House passes $15 minimum wage bill, could still fail with governor’s veto
The House on Wednesday passed a Democrat-backed bill that would raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2026, but it’s unlikely the legislation could survive a veto by the governor.
Statehouse Headliners: McKibben influence strong on 2019 Legislature
Never underestimate the influence of climate change author and activist Bill McKibben on the Vermont Legislature.
Chronicle: Bias monitoring, EV subsidies, Bill McKibben, bigger state role in home construction, inspection
In the May 15, 2019, issue of the Chronicle of the Vermont State House, new legislation would give the state of Vermont more say over local school districts, retail stores and restaurants, residential building and inspections, and carbon emissions.
House committee votes out 24-hour gun-purchase wait, veto showdown ahead
The House Judiciary Committee on Monday voted 7-4 to approve new gun legislation that includes a 24-hour wait period to purchase a handgun, among other rules.
Vermont veterans find roadblocks to getting dental care at the White River Junction VA
“I guess it’s no surprise that the department there is dysfunctional. They don’t call you back and even the service providers say that,” McColgan said.
Ben & Jerry’s advisory council to promote climate mitigation and more to farmers
The ice-cream giant and ever-political Ben & Jerry’s has developed an advisory council to help farmers mitigate global warming and adopt best-practices such as keeping cows healthy.
Future of association health plans uncertain in Vermont
Lawmakers in the Senate Finance Committee met on Wednesday to discuss how Vermont will proceed with association health plans, which are an affordable alternative to the state health insurance options offered through Vermont Health Connect.
Windham school merger vote warned
Five communities — Brookline, Jamaica, Newfane, Townshend and Windham — will vote by Australian ballot on June 11 whether Windham Elementary School District should fully join the West River district.
Statehouse Headliners: Capital gains tax could fall on woodlot owners
The embattled, $1.5 billion Vermont forest products industry is facing a new threat — a hike in the state capital gains tax.
Wrong-way crash murder trial continues
Five Central Vermont teens killed in a fiery two-vehicle crash on Interstate 89 in Williston 2 years ago died from blunt force trauma, the state’s deputy chief medical examiner told a Vermont Superior Court jury Wednesday.
Vermont Youth Lobby using taxpayer assets to carry out student activism
A student-led climate-change activism organization called the VT Youth Lobby is using public taxpayer assets to organize and promote its activism while having close ties to VPIRG and 350VT.
House votes for constitutional amendment to allow abortion until moment of birth
The Vermont House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 106-38 for a constitutional amendment that would give Vermonters a fundamental right to kill a fetus at any stage of pregnancy up until the moment of birth, unless infringement of that right is “justified by a compelling State interest.”