The 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), a.k.a. "the Vermont Brigade," is now authorized to recruit women. This marks the first time in the National Guard’s 384 year history that a combat arms battalion sized unit can enlist women. “I am incredibly proud of the soldiers and senior leaders of our…

By Sen. Alison Clarkson Last week’s successful presidential inaugural celebration on Jan. 20 was a powerful reminder of how precious our democracy is. Central to its viability is the peaceful transfer of power. Until now, I am not sure I’ve fully appreciated this. After the attempted violent insurrection in Washington DC on Jan. 6 –…

By Rep. Jim Harrison Last week, state economists presented revised state revenue forecasts that will be the basis of next year’s budget. The good news is that the forecast was adjusted significantly upward from the one done last August. Total revenues in all funds are now expected to be only $20 million below pre-pandemic FY21…

By Xander Landen/VTDigger State economists had good news Tuesday, Jan. 19, for Gov. Phil Scott and lawmakers who set Vermont’s revenue forecasts. Tax revenues in the state are expected to come in $254 million higher this year than fiscal analysts had projected in August. The boost is thanks, in large part, to the massive infusion of federal…

By Xander Landen and Lola Duffort/VTDigger A long-awaited report recommends wide-ranging reforms to make Vermont’s state taxes fairer and more resilient in a changing economy. The Vermont Tax Structure Commission proposes broadening the sales tax and expanding Vermont’s income tax base by promoting the state as a destination for remote workers. But the top-line recommendation is eliminating the homestead property…

By Andy Kirkaldy Gov. Phil Scott eased some restrictions on school and recreational sports practices, effective Jan. 18. Among the changes, outdoor ski teams will be allowed to compete this winter, Scott said in his Jan. 15 news conference. Nordic skiers from Otter Valley union high schools could begin to hit the trails soon. OVUHS…

By Brooke Geery Kamala Harris made history as the nation’s first female, Black and Asian-American vice president on Inauguration Day in a politically unifying purple coat by rising-star designer Christopher John Rogers. So why was Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders making all the fashion headlines? Among a sea of couture gowns, expensive sneakers and  designer…

Every year, advocates join together to raise their voice in support of Mental Health Advocacy Day at the Statehouse. This year is no exception, everyone is meeting virtually on Monday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to call on Vermont leaders and legislators to support “Our Mental Health in the Time of Covid.” The Covid pandemic will be the focus of this year’s Mental Health Advocacy…

Gov. Scott issues proclamation recognizing Jan. 24-30 as Vt. School Choice Week In the midst of a school year like no other, Vermont families and educators are gearing up to safely spotlight education options during School Choice Week 2021. Vermont community members are hosting 69 virtual or at-home celebrations during the week. Taking place annually…

A group of Vermont parents are suing the state and local school districts over unequal access to education under the state’s 150-year-old town tuitioning system. The parents say the program violates the state constitution by allowing children residing in certain school districts to attend the school of their choice and denying the same right to…

The Vermont Lodging Coalition, formed during the pandemic, and the Vermont Inn and Bed & Breakfast Association, with 11 years of advocacy history in the state, together announce the formation of one collaborative organization named the Vermont Lodging Association (VLA). The lodging industry in Vermont, which represents $600 million in annual revenue, is the backbone of…

By Rep. Jim Harrison “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. In this time of dissension and uncertainty in our country, let us all take a moment to reflect on the words of Martin Luther King, Jr, and how to best come…

Bill prevents health insurance companies from price fixing, collusion Legislation led in the Senate by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) that promotes lower health insurance costs to consumers by increasing transparency and enhancing consumer protections in the health insurance industry was signed into law Wednesday by the president. The Competitive Health Insurance…

By Eesha Williams A new Vermont group is working to stop logging on publicly-owned land in the state — including in the Green Mountain National Forest near Rochester. The group, Standing Trees Vermont supports banning logging on publicly owned land and, instead, encourages logging companies to buy their own land. If the companies want to…

Approximately 100 Vermont Army National Guard Soldiers will support operations in Washington D.C. ahead of the Presidential Inauguration. The Vermont Soldiers are predominantly from 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain). “We swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight,…