A new state website to distribute $30 “buy local” gift cards to Vermonters as an economic recovery measure experienced difficulties Tuesday morning when more than 10,000 Vermonters tried to sign up. The pilot program, which is funded by $425,000 from the federal CARES Act, offers electronic coupons for Vermonters to redeem at local businesses. The coupons were offered on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday to residents who applied. Because of the limited funding allotted, there were … (read more)