Statehouse Headliners: Relatively unnoticed bills pass Legislature, go to governor
Relatively unnoticed, police bias, criminal expungement, contaminant monitoring, broadband, and water cleanup bills approved by Legislature.
Rep. Bates comments on past legal issues, outstanding arrest warrant
State Rep. Chris Bates, D-Bennington, issued a statement Friday in reaction to the release of information “involving certain indiscretions in my past, dating back, in some instances, 40 years.”
Statehouse Headliners: With big money decisions pending, Legislature won’t meet until Wednesday
There’s scarcely a lawmaker in sight. A handful are here on “conference committee” duty. These committees put three senators and three representatives in the same room to resolve differences in major bills — differences around whether and/or how to spend millions, even tens of millions, of state dollars.
Statehouse Headliners: Pot tax increase discussed but no action taken, AC refrigerator coolant banned
In this Statehouse Headliners, the House passes Senate bills to monitor chemical safety, ban ‘greenhouse gas’ refrigerants and spray foam products.
House passes $15 minimum wage bill, could still fail with governor’s veto
The House on Wednesday passed a Democrat-backed bill that would raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2026, but it’s unlikely the legislation could survive a veto by the governor.
Statehouse Headliners: McKibben influence strong on 2019 Legislature
Never underestimate the influence of climate change author and activist Bill McKibben on the Vermont Legislature.
Chronicle: Bias monitoring, EV subsidies, Bill McKibben, bigger state role in home construction, inspection
In the May 15, 2019, issue of the Chronicle of the Vermont State House, new legislation would give the state of Vermont more say over local school districts, retail stores and restaurants, residential building and inspections, and carbon emissions.
House committee votes out 24-hour gun-purchase wait, veto showdown ahead
The House Judiciary Committee on Monday voted 7-4 to approve new gun legislation that includes a 24-hour wait period to purchase a handgun, among other rules.
Vermont veterans find roadblocks to getting dental care at the White River Junction VA
“I guess it’s no surprise that the department there is dysfunctional. They don’t call you back and even the service providers say that,” McColgan said.
Ben & Jerry’s advisory council to promote climate mitigation and more to farmers
The ice-cream giant and ever-political Ben & Jerry’s has developed an advisory council to help farmers mitigate global warming and adopt best-practices such as keeping cows healthy.
Future of association health plans uncertain in Vermont
Lawmakers in the Senate Finance Committee met on Wednesday to discuss how Vermont will proceed with association health plans, which are an affordable alternative to the state health insurance options offered through Vermont Health Connect.