Scott Names Former Political Rival Hallquist to Lead Broadband Expansion

By Kevin McCallum on July 12, 2021 at 4:27PM

Scott Vetoes Rental Housing Registry Bill

By Kevin McCallum on July 2, 2021 at 2:36PM

Lawmakers had said that an epidemic of substandard housing in the state has left local health officials ill-equipped to police the problem, necessitating state intervention. The bill also includes $5 million in grants to help landlords fix up blighted properties and help with downpayment assistance for some first-time homebuyers.

Vermont Senate Overrides Vetoes, Passes Housing Registry

By Kevin McCallum on June 24, 2021 at 3:35PM

Fire inspectors already have jurisdiction over fire, electrical and plumbing safety in residential properties in the state. The difficult work of investigating rental housing complaints would be better addressed by professional fire inspectors than by town health officers who have “little appetite” for inserting themselves into situations that sometimes involve “violence, squalor and filth,” as Sen. Alison Clarkson (D-Windsor) put it.

House Overrides Scott Veto of Voting Rights for Noncitizens

By Kevin McCallum on June 23, 2021 at 12:32PM

But Colston noted that the legislature has the power to pass laws that conflict with the Constitution. For instance, courts upheld voting measures passed by the legislature that gave women the right to vote, even when that right was not enshrined in the Constitution.

Scott Signs Universal Mail-In Voting Bill, Urges Legislature to Expand It

By Colin Flanders on June 7, 2021 at 5:57PM

The bill, S.15, will require town clerks to mail ballots to all active, registered voters ahead of the biannual statewide elections. Voters could then mail their ballots, deliver them to the polls or vote in person. The state used the same system for last year's record-breaking presidential election, which resulted in a 74 percent voter participation rate, six points higher than the 2016 presidential election.

Vermont Lawmaker Kelly Pajala Feels Housing Pinch First-Hand

By Anne Wallace Allen on June 5, 2021 at 3:40PM

Over Memorial Day Weekend, a neighbor who has one vacation unit in the complex asked the landlord if he’d be willing to sell the apartment that Pajala and her sons occupy, and he asked Pajala to let him in to show it. It’s assessed at around $240,000.

Businesses Skipped Over for Pandemic Relief Get Preference for New Grants

By Kevin McCallum on June 3, 2021 at 5:49PM

After 30 days, businesses that have already received assistance but are still suffering losses can apply for the additional $20 million in program funds, plus any cash left over from the first $10 million. The money was appropriated by the legislature and comes from the state’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Vermont Lawmakers Vow to Override Gov. Scott's Vetoes

By Kevin McCallum on June 2, 2021 at 5:35PM

In order to force a bill into law over Scott's objection, two-thirds of both the 150-member House and the 30-member Senate would need to vote to override the governor. In addition to the vetoed charter-change bills, Balint said she expects to also try to override the veto of S.107.

Scott Vetoes Noncitizen Voting Proposals, Signs Bupe Bill

By Colin Flanders on June 1, 2021 at 7:53PM

The task force will be required to hold an initial meeting this month and must make recommendations by the end of next year on whether the policy should be continued.  "It is important to me that we do not unravel previous progress, increase abuse of diverted drugs, or jeopardize the success of the hub and spoke system," Scott wrote.

Lawmakers Pass Historic $7.3 Billion Budget Laden With Stimulus Funds

By Kevin McCallum on May 21, 2021 at 6:34PM