By Xander Landen/VTDigger A consulting firm hired to examine Vermont’s corrections system has proposed five plans for redesigning it in the coming years — all of which involve closing the state’s only prison for women. The proposals, presented to legislators Tuesday, April 13, would increase the number of beds in the state’s prison system to more…

Vermont will receive $ 104,438,131 from FEMA to support the state with emergency protective measures to store, handle, transport, distribute, and administer the Covid-19 vaccine in accordance with the state vaccination plan. These funds are being awarded to support the Vermont Agency of Human Services in order to address this immediate threat to life and…

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) issued a grant invitation for new infrastructure projects that improve access and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, April 14. In 2020, awards totaled $3 million for construction and planning projects throughout the state. “These projects make it possible for more people to walk and bike safely in Vermont communities,”…

By Rep. Jim Harrison In the not-too-distant past, Vermonters would call the State House and leave a message for their legislator, which would then be hand-delivered by a page. Additionally, the State House had advocates for most sides of any initiative that could share information or answer legislators’ questions. Of course, there were emails, but…

By Governor Phil Scott Editor’s note: Governor Phil Scott announced April 17  that he will allow H. 315 to become law without his signature and issued the following letter to the General Assembly. Pursuant to Chapter II, Section 11 of the Vermont Constitution, H.315, An Act Relating to Covid-19 Relief, will become law without my signature for…

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…

A new grant program, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, or RRF, is launching soon for restaurants, brew pubs, food trucks, coffee shops, bars and many more. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) site sba.gov/restaurants shares information on how the program will roll out, the application requirements and the documents to prepare. The SBA is strongly encouraging all potential applicants…

The VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, (VNAHSR), one of the state’s largest providers of skilled home health and hospice services, announced March 29 that its board of directors has appointed Sara C. King as chief executive officer. She will replace Ron Cioffi, RN, CEO who is retiring in June. King assumed the leadership…

The Vermont state police is investigating the deaths of two people whose bodies were found inside a vehicle this weekend in the driveway of a private residence in Vershire. Based on preliminary information received Monday, April 5, from the Vermont Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, the deaths do not appear suspicious. Police received an emergency call…

By Xander Landen and Kit Norton/VTDigger When Congress established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) last year, the aim was to provide tax-free, forgivable loans to businesses to help them make payroll and stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. But now, the Vermont Legislature is looking to tax some of those emergency payouts. The state House and Senate came…

A new federally funded Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP) will provide aid to eligible residents of Vermont who cannot pay their rent due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  VERAP will be administered by the  state-authorized  Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) with an online application provided by ReFrame Solutions, call center, and case management services from BPO…

On March 29, the Public Utility Commission issued an order extending the temporary moratorium for natural gas, electric, and traditional landline telephone service through May 31, 2021. (Water service is presently covered by an involuntary disconnection moratorium that was enacted last year.) “We recognize that many Vermonters are still suffering from the public health and…

By Sen. Alison Clarkson The Vermont Constitution is a living document and, as such, is allowed to be amended. However, the authors of our Constitution in 1777 did not make it an easy document to amend. It is a multi-year process, requiring review and approval in two consecutive legislative biennia (in this case 2019-20 and…

By Rep. Jim Harrison Last week there were unmistakable signs of spring around us. Warmer temperatures, area golf courses reopening, crocuses and daffodils blossoming and more. Another sign of spring happens in the Legislature this time of year as well. It is evidenced by the beginning of passage of bills in either the House or…

The U.S. Small Business Administration officially open the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal on April 8 for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theaters, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives to apply for critical economic relief, as those eligible entities are some of the first that had…