Over 80,000 Vermonters have filed unemployment claims since the middle of March. The state unemployment fund covers 46% of weekly gross earnings averaged over the past three quarters. On top of that, the U.S. Congress passed the CARES act adding $600/week to claimant’s benefits. The state allows for up to six months on unemployment (with…

Staff report Before the Covid-19 surge prompted 80,000 people to file for unemployment starting in mid-March, about 500 claims came into the department each week. The department handled the phone calls associated with those claims using about 15 staff members. The department now has 150 people handling calls, interim Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington…

Staff report The Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) can provides assistance to area businesses that have been impacted as a result of Covid-19. “Over the past few weeks, we’ve been working diligently for all of you to better understand the impacts of Covid-19 as the situation develops,” wrote Tyler Richardson, REDC executive director, and Kim Rupe…

The state of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development answers common questions about financial assistance available to individuals who may need help paying bills. Is any kind of immediate financial assistance available for individuals? A federal stimulus package includes direct one-time payments to most Americans. The direct payment will provide $1,200 payments to adults with…

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small business owners and entrepreneurs start, grow, expand, or recover. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses. In response to the…

U.S. Sen. Leahy helped secure funding with the CARES Act in March, second round will bring more in May The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $853 million in loans to 4,896 Vermont businesses, U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy announced on Wednesday, April 15. The assistance comes from the Paycheck Protection Program that was…

Rutland Regional, state prepare for reopening with testing for those symptomatic and contact tracing By Polly Mikula Since the beginning of April, at least, the state of Vermont and all its regional hospitals and health clinics have had enough Covid-19 tests to test all symptomatic patients for the virus. All it takes to get one…

On April 17, Governor Phil Scott announced a flag lowering procedure to honor Vermonters who have died due to Covid-19, making the following statement: “This Sunday, April 19, marks one month since Vermont’s first two fatalities as a result of Covid-19. In honor of all the Vermonters we have lost to this terrible disease, I…

By Virginia Dean RUTLAND — Although telemedicine has been practiced since the 1990s, it is needed and being used now more than ever, given the recent and daily difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic. “Social distancing guidelines make it harder to do many things, including going to doctor’s appointments,” said Peg Bolgioni, marketing and public relations…

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to ensure that Medicaid members have access to the medications they need, the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) has implemented the following changes to its prescription drug benefits programs, effective Friday, March 30. The mandatory 90-day supply requirement for select medications was suspended to allow pharmacies to…

The Vermont Department of Health has launched VTHelplink, a new, single source clearinghouse for Vermonters to receive free, confidential and personalized information and referrals to substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services throughout the state. “The global pandemic has not erased the continued urgent need for substance use-related services for Vermonters,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine,…

The new coronavirus attacks the lungs, making it harder for people who smoke or vape — tobacco, cannabis or anything else — to fight off the virus and putting them at much greater risk of severe illness, even death. Through outreach and social media promotion, the Health Department has been helping Vermonters to learn that…

Help is one call away The Vermont State Police, Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence join with other law-enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations to acknowledge the unique and difficult challenges facing people who are living in abusive and violent circumstances during the Covid-19 pandemic. “While we continue to…

Support for parents is vital for children’s well being “We understand isolation... can be very challenging for families with children,” stated Ed Bride, deputy/development director at Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (PCAVT). Young children need and actually thrive with predictable structure to their days, as well as attention and interactive play. They need their naps and…

BROC Community Action Hours open: Mon-Fri. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Senior hours Friday 2-3 p.m. Location: 45 Union St, Rutland, VT Phone: 802-775-0878 Black River Good Neighbor Services, Thrift Store/Food Shelf Hours Open: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: 37B Main St., Ludlow, VT Phone: 802-228-3663 Brandon Area Emergency Food Shelf Hours open: Mon., Wed., Fri.: 8:30-9…