Staff report Governor Phil Scott opened the press conference Tuesday, Sept. 8 saying: “I want to be sure everyone knows the ‘By Local Vermont’ program is now open. This means that Vermonters can now go to thinkvermont.com/local and sign up for a $30 deal for one of more than 1,300 Vermont businesses. This initiative was…

By Rep. Jim Harrison As Victor, one of my favorite brothers-in-law, would say, you need to tee-up the ball properly before attempting your drive in golf. In similar fashion, various legislative committees have been working the past two weeks to tee-up bills for action by the full House or Senate. Only a few bills saw…

The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) recently appointed EMT Christian Ventura as its new state advocacy coordinator for Vermont. The advocacy coordinator is tasked with supporting EMTs, paramedics, and other prehospital providers in the Green Mountain State through grassroots legislative efforts by communicating with senators and house representatives, supporting participation in national EMS…

By Justin Trombly/VTDigger State officials want to start a novice turkey-hunting weekend and introduce an electronic reporting system for big game, changes that could help combat a decline in the number of hunters — and in the state’s revenue from hunting licenses — and make reporting game easier during Covid-19. Hunting license sales have plummeted since the mid-1970s, when the state sold…

Report released on International Overdose Awareness Day to honor lost The Vermont Department of Health has released the state’s first Social Autopsy Report, an in-depth look at how those who died of a drug-related overdose interacted with state agencies, and where improvements in the state’s efforts can be made. The release coincides with the observance of International…

On Sept. 1, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) board of directors released its Perspectives on Police Reform (vlct.org/VLCT_Perspectives_on_Police_Reform). “We feel it’s important for municipal police departments to reflect the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said board member Elaine Haney, Select Board chair in Essex. “To that end, we are providing leadership…

Executive action advances efforts in seven key areas of law enforcement modernization, sets legislative priorities for 2021 Governor Phil Scott has signed an executive order to accelerate a series of reforms and modernizations of public safety services in Vermont, and to initiate a comprehensive, ongoing discussion with state residents—especially historically marginalized communities—about how law enforcement can best…

A lack of a coordinated statewide approach to safely reopening schools has left districts – as well as parents, school employees, and students – largely on their own, resulting in an overall grade of D+, according to the state’s largest union. The Vermont NEA represents most of the state’s teachers. The NEA does not oppose…

Over 411 people participated in Vermont Suffrage Centennial Alliance and Central Vermont Runners’ virtual Suffrage Scramble 5K during Primary Week in August. Participants, wearing sashes with the phrase Votes for Women and Votes for All, completed the 5K at a time and location of their choice during the week. The event raised $6,850 for the Rutland Branch of…

On Sept. 1, Dr. Etan Nasreddin-Longo, chair of the Racial Disparities in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice System Advisory Panel along with panel members, Executive Director of Racial Equity Xusana Davis, and Attorney General T.J. Donovan urged the Legislature to take further action to address racial disparities and systemic bias in Vermont. The coalition specifically…

Vermont utilities are warning customers of a phone scam. In a sudden surge of calls, the scammers claim to be from a Vermont utility, including Green Mountain Power (GMP), Burlington Electric Department (BED), Vermont Gas, (VGS), Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA), and Washington Electric Cooperative (WEC), and then demand immediate payment and…

158th Fighter Wing will return by summer of 2021 National Guard will deploy starting in September 2020 for up to six months to multiple locations. Airmen will deploy in small groups throughout the fall in support of U.S. Air Force Central Command (AFCENT), U.S. Air Force Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. Air Force European Command…

Nearly 200 Vermonters joined Senator Patrick Leahy and the Vermont Council on Rural Development for an online celebration of local leadership where VCRD announced the launch of the Vermont Community Leadership Network and the publication of the new Community Leadership Guide. “Strong, capable, and well-supported local leaders are a critical component of Vermont’s future success,”…

Funds to improve energy efficiency and build renewable energy systems for farmers, ag producers and small businesses The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $772,881 to Vermont, under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Funds will be used to improve energy efficiency and create renewable-energy systems in the state. “Renewable energy and…

Attorney General T.J. Donovan filed a lawsuit on Aug. 21 challenging the Trump Administration’s final rule to roll back requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that federal agencies review and assess the impact of their actions on the environment. The lawsuit, filed with a coalition of attorneys general, argues that the final rule…