Rep. Stevens: ‘Money bills’ at the session’s halfway mark
This last week saw the House of Representatives considering the bills passed through policy committees prior to crossover, with a focus on “money bills.”
Op-Ed: Public safety and substance use needs a comprehensive approach
Vermont has long been a leader in treatment for addiction and substance use, particularly through its Hub and Spoke model which was launched nearly a decade ago to address the opioid epidemic.
State Treasurer: Hang up & report phone ‘spoofing’ calls
The Vermont Treasurer’s Office is aware that several Vermonters have received unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.
OPINION: Continued public investment in child care is key to small business success
In order to grow our small businesses and better support working families in Vermont, we need to keep making progress on child care.
OP-ED: Youth Lobby urges lawmakers, governor to stick with climate promises
As a part of the Vermont Youth Lobby, I was one of several Vermont youth who spoke at our Rally Day of Action at the State House on March 13, and at a press conference afterward. Below is a condensed transcript of our remarks from the press conference.
LETTER: Usurpation of parents' rights continued on March 13 at the State House
Stop for one moment and imagine a role reversal of the two groups occupying Room 11 at the Vermont State House on March 13: A trans rights group reserved Room 11 and a parent’s rights group attended to disrupt. No doubt, the parent’s group would have been immediately escorted out.
LETTER: Demonstration surpressed others’ First Amendment rights
I was tremendously disappointed when I read of the suppression of the First Amendment right of free speech in the State House recently.
LETTER: Climate initiatives are investments in Vt. farmers, future
When extreme weather wipes away farmers’ harvests, when climate change fuels extreme storms, small-scale farmers—especially small growers working in harmony with the land—face devastating losses.
DPS Commissioner: Public safety requires rebalancing priorities
Last fall, Vermonters delivered a clear message: They want meaningful change on the issues impacting their daily lives: property taxes, education, housing, and affordability. One common concern unites all these challenges: the need to ensure the safety of our communities, downtowns, neighborhoods, and personal property.
Secretary of State responds to executive order on ‘Integrity of American Elections’
On March 25, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order on “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” The order proposes significant changes to elections across the country that Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas has called “an unprecedented overreach of federal authority.” Here is the secretary of state’s statement in full regarding this executive order.
Op-Ed: ‘It’s the education fund that’s broken, not the K-12 education system’
Voter anger over property taxes has led to angst this winter in the Statehouse. A legislative leader recently urged fellow legislators and all Vermonters to discard “preconceived notions” about the issue. There seems to be a public consensus that our current education finance system is fundamentally flawed. Irretrievably broken. That something brand new is needed.
LETTER: Warren school staff urges district to keep nurses, cut elsewhere
The staff at the Warren School is extremely concerned about the proposed cuts to services and positions and the negative impact they will have on student learning and safety. In particular, reducing our nursing position from full-time to part-time coverage directly risks student health and is highly concerning to our staff and families.
COLUMN: Vermont Church at Prison leader authors memoir: ‘Don’t Burn My House Down’
Most people will never visit a prison. They never wonder what it’s like because they’ve already been told: it’s where society puts the bad folks.
OPINION: Why not show love to local energy?
I think about energy a lot. I grew up in a drafty house with cold bedrooms, whereas my best friend lived in a modern, passive solar house that was always comfortable. That contrast put the role energy consumption and efficiency play into clear focus at a young age.
COMMENTARY: Sunshine Week highlights importance of access to government records, information
As the days are getting longer and snow is melting it is fitting that this is Sunshine Week (March 16-22) – an annual celebration of government records and information as the cornerstone of government accountability and transparency.
Op-Ed: Vermonters prove they can live alongside coyotes
This week (March 17-23) is Coyote Awareness Week. Coyotes are sometimes maligned and misunderstood. Yet, many Vermonters coexist with coyotes in our rural state where many backyards are in forest habitat for coyotes and other wildlife.
LETTER: Vt. Congressional delegation gets top scores on conservation
For nearly 60 years, the League of Conservation Voters has published a National Environmental Scorecard to determine which members of Congress are working to protect our air and water, to build a clean energy future, and to ensure our democracy. Here in Vermont, we are fortunate that our Congressional delegation has once again earned top marks.
LETTER: Remember Vermont’s Medal of Honor recipients on March 25
As a veteran, when I hear the words “Medal of Honor,” I think of those military men and women who have gone far beyond their expectations of duty, many giving their lives to save their fellow comrades or shipmates.
LETTER: Writer looks to i.d. man in photo, circa 1939
A reader in North Carolina asks for help with a historic photo.
LETTER: Work continues on exploring school facility options
A rumor is circulating in our towns that the school district is creating a plan to close the Fayston and Moretown schools. As members of the board who have been involved in the Building Visioning Subcommittee, we would like to set the record straight and provide additional context.