Bills up for House committee review this week would encourage home visitation by school workers, allow candidates to spend campaign money on personal expenses, let a judge order police to take away firearms, study a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” for Vermont, and promote BIPOC home ownership.
This isn’t the first time a Black Lives Matter flag has flown in Hinesburg. CVU had raised the flag on its grounds three times before this, at the suggestion of the Racial Alliance Committee. This is the first time it has been raised at town hall.
“I picture myself sitting in the seat in Massachusetts and trying to explain to my constituents why I just spent $3.7 million dollars to buy something worth $80,000 [in] Vermont? I’m just having difficulty trying to articulate that. I mean, this reminds me of Enron, quite frankly.”
“If your goal is to shut down independently owned mom and pop shops on Main Street and grow the market share of big-box megastores then I can think of nothing better than passing a federal $15 minimum wage today, because it will devastate small businesses,” NIFB’s Jeff Brabant said.
Last month the three-member Vermont Tax Structure Commission delivered a well-written, informative and conscientious report. The Legislature will now need to come to grips with some very large taxation change proposals. The longest part of the report deals with our complex property tax financing of education.
According to a new report, Vermont just experienced the largest birth declines from 2014 to 2019. But the Green Mountain State isn’t alone: it is joined by Wyoming and Alaska.
“As governor of Vermont and a member of the U.S. Climate Alliance, I thank President Biden for his decision to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement,” said Gov. Scott. “To tackle climate change effectively, we need strong federal commitment, as well as local support. In Vermont, we’re working to do our part.”
Sununu said he will sign an executive order “in coming days” that beginning March 8, all K-12 schools must provide at least two days of in-person learning per week. About 60% of the state’s schools are currently learning in a hybrid model, while 40% have in-person learning 5 days a week.
New Hampshire hospitality and tourism businesses are counting on an efficient rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations to help draw the numbers of patrons they enjoyed before the pandemic.
Biden has urged Congress to approve his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan as soon as possible. The plan would give direct stimulus payments towards certain Americans and includes additional economic aid.
Through Feb. 19, Vermont lawmakers have claimed $218,144 in the $75 per diem permitted for at-home expenses. Legislators are entitled to travel and meals expenses, in addition to their $742/week in-session pay. However, the need for travel and eating outside of the home has greatly diminished since last spring.
H.283, providing the right to refuse any unwanted test, treatment or vaccine, was introduced Thursday into the Vermont House. It would specifically prevent employers and state government from requiring vaccination in exchange for jobs, travel, childcare and other benefits.