Ethics commission signed by governor wins praise and criticism
Gov. Phil Scott on Wednesday signed S.8, a long-awaited ethics bill that creates an ethics commission and policies to deal with corruption and conflicts of interest in state government.
Republicans unlikely to take up marijuana bill next week
In a move that could keep pot smoking illegal in Vermont, House Republicans may choose not to suspend rules to bring a revised legalization bill back up for discussion next week at the Statehouse.
Lawmakers delay action on consequential wind turbine sound rules
The Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules got an earful from both sides of the wind turbine noise debate at a public hearing Thursday at the Vermont Statehouse, and members postponed making any decision on new decibel rules related to Act 174, the renewable energy siting law passed in 2016.
Governor and legislators back Vermont going solo on Paris climate treaty
Republican Gov. Phil Scott and several state lawmakers want Vermont to join the Paris climate treaty regardless of President Donald Trump’s rejection of the deal at the national level.
Vermont Neighbors Project gives voice to wind turbine noise victims
While the Public Service Board and lawmakers wrangle over decibel limits for wind turbines, residents who live near wind energy plants are turning to the Vermont Neighbors Project to share how they have been harmed by turbine noise.
Gun control event canceled over supposed ‘planned protest and exposed weapons’
A gun control-themed documentary film event was canceled abruptly Wednesday after organizers learned that members of the gun rights group Gun Owners of Vermont planned to attend.
Washington Northeast teachers asking for total coverage of health care premiums
“The teachers are asking for 100 percent,” Patrick Healy, chair of the Twinfield Union School Board, told True North.
Natural health seminar sparks vaccine debate
The conversation about vaccine safety in the Green Mountain State was reignited over the weekend at a health seminar on non-conventional medicinal practices.
Legislative session ends, but budget showdown to extend into June
The House and Senate formally adjourned the 2017 session late Thursday evening after finishing up a final budget expected to be vetoed by Republican Gov. Phil Scott.
Law enforcement and lawmakers warn about reefer madness in Vermont
Marijuana legalization bill S.22 made it to Gov. Phil Scott’s desk largely along partisan lines, but law enforcement and some liberal lawmakers are issuing strong warnings about reefer madness in Vermont.
Legislative session extended again as governor battles Dems for taxpayer savings
The Vermont Senate on Friday approved a plan to preserve collective bargaining and keep teacher health care negotiations local, but Gov. Phil Scott again threatened a veto, saying the plan burdens school districts and doesn’t achieve multi-year savings.
Sprint to legislative finish held up over teacher health care negotiations
The stalemate between the governor and lawmakers over teachers health care negotiations continues, even as many at the Statehouse are ready for the extended session to adjourn.