Gov. Scott says Affordable Heating Act ‘still quacks like a duck’
The clean heat standard, which narrowly failed to become law in 2022, may return with a new name: the “Affordable Heating Act.” But Gov. Phil Scott says it will still be “a duck.”
Environmental Justice Advisory Council, school masking controversy, Global Foundries signals economic troubles
Vermont has begun filling open seats on its new Environmental Justice Advisory Council, an 11-member panel created by Act 154 that will make “justice” recommendations to state agencies and the General Assembly. Also a masking controversy continues in Newark.
Burlington Police report debunks claims that crime is down in the Queen City
A new report from the Burlington chief of police has been released this month that debunks the claim that overall crime levels are down for the city.
Scott administration acknowledges border concerns, will work with feds
Speaking at his weekly press conference, Gov. Phil Scott covered a range of topics, including his thoughts on the seven-fold increase in illegal border crossings at the Vermont-Canadian border.
Superintendent of NEK school with mask requirement shuts down opponent
Longtime Vermont mandatory mask opponent Amy Hornblas has been rebuked by a Northeast Kingdom school superintendent for seeking to overturn the required masking policy in the elementary school in the tiny town of Newark.
Advocates seek to make childcare a licensed profession, say families should pay only 10 percent on care
Speaking at a legislative summit on paid family leave and childcare this month, the director of the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children said one of the goals for the upcoming session is to make childcare a state-licensed profession.
Milton School Board hears parents’ concerns about equity policy proposals
“We would like to remind the school board trustees you are elected into your positions to represent the voice of Milton residents, parents and taxpayers. Therefore you work for us, not the superintendent or the administration,” DeLong said.
OneCare Vermont says ‘would be fiscally irresponsible’ to take on proposed financial risks
OneCare Vermont is taking issue with criticisms by the Green Mountain Care Board and others, and has laid down the gauntlet in defiance: it is threatening to quit unless it gets its money.
Report: New Hampshire fuels cigarette black market
New Hampshire has the highest rate of illegal cigarette smuggling in the nation, according to a new report by a tax watchdog. The Granite State currently charges $1.78 in cigarette excise taxes per pack, compared to $3.51 in neighboring Massachusetts and $3.08 in Vermont.
University of Vermont holds ‘Sex Toy Bingo’ with tuition money
The University of Vermont hosted “Sex Toy Bingo” for students earlier this month. The event was described as “sexperts, sex toy prizes, condom giveaways, and more,” according to reports.
His Burlington remarks were banned by YouTube. Here, Dr. Aaron Kheriarty talks freely about ‘technocratic biosecurity surveillance regime’
Dr. Aaron Kheriarty, a member of the Restoring Our Faith Summit panel discussion, was banned by YouTube for “medical disinformation.”
Vermont poised to hear legal gaming pitch
Vermont lawmakers will have opportunity to follow through a committee recommendation and establish sports betting in 2023. In its final meeting Tuesday of last week, the nine-member Sports Wagering Betting Study Committee unanimously approved a 33-page report.