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.
Attorney Deb Bucknam to Secretary of State Condos: ‘My client isn’t a hillbilly’
Controversial comments Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos made about a voter fraud lawsuit in the Northeast Kingdom aren’t sitting well with one of the attorneys in the case.
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.
Montpelier sanctuary status clearer, yet still murky
After landing on a federal list of sanctuary jurisdictions, Montpelier has modified its policy on cooperating with the feds to enforce immigration law — but both the mayor and chief of police deny the change had anything to do with President Trump.
Is Vermont’s dairy industry dependent on undocumented immigrants?
Despite oft-repeated claims that Vermont’s dairy industry can’t survive without illegal immigrant farm workers, owners of one Vermont dairy farm say automation, not illegal low-wage labor, is the solution to labor shortages. Columnist Meg Hansen reports.
Lawmakers return for budget showdown with governor over teacher health care negotiations
Legislators are returning to the Statehouse for an extended two-day session Wednesday and Thursday as Gov. Phil Scott has doubled-down on his proposal to have teacher health care negotiations take place at the state level.
General Fund revenues $21 million short in April
Vermont’s General Fund revenues for April are in, and the numbers are about $21.65 million short of the monthly target set by the Emergency Board in January.
House will tackle teacher health care negotiation policy again Thursday
Gov. Phil Scott wants to reshape how teacher healthcare contracts are negotiated, having them done at the state level rather than the supervisory union level. He says this initiative could save the state $26 million.
Lawmakers turning against Scott’s $35 million housing bond
Gov. Phil Scott’s proposed $35 million bond for affordable housing seemed to have broad support only months ago, but now the proposal appears to be on life support.