Legislative Review: Town meeting takes center stage

There are a lot of important races and issues on this year’s March ballot. Be sure you’re registered to vote; learn about the budgets, candidates, and issues; and have a plan to vote.

Legislative Review: Let’s expand Vermont’s Medicaid program

The cost of health care impacts everyone these days, stressing family wallets, increasing personal debt, and driving up public and private budgets.

New law makes sheriffs accountable

A new state law ensures that Vermonters have more oversight over their county sheriffs. Act 30 mandates increased transparency and more financial accountability for the state’s 14 sheriff’s departments.

Letter to the editor: Ilsley project costs clarified

Last Wednesday, more than 250 people attended an event at the Town Hall Theater to see design ideas for a renovated and expanded Ilsley Public Library from three Vermont architecture firms. The excitement at the event was palpable as community members rev … (read more)

Legislative Review: Flood recovery help is available

This past week has been harrowing for many Vermonters, especially those living to the east of the Green Mountains.

Vt. Senate modifying Affordable Heat Act to make it a study

Faced with widespread concerns about potential costs to Vermonters, authors of the proposed Affordable Heat Act have decided to pump the brakes on the sweeping bill.

Legislative Review: Bill S.56 would bolster childcare

Last week, senators introduced bill S.56, legislation that would transform access to and affordability of childcare and early childhood education in Vermont.

Local lawmakers helm five committees

Addison County lawmakers will wield significant influence in shaping the state’s legislative agenda for the next two years, as our local delegation has snagged three committee chairmanships in the House and two in the Senate.

Sens. Hardy and Bray to return to Senate

Bray was the top vote-getter, with 11,261 tallies (14.72% of the vote), followed by Hardy, with 11,116.

Legislative Review: Don’t let misinformation sway you on reproductive health vote

One of the most important items on our ballots this year is a proposed amendment to the Vermont Constitution that would enshrine the right to personal reproductive liberty in our state’s constitution.

Community forum: New spot needed for local airport

If an expanded airport is determined to be a necessary resource for Addison County, then a new, more appropriate site should be established for the facility. 

Letter to the editor: County legislative team endorses Becca Balint

We have personal experience working with Becca in the Legislature; we have seen her listen to multiple viewpoints to understand, collaborate with others to move legislation forward, and tackle tough issues head on.

Letter to the editor: Sen. Ruth Hardy endorses Balint

As the only two women in the VT Senate raising school-aged children, Becca and I have worked together on issues that impact families like ours directly – childcare and paid family leave, equitable public schools, gun safety, affordable housing, strong soc … (read more)

Legislative Review: Much work was done in 2022 session

The 2022 Legislative Session was monumental. We passed historic legislation, including an $8.3 billion state budget, that will have a transformational impact on every sector, region, and community in Vermont.

Letter to the editor: State senator supports McGlashan

Given the turbulence of the pandemic and array of contentious issues facing local schools, it is a critical time to ensure our school boards are led by dedicated public servants committed to meeting the needs of students in all schools and communities. Am … (read more)

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