Monday, May 31, is Memorial Day. It’s a day of remembrance for those who died in military service America, not to be confused with a day to remember all living veterans who served in the military, that’s Veterans Day or a day to honor all men and women currently in the military, that’s Armed Forces…

By Angelo Lynn When it comes to parents being unsure of whether they should give their children the vaccine to prevent contracting Covid-19, we get it. Parents are naturally protective; we are mama or papa bears protecting our cubs. It’s an instinct that lasts long into adulthood. But we also understand the scientific process, and…

By Lee H. Hamilton The phrase “the common good” and its importance in our history has always impressed me. I’ve been wondering about the history of the idea: where it comes from, what it means and the impact it has. The concept goes back a long way. Aristotle wrote about forming governments to achieve security,…

By Will Stevens Editor’s Note: Will Stevens is a first-generation farmer and co-owner of Golden Russet Farm in Shoreham. He served in the Vermont Legislature from 2007-2014 and was ranking member of the House agriculture and forest products committee for four years. He’s been president of Vermont Organic Farmers and served on several town and non-profit…

By Bill Schubart Editor’s Note: Bill Schubart is the author of nine books of fiction, a former VPR radio commentator, and a regular columnist for VTDigger. He has served on many non-profit boards and several legislative commissions. He grew up in Morrisville and lives in Hinesburg. This commentary is part eight in a 10-part series in…

By Sec. Julie Moore, Agency of Natural Resources If we want to revitalize vacant village centers, encourage compact development, expand the availability of affordable housing and high-quality childcare, address the growing climate crisis, attract younger people to stay in and move to Vermont, and invest in workforce development, we need to look underground. I’m not…

By Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan As Vermont and our nation continue to work toward a more fair and equitable criminal justice system, the Vermont Legislature is considering an important bill that can provide a fresh start for thousands of Vermonters, promote public safety, and reduce incarceration. S.7 expands Vermonters’ ability to expunge old criminal records. Clearing…

By Governor Phil Scott and Lt. Governor Molly Gray It’s well known that Vermont faces a demographic crisis. We have an aging population, with a shrinking workforce and reduced school enrollment. As a result, Vermonters continue to shoulder an increasing tax burden. Both of us discussed this trend during the last election and we know…

By Madeleine May Kunin Editors note: Madeleine May Kunin was the 77th governor of Vermont, serving from 1985 until 1991. She is the author of “Coming of Age, My Journey to the Eighties.” In the old days, back in the 1970s, issues like child care, equal pay and paid family and medical leave, were labeled “Women’s…

By Lindsey Berk and Suzy Hodgson Editor’s Note: This commentary is co-authored by Lindsey Berk, executive director of the Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN Network), and Suzy Hodgson, a board member of the Acorn Renewable Energy Co-operative (AEC) and founder of the Charlotte Energy Committee. This is the fifth commentary in a 10-part series by…

By Jack Hoffman Those were among the key reasons the Vermont Tax Structure Commission recommended recently that the state abolish the homestead property tax and move to an income-based school tax for all resident homeowners. We support the commission’s recommendation. We also urge everyone, but especially policymakers, to read the final report. It addresses many persistent…

By Maura Collins Editor’s note: Maura Collins is the executive director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency and Chair of the Board of Pathways Vermont. This commentary is from a 10-part series in which the authors respond to the pressing topics developed by the non-partisan Vermont Council on Rural Development. Part 4: Vermont must reduce…

By Joe Fusco Editor's note: Joe Fusco, vice president of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. in Rutland, served on Governor Scott’s Vermont Climate Action Commission and currently chairs the Vermont Climate Economy Action Team. This commentary is from a 10-part series in which the authors respond to the pressing topics identified in a draft “Proposition for…

By Jen Kimmich Editor’s Note: Kimmich is the co-founder and CEO of The Alchemist Brewery, a past board member of VCRD. In 2020 The Alchemist collaborated with the VT Partnership for Fairness and Diversity to create an action plan to dismantle racism in their community and beyond. This commentary is from a 10-part series examining…

By John Casella Editor’s note: John W. Casella is chairman and CEO of Rutland-based Casella Waste Systems. Since 1977, when Casella built the first recycling facility in Vermont, I have worked alongside policymakers and community leaders to help make recycling economically and environmentally sustainable for Vermonters. Although the company has grown, our roots remain in Vermont…