senate committee made the rare move of voting against one of the governor’s appointments on Wednesday after the state employees union urged them to stop the confirmation process of retired Burlington attorney Karen O’Neill.The four Democrats on the Senate Committee on Economic Development voted against O’Neill, while the lone Republican supported her confirm
  
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• VTDigger Minute: Minimum wage, funding plan issues, ratio map

  10-05-2018 00:27 via vtdigger.org
  VTDigger Minute is a weekly news digest from Vermont PBS. Tune in every Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. to hear about the week’s top stories.
  This week on the Minute:
  Minimum wage survives narrow vote in House
  This week, the Legislature advanced two bills that have been high priorities for Democrats. A bill that would raise Vermont’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024 survived a narrow vote in the House. The Senate advanced another bill that would provide employees with up to
  
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• Former Burlington School Board chair claims conflict of interest

  10-05-2018 00:20 via vtdigger.org
  Mark Porter, center, has filed a conflict of interest complaint against several Burlington School Board members He is flanked here by Burlington Education Association resident Fran Brock, left, and mediator Ira Lobel. File photo by Morgan True / VTDigger
  The former chair of the Burlington School Board may have stepped down, but he hasn’t stopped fighting for a board that represents the taxpayer when it comes to money matters.
  In a letter to the superintendent and the attorney for the schoo
  
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• Border Patrol checks bus passengers’ citizenship in Burlington

  10-05-2018 00:19 via vtdigger.org
  Greyhound has noted an increase in the number of searches of its buses by the U.S. Border Patrol.
  Anna Frangiosa and her partner were getting ready to board their Boston-bound Greyhound bus at the Burlington airport shortly before noon on May 3 when they saw something that struck them as unusual.
  Two U.S. Border Patrol agents were standing by the bus door, asking passengers as they boarded about their citizenship, Frangiosa recalled in a phone conversation Wednesday.Get all of VTDigger's crimina
  
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