By Kate Robinson, VTDigger.org The state Senate on Wednesday, Feb. 4, approved a new mandate requiring all businesses in Vermont to offer sick leave benefits to employees. The legislation will now go back to the House, where lawmakers may concur or amend the Senate version. Gov. Peter Shumlin has said he would sign paid sick…

By Tiffany Danitz Pache, VTDigger.org Is Vermont spending too little or too much on schools? The answer, according to experts hired by the state, is that Vermont may have spent about 10 percent more than necessary in the 2014-2015 school year. However, they say the findings don’t mean the state should start sharpening the budgetary…

On Feb. 4, TDI New England announced that the United States Army Corps of Engineers issued a federally-required Department of Army permit to the New England Clean Power Link, allowing it to be placed in the waters of the United States along its proposed route. TDI New England plans to build a 1,000-megawatt transmission line…

Using credit responsibly is an integral part of personal financial health. Not only is credit a key factor in securing loans for a home, vehicle or other major purchases, potential employers may review an applicant’s credit as part of the interview process, and landlords often look at credit before approving new renters. “Improving and maintaining…

Two years ago the Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals (VVSA) humane society, based in Bridgewater, Vt., was asked by state police to conduct a statewide survey of reported acts of neglect and abuse towards animals, including the number of cases, which agencies responded, and how the reports were handled. Starting January 2016, police departments are…

Cruz beats Trump by four points By Jasper Craven, VTDigger.org DES MOINES — In a Democratic presidential race often defined as a contest between the head of Hillary Clinton and the heart of Bernie Sanders, Iowans were virtually split Monday on which political organ they believe is more important. Razor-thin margins emerged from the caucuses…

By Michael Bielawski, Vermont Watchdog Lawmakers who heard Gov. Peter Shumlin outline his spending priorities in Thursday’s budget address on Jan. 20 had mixed reactions on how money should be spent. To fix Vermont’s $68 million budget deficit, Gov. Peter Shumlin called for $30 million in increased revenue, but he also asked lawmakers to reduce the…

By Erin Mansfield, VTDigger.org Gov. Peter Shumlin’s health care reform team told the House Health Care Committee on Thursday, Jan. 28, about bigger challenges with Vermont Health Connect than were previously reported. Lawrence Miller, the chief of health care reform, said the number of changes to customer accounts waiting to be handled by the state’s…

In a statement issued Tuesday, Jan. 26, Gov. Peter Shumlin and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Richard Sears (D-Bennington) detailed legislation to cautiously and deliberately legalize marijuana in Vermont. The move comes after the governor announced in his State of the State Address that he and Sen. Sears would work to draft common-sense legislation…

Keep talking, listening, moving By Jasper Craven, VTDigger.org At his fourth campaign stop of the day on a recent Friday, presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders’ voice was hoarse from hours of talking. His energy level, however, was hardly flagging. Eight more forums, speeches and rallies were scheduled over the weekend. On top of that, Sanders had…

Courtesy of VTDigger Green represents Vermont; red represents the U.S.  Curbing health risks of marijuana now steers debate By Cory Dawson, VTDigger.org A major public health group is urging lawmakers to consider the health risks associated with legalizing marijuana. The Vermont chapter of the American Public Health Association, the VtPHA, released a list of policy…

Submitted Vermont’s per-pupil expenditure continues to rise despite a decrease in student population, due to no corresponding cuts in teachers and staff. By Art McGrath and Bruce Parker, Vermont Watchdog If Tuesday night’s committee vote is any indication, then it looks like the 2 percent annual spending cap on school budgets mandated by Act 46…

By Mike Polhamus, VTDigger.org The Public Service Board on Tuesday, Jan. 5, approved a $1.2 billion utility transmission project from Canada to Ludlow. TDI New England plans to build a 1,000-megawatt transmission line under Lake Champlain that will feed the southern New England power grid. The board said it issued a certificate of public good…

By Mark Johnson, VTDigger.org The top two political leaders at the Vermont Statehouse share a concern about balancing the state budget while still protecting Vermonters and neither are high on the idea of legalizing marijuana but won’t stand in the way of its being passed. Medicaid and Marijuana, that might well sum up the key…

By Bruce Parker, Vermont Watchdog As state lawmakers return for the start of the 2016 legislative session, a fight is already raging over the spending caps in Vermont’s new education reform law — and property taxpayers have a big stake in the outcome. In 2013, Vermont’s per-pupil education spending was $16,377 — the sixth highest…