Will Vermont follow California and ban gas-powered leafblowers and chainsaws?
Will Vermont follow California and ban gas-powered leafblowers, chainsaws and other “off-road engines”? Vermont already has at least one municipal leaf-blower ban.
Covid rising faster among vaxxed Vermonters
Positive Covid-19 test cases are up in highly-vaccinated Vermont while declining nationally, Vermont Department of Health reported Tuesday. Covid-19 positive cases last week were higher per capita among vaccinated Vermonters than unvaccinated.
Covid vax more effective than survivor immunity, state epidemiologist claims
Gov. Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Health Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Patsy Kelso both insist that Covid-19 immunity by vaccination is safer than, or at least a valuable addition to, natural immunity.
Scott admin unaware if DHS is flying illegal immigrants from southern border to Vermont
The Scott administration is unaware of any plans by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to fly illegal migrants from the southwest border to Vermont, Press Secretary Jason Maulucci said Thursday.
Climate Council BIPOC-only public hearing cancelled for ‘Zoom security issues’
Tuesday night’s Vermont Climate Council virtual public hearing at which white people were not welcome to join or participate was cancelled at the last minute due to “Zoom security issues,” the Vermont Climate Council director told registrants in an email.
For month of September, 76% of Covid-19 deaths were among the vaccinated in Vermont
Health Department spokesperson Ben Truman said most of the vaccine ‘breakthrough’ Covid-19 fatalities were elderly. Because they were among the first vaccinated, Vermont’s elderly “have had more time to potentially become a vaccine breakthrough case,” he said.
No Vermont state employees on unpaid leave for Covid non-compliance, Scott admin says
Of the 1,100 state employees who have not attested Covid-19 vaccination, none are currently on unpaid leave for failing to comply with masking and testing requirements, a spokesman for Gov. Phil Scott said.
Mandatory mask critics rally for Newport store
About 50 people braved a Northeast Kingdom snowstorm yesterday to rally in support of embattled Newport print shop owner Mark Desautels’ stand against the state’s masking directive.
State will withdraw Title X family planning money when fed funding restored
Gov. Phil Scott said last week the state of Vermont will withdraw state family planning funding for Planned Parenthood when the federal government restores its Title X family planning funding to abortion providers.
‘Truth and Reconciliation’ Commission gets look this week
Bills up for House committee review this week would encourage home visitation by school workers, allow candidates to spend campaign money on personal expenses, let a judge order police to take away firearms, study a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” for Vermont, and promote BIPOC home ownership.
Lawmakers claim $218K at-home expenses
Through Feb. 19, Vermont lawmakers have claimed $218,144 in the $75 per diem permitted for at-home expenses. Legislators are entitled to travel and meals expenses, in addition to their $742/week in-session pay. However, the need for travel and eating outside of the home has greatly diminished since last spring.
Vax refusal bill introduced in Vermont
H.283, providing the right to refuse any unwanted test, treatment or vaccine, was introduced Thursday into the Vermont House. It would specifically prevent employers and state government from requiring vaccination in exchange for jobs, travel, childcare and other benefits.