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Vermont Marijuana Legalization Stalls in the House, Fails Again

by Terri Hallenbeck on June 21, 2017 at 9:52PM

The measure, which would have legalized possession of up to an ounce of marijuana starting in July 2018, passed in the Senate on a voice vote, with only a few dissenters. The bill would also have created a commission to study taxed and regulated sale of marijuana.

Vermont Legislature Passes Budget Compromise, Avoiding Government Shutdown

by Alicia Freese on June 21, 2017 at 8:57PM

During the debate on the House floor, Ways and Means chair Janet Ancel (D-Calais) said the compromise “confirms our reputation … for fiscal responsibility … and our ability to work across party lines.” She added, “This agreement also avoids government shutdown, which is obviously a very significant accomplishment.” But the deal, which was hatched in private by legislative leaders and the Scott administration, and finalized Tuesday night, didn’t please everyone.

Walters: WDEV Radio For Sale

by John Walters on June 21, 2017 at 5:12PM

"We're hoping to find a Vermonter or some Vermonters who are interested and dedicated to local programming," he said. "We're unique and special.

Leahy, Scott Tap Prosecutor Christina Nolan for U.S. Attorney

by Mark Davis on June 21, 2017 at 2:59PM

Nolan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. She would become Vermont's 38th U.S. Attorney.

Walters: 'Backroom Deal' Settles Budget Standoff

by John Walters on June 21, 2017 at 2:39PM

session is not unlike what finally passed. Everyone had a piece of something in this compromise.

Vermont Senate Passes Marijuana Bill but Full Passage Uncertain

by Terri Hallenbeck on June 21, 2017 at 2:03PM

But as of Wednesday evening, House Republicans had not taken a vote on whether to suspend rules, despite meeting for more than an hour to discuss a separate budget compromise bill. House Minority Leader Don Turner (R-Milton) said his members needed more time to decide.

Vermont School Districts Must Save $13 Million Under Legislature’s Compromise

by Alicia Freese on June 21, 2017 at 12:02PM

Fiscal analysts are still calculating the portion of the savings for which each district will be responsible. Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Ashe (D/P-Chittenden) emphasized that the property tax rate will decrease by 2.2 cents, as it would have under the legislature’s previous version of the property tax bill.

Governor and Legislators Announce Teachers' Health Insurance Deal

by Alicia Freese on June 20, 2017 at 7:51PM

Spokespeople for Ashe and Johnson both said there is "an agreement in principle" with the governor, and Scott confirmed that to reporters at an unrelated press conference Tuesday. Details of the compromise were scant, however.

Weinberger, Scott Announce Coalition to Fight Climate Change

by Terri Hallenbeck on June 20, 2017 at 7:50PM

Gov. Phil Scott, joining Weinberger and other leaders at the press conference Tuesday, said he’s on board with the coalition. He will also convene a state climate change commission to look at economic opportunities related to carbon reduction.

Feds: Canadian Man Smuggled Guns Through Haskell Free Library

by Mark Davis on June 20, 2017 at 5:48PM

Working with two coconspirators, Vlachos allegedly bought 100 handguns from licensed dealers in Florida. The indictment alleges that his coconspirators falsely claimed on federal forms that they owned the weapons, when they actually bought them for Vlachos.

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