VERMONT – Excess rain caused by climate change could be linked to challenges with growing Christmas trees in Vermont. “The soil has been saturated for a year or more,” said Steve Moffatt from Moffatt’s Tree Farm in Craftsbury. With saturated soil, Moffatt said, there is a “lack of oxygen, so[Read More…]
Vermont
Mental Health Program for Flood-affected Vermonters Extended
VERMONT – Last Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch that set off a cascade of preparations across Vermont. On that same day, Vermont Department of Mental Health announced that it had received an extension of funding for its Starting Over Strong program to support the mental health of flood-affected Vermonters. Two[Read More…]
Vermont to Test Dairy Farms for Avian Flu
SOUTH BURLINGTON – Last week, at the University of Vermont dairy farm in South Burlington, Jess Waterman climbed up to an opening in a large storage tank, inserted a long metal dipper, and pulled out a test tubes’ worth of raw milk. Gathered around Waterman, a dairy farm inspector with[Read More…]
Federal Grants Expand Internet Access
VERMONT – Vermont has been awarded $5.3 million from the federal government to implement its Digital Equity Plan, which outlines how the state will provide individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service. “Internet and broadband. It’s no[Read More…]
‘Tis the Season for Less Plastic
VERMONT — A Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) report provides consumers with tips for avoiding excessive and potentially toxic plastic packaging and products this holiday season. The new report by the Vermont Public Interest Research and Education Fund (VPIRG’s charitable research and education arm) takes direct aim at wasteful[Read More…]
Fewer Statehouse Women in 2025
VERMONT – When Vermont’s incoming first-term senators gathered in the Senate chamber in Montpelier this week for their new member orientation, the nine newcomers had something in common: They were all men. The new slate of senators will take their oaths of office at the start of the two-year legislative[Read More…]
PUC Signs off on Consolidated Communications Sale
VERMONT – Consolidated Communications has received the green light from the Vermont Public Utility Commission to proceed with its proposed sale to a private investment company. The $3.1 billion sale to affiliates of Searchlight Capital Partners and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation still needs approval from federal regulators, but company[Read More…]
Election to Shake up Powerful Money Committees
VERMONT – The last election, and the resulting power shift in Montpelier, will also reshape some of the Vermont Legislature’s most powerful committees and who will lead them. The heads of two panels, the House and Senate appropriations committees, which steer the state budget-building process each year, won’t be returning. One[Read More…]
In Senate Races, Wealthy Families Contributed to GOP Candidates
VERMONT – In Vermont’s five most competitive state Senate races, 10 generous families contributed more than one-third of all campaign donations to the Republican nominees, as of an October 15 filing deadline. Democrats in those five races, by comparison, can thank their top 10 highest individual contributors — among them,[Read More…]
Statewide Burning Ban Issued for Debris
VERMONT – After a warm, dry week and weekend and several reports of large wildfires in Vermont, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) has issued an order for all of the state’s forest fire wardens to cease issuing burning permits from 3 p.m., October 28, through 3[Read More…]
Will Republican Control of Narrative on Property Taxes Flip Legislative Seats
VERMONT – On the campaign trail, state legislative candidates say affordability dominates conversations with constituents. Property taxes, and with them, the cost of education, are fueling some of the most fiery rhetoric. This year, education property taxes rose an average of 13.8% statewide, driven by school spending approved by district[Read More…]
Free Home Repair Assistance Offered
VERMONT — Efficiency Vermont is launching the Weatherization Home Repair Program to help Vermonters complete weatherization projects where home repairs are a barrier.The program offers up to $15,000 in rebates for necessary home repairs. Offer is for repairs to existing single-family Vermont residences (including short-term rentals) and rental properties with[Read More…]
