John Klar: Flattening the curve, and Vermont’s economy
There is perhaps no flatter COVID-19 curve than Vermont’s, and perhaps no economy more effectively flattened.
About 72 percent of COVID-19 deaths in New Hampshire linked to nursing homes
“Prior to the pandemic, New Hampshire nursing homes had the nation’s best rate of ‘substantial compliance’ with federal health survey standards.”
Atlanta mayor admits Georgia reopening ‘not as bad as I thought’
The Atlanta mayor who criticized Georgia Gov. Brian Kemps’ decision to reopen the state last month said Monday that the results were “not as bad” as she first anticipated.
Todd Smith: Crushing weight of gym police
Vermont’s autocratic attorney general sued a Rutland gym for being open to customers. TJ Donovan asked a judge to shut the gym down, fine the owner $1,000 for every day the gym was open, and reimburse court costs and the cost of the “investigation.”
Senate committee not excited about Act 250
During a May 13 meeting, the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee showed little enthusiasm for a thorough review of the Act 250 revision approved by the House earlier this year.
Letters to legislators: No new initiatives, take care of our people
In the wake of COVID-19, we call on the Vermont Legislature to table all new initiatives and focus on taking care of our own people. We believe it is socially irresponsible to start new initiatives when people are worrying about losing their homes and kids are going to bed hungry.
Commercial cannabis would increase budget deficit
Vermonters asking the Legislature “buddy, can you spare a dime?” for basic education, housing, food and employment assistance may wonder at a Legislature willing to front almost $1 million to create a legal industry surrounded by so much controversy and so many question marks.
John Klar: COVID-19 is killing Vermont’s restaurants
Most laid-off workers are eligible to collect unemployment plus a $600 relief check, meaning they would prefer to stay home. But if 30% of Vermont’s restaurants close, where will these people work when the unemployment and relief funds expire?
Letter: Gov. Scott faces Goliath
The Vermont-NEA members have been hurt less financially than any other large group of employees so far. Let them not claim abuse if they are asked to give a little. After all, it is for the good of the kids.
McClaughry: Help our small businesses weather the storm
Your help to get your community’s small businesses through this pandemic crisis will help our local economies emerge stronger and better in the years to follow.
Towns can mandate wearing masks in public, Scott says
In this week’s Covid-19 related news, municipalities may require masks to be worn in public, Gov. Phil Scott wants a school budget vote do-over, and the state of emergency can be extended as many times as necessary.
Brian Allen: Is Phil Scott in over his head?
The jobs governor I voted for twice has turned into Governor Fear, Governor Depression and Governor Oops. Believing tidbits from CNN and science fiction, he’s strangled Vermont’s economy.