By Jim Harrison
This past Friday, April 24, Governor Scott turned the spigot ever so slightly or as Stewart Ledbetter said on “Vermont This Week” (the Friday evening PBS program for political junkies), “He took baby steps.”
Vermont continues to show a slowing of new cases. However, as Scott pointed out, neighboring states like Massachusetts and New York… continue to have a high number of Covid positives (and deaths) and we need to remind ourselves that they can easily spill over here. His approach to reopening is much like our newest grandson, learn to walk (and slowly at that) before you run.
The latest adjustments to the governor’s emergency order include:
Allowing outdoor businesses, construction operations and recreation maintenance work to operate with a maximum of five total workers per location (up from two).
Manufacturing and distribution operations, and interior construction of uninhabited structures, may resume operations with a maximum of five employees in one location, if they are low-density and ensure employees are always 6 feet apart.
Outdoor retail space (garden centers) can allow in-person shopping with a maximum of 10 total people.
Farmers Markets may open May 1 with strict alterations that focus on food distribution and prevent congregating. Additional guidance will be provided by the Agency of Agriculture.
The Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Agency (VOSHA) has developed training and other materials to inform Vermonters on appropriate safety measures necessary to return to work amid the Covid-19 pandemic. All businesses and non-profit and government entities in operation must complete and document mandatory health and safety training by May 4, 2020. Training materials can be found by visiting labor.vermont.gov/VOSHA.
After several weeks of committees meeting via Zoom, the full House met and voted remotely last week to advance some Covid related bills. Bills approved included H.340, which allows the Treasurer to borrow from various state funds to pay bills during the Covid emergency; S.114, which contains several judicial related measures, including allowing defendants to appear in court remotely; and S.341, the sharing of tax information with the Dept of Labor to verify income for the new self-employed assistance program.
Extra pay to essential workers
Senate committees have been crafting a bill to provide extra pay to essential workers, utilizing some of Vermont’s federal Covid funds. The program, promoted by Senate leader (and candidate for lieut. governor), Tim Ashe, would provide monthly payments to those earning less than $25/hour. Payments could equal $1,000 to those working over 108 hours per month and $600 to those who work between 34 and 108 hours per month. The estimated price tag for the three monthly grants is $90 million.
Defining who is covered could become a major sticking point. Farm workers, while essential, are not included. Volunteers helping out at Meals on Wheels or at the hospital, may not be covered. A number of private employers have provided temporary premiums in pay to certain employees who must work during the pandemic. The Senate proposal would be in addition.
VSC
What to do about the financial woes of the Vermont State Colleges remains an open question. Following widespread criticism, Chancellor Spaulding withdrew his proposal to shut down three of the campuses after projections indicated VSC would run out of money in the coming months. Legislators are looking at the possible use of bridge funding for VSC with federal Covid funds, but longer term plans may prove elusive.
Auto premiums returned
The Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced that more than 40 auto insurance companies have filed plans to return premiums or reduce their rates for Vermont policyholders due to decreased driving during the pandemic. The companies account for about 90% of the auto policies in Vermont. At this time, most relief will be in the range of 15-20% for a period of two or three months. Overall savings are close to $15 million.
DFR also announced Vermont would be part of a multi-state initiative to secure student loan relief options for thousands of Vermonters with privately held student loans. Borrowers in need of assistance, including VSAC borrowers, should immediately contact their student loan servicer or lender to identify the options appropriate to their circumstances.
PUA program for self-employed
The long awaited Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program for self-employed was launched in Vermont late last week. However, issues on getting claims processed remain. The federally funded assistance is for independent contractors and other self-employed who do not contribute or qualify for traditional unemployment insurance program for employees. As of last Friday morning, nearly 6,000 had already filed claims for the PUA.
If approved for PUA, claimants must continue to file weekly claims for each week they are unemployed and wish to receive benefits. Failure to do so will result in delayed payment. Eligible PUA claimants will be able to file and receive past benefits, dating back to the week of March 15, 2020. Weekly benefit amounts will be determined by 2019 earnings. More information can be found at: labor.vermont.gov.
Support local news
In closing, let’s remember that during this unprecedented time of business closures, please consider supporting our media outlets, such as our free weekly papers like the Mountain Times, mountaintimes.info, or online publications like VTDigger.com and Front Porch Forum. All have seen significant declines in advertising revenue due to closings. We all depend on them for sharing news and information.
Jim Harrison is a state representative for Bridgewater, Chittenden, Killington and Mendon. He can be reached at JHarrison@leg.state.vt.us.
