Discover More from This Category: State News

News Watch from Bernie Sanders

April 30, 2015
Senator Sanders ‘I’m Running’ Promising to fight "obscene levels" of income disparity and a campaign finance system that is a "real disgrace," independent Sen. Bernie Sanders said Wednesday he will run for president as a Democrat, The Associated Press reported. Sanders on Thursday announced he would seek the 2016 nomination “in a bid likely to…

Senate votes to repeal philosophical exemption for childhood immunizations

April 30, 2015
By Morgan True, VTDigger.org The Senate approved legislation Wednesday, April 22, that would repeal Vermont’s philosophical exemption from immunization requirements to enter kindergarten. The bill does not remove the religious or medical exemptions from those immunizations. On an 18-11 vote, the Senate tacked on an amendment repealing the exemption to a House bill, H.98, which…

House advances paid leave bill after three-hour debate

April 30, 2015
H.187 passes 76-66 on second reading By Erin Mansfield, VTDigger.org The Vermont House of Representatives gave preliminary approval to the bill that would require employers to offer three days of paid time off to permanent employees starting in 2016. Workers would accrue paid time off at a rate of one hour per 40 hours worked,…

Suspect in Springfield homicide captured, girlfriend too

April 30, 2015
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Police Department and Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit announce the capture of Gregory Allen Smith in Londonderry, Vt. Thursday, April 23.  Smith, wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Wesley Wing on April 18 in Springfield, was taken into custody without incident this morning along with Wendy Morris, age…

VSP share Traffic Safety Survey results

April 30, 2015
Distracted driving remains top priority As part of the National Distracted Driving Month awareness campaign, and in conjunction with the Vermont Highway Safety Alliance (VHSA), the Vermont State Police is making public the results of a survey performed last month. Vermonters were asked for their opinions on traffic safety in their communities, and were invited to…

Bethel man charged with aggravated assault with a firearm after shooting

April 30, 2015
BETHEL — On April 26, at approximately 9:32 p.m., troopers from the Royalton barracks responded to 686 Vermont Route 14 in the town of Bethel for a reported shooting. Troopers arrived at the residence and discovered Donald Giovanella, age 47, lying outside the residence with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. Troopers pulled Giovanella…

Environmental permit process to change?

April 30, 2015
By John Herrick, VTDigger.org The Shumlin administration has proposed legislation that officials say will create a more predictable process for developers to obtain permits for projects that have environmental impacts. The changes aim to simplify the notification and comment process for project applications as part of an effort to increase efficiency within the department, according…

Senate panel unanimously adopts education reform bill

April 23, 2015
By Amy Ash Nixon, VTDigger.org The Senate Education Committee unanimously passed H.361, the education reform bill, after taking testimony Wednesday evening, April 22, from dozens of Vermont parents, teachers, school board members, administrators and citizens. The Senate version of H.361 contains generous incentives to spur more school district mergers. The goal of the legislation is…

Spring snow geese flock

April 22, 2015
By John Hall, VTF&W Vermont is one of eight eastern states opening a spring snowgoose hunt this year to help control damage by the birds to agricultural crops and marsh vegetation from Quebec to North Carolina. “The breeding population of greater snow geese has grown from approximately 50,000 birds in the mid-1960s to 900,000 birds today,”…

Seven communities selected for comprehensive approach to supporting children with high needs

April 8, 2015
On April 3, the Agency of Human Services announced the selection of the first seven Vermont communities that will participate in the new Promise Communities initiative. This initiative supports collaboration across the education, health care, human service, public, and private sectors to create an all-of-the-above, comprehensive approach to transforming communities to better support children with…

House passes comprehensive education bill to reduce spending, expand learning

April 8, 2015
On April 2, the Vermont House of Representatives passed a comprehensive education reform package that proposes to address growing disparity in learning opportunities for Vermont’s students, and places firm restrictions on local education spending growth. “Vermonters want property tax relief and greater equity in education across our delivery system,” said Speaker Shap Smith. “Balancing what’s…

Small and Rural Schools Caucus forms in House

April 8, 2015
By Amy Ash Nixon, VTDigger.org As a bill that requires larger school systems works its way through the Legislature, a group of House lawmakers has formed a Small and Rural Schools Caucus to focus on issues that could affect their districts. The group has met three times in recent weeks, said Rep. Laura Sibilia, I-West…

Annual Doyle Poll shows drop in marijuana support

April 8, 2015
By VTDigger staff Vermonters oppose taxes on carbon and sugary drinks and show less support for Governor Peter Shumlin, according to the annual Town Meeting Day poll conducted by Sen. Bill Doyle, R-Washington. The 11,000 returned surveys also show a drop in support for the legalization of marijuana, compared to last year’s Doyle poll. This…

VTrans to utilize innovative slide-in construction on I-91 bridges

April 8, 2015
HARTFORD — A project to replace the I-91 bridges over US Route 5 in White River Junction is underway, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) announced April 3. Thanks to the deployment of an innovative slide-in construction technique, the highway will remain open during construction except for two weekends, likely in late August depending on…

Legislation to improve access to dental care passes senate floor

April 8, 2015
S.20, a bill that allows dental therapists to practice in Vermont, passed the Senate floor on an 18-8 vote April 3. This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Claire Ayer (D- Addison), Sen. Michael Sirotkin (D-Chittenden), and Sen. Jeanette White (D-Windham), will increase access to affordable, quality dental care for all Vermonters. Sponsor and Chair of the…