By John Herrick, VTDigger.org The state’s largest electric utility joined nearly two dozen other Vermont companies to meet a high standard for social and environmental consciousness, earning it a “B Corp,” or benefit corporation, certification by an accredited nonprofit. Green […]
Tag: VTDigger.org
State News
Vt. unemployment steady at 4.4 percent
By Hilary Niles, VTDigger.org Vermont’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.4 percent in October, according to a report released Friday by the Department of Labor. The leveling follows four consecutive months of increases in the seasonally adjusted jobless rate. Nationwide, […]
State News
Shumlin orders another $17 million in budget cuts
By Hilary Niles, VTDigger.org On Wednesday, Nov. 26, state agencies were directed to find another $17 million in cuts for the current budget year. That news comes on top of $31.3 million in summer rescissions after the state’s revenue forecast […]
State News
Outside report criticizes DCF handling of child deaths
By Laura Krantz, VTDigger.org The Department for Children and Families failed to follow its own policies and moved too quickly to reunify two children with their families when it was not safe, an outside report released Friday, Nov. 21, found. […]
State News
Auditor questions state’s role in liquor sales
By Tom Brown, VTDigger.org State Auditor Doug Hoffer is questioning why the state is in the business of selling liquor, a substance that it also regulates. Hoffer’s office issued a report Monday that examines the impact of privatizing the state’s […]
State News
Health plan “Cadillac tax” expected to cost state $9 million to start
By Morgan True, VTDigger.org The Affordable Care Act’s so-called “Cadillac tax” on high-value health insurance plans will cost some Vermonters an estimated $9 million when it’s implemented in 2018, according to a draft report released Monday by the Legislative Joint […]
Opinion
State-subsidized spay-neuter program shut down
By Laura Krantz, VTDigger.org The state this year abruptly shut down a program that helps low-income Vermonters spay and neuter their pets, documents show, leaving pet owners without an affordable way to have their animals fixed and inundating local shelters […]
Opinion
Universal pre-K delayed one year
By Hilary Niles, VTDigger.org The implementation of Vermont’s universal pre-kindergarten mandate, signed into law with much fanfare in May, will be delayed for a year. State officials made the announcement Wednesday, Nov. 26, citing challenges with rule-making and school budget […]
Opinion
State won’t appeal DOC lawsuit
By Laura Krantz, VTDigger.org The state will not appeal a court decision that deemed it unconstitutional to send male, but not female, inmates out of state, state officials say. In a lower court ruling this summer, Judge Helen Toor ordered […]
Opinion
VTC layoffs announced
By Hilary Niles, VTDigger.org Eight full-time faculty at Vermont Technical College in Randolph received layoff notices Monday, Nov. 29. The action is part of a large-scale financial reorganization that could have major implications for the school’s course offerings. Additionally, senior […]